Hi all,
I know this might be a bit premature seeing as my son has only been in boot camp for 5 days, but I'm just trying to learn the best possible options & trying to be a little proactive.
Come time when it is my sons PIR (which I think should be in June or July), my wife & I will be flying to O'Hare. We do not want to mess with renting a car and are more interested in knowing if there is a shuttle, train etc.. From the airport to Great Lakes hotel and if anybody has had that experience, is it cost effective versus a rental car?
After reading the PIR section on hotels, we are looking for a hotel that offers shuttle service to The base as unwell.
I have read some good comments for the courtyard Marriott and I believe I read they have a shuttle to the base, but no shuttle to or from the airport.
If somebody has a rundown on what you did and can give me a little insight, it would be greatly appreciated. Wouldn't miss this for the world and want my ducks in a row early if possible.
Thanks all,
J. Moan
CruiserMB
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I rented a car, and it was very inexpensive through the MWR brochure and website. The first mailing you will get from your sailor will include that brochure, and it has tons of bargain priced hotel and transportation options.
My daughters PIR was a little over two years ago. We flew into Ohare and rented a van, since there were five of us and we also were going to have my daughter. From Ohare to the Great lakes area isn't actually too bad a drive, since it's freeway the whole way and you don't actually go into Chicago.
My son will be graduating sometime late in the summer (hasn't gone to Boot Camp yet) and I'm thinking of flying into Milwaukee, since from here in Boise right now it's over $100 a ticket cheaper, and about the same driving distance. I've heard that the train is actuall more convenient from the North, but haven't tried it myself.
My first trip to GL I took a tarin to Chicago then the train to GL. My second trip I flew and rented a car. The second was less expensive and a whole lot more convenient, the only exception being if you plan to visit downtown Chicago, parking fees are crazy.
J. I'll add my own experience...we were there 4/29...we flew into Ohare and rented a car...very easy...cost at enterprise was 39 a day for a midsize suv. we parked in the parking garage at PIR...drove right in..no line...we only had 8 divs graduating though...with the normal 11 or 12 it might be trickier...We rode the train into chicago...I think you would have to ride train from ohare into chicago...then out to Great Lakes...not sure about that... www.metrarail.com for train schedules...we stayed at Ramada waukeegan...2 miles from base...nice reception Friday night for parents and loved ones...rooms good and clean...shuttle to base...
I like my independance so renting car was trhe only way to go...Hope this helps
Jim,
Thank you for the info. You gave me a good idea when you said fly into Milwaukee instead of Chicago, I just didn't want to have the driving hassle getting out of Chicago but if Milwaukee is about the same 30-40 miles I wouldn't mind renting a car. Thanks a lot, gonna check that out.
Replies
My daughters PIR was a little over two years ago. We flew into Ohare and rented a van, since there were five of us and we also were going to have my daughter. From Ohare to the Great lakes area isn't actually too bad a drive, since it's freeway the whole way and you don't actually go into Chicago.
My son will be graduating sometime late in the summer (hasn't gone to Boot Camp yet) and I'm thinking of flying into Milwaukee, since from here in Boise right now it's over $100 a ticket cheaper, and about the same driving distance. I've heard that the train is actuall more convenient from the North, but haven't tried it myself.
J. I'll add my own experience...we were there 4/29...we flew into Ohare and rented a car...very easy...cost at enterprise was 39 a day for a midsize suv. we parked in the parking garage at PIR...drove right in..no line...we only had 8 divs graduating though...with the normal 11 or 12 it might be trickier...We rode the train into chicago...I think you would have to ride train from ohare into chicago...then out to Great Lakes...not sure about that... www.metrarail.com for train schedules...we stayed at Ramada waukeegan...2 miles from base...nice reception Friday night for parents and loved ones...rooms good and clean...shuttle to base...
I like my independance so renting car was trhe only way to go...Hope this helps
Thank you for the info. You gave me a good idea when you said fly into Milwaukee instead of Chicago, I just didn't want to have the driving hassle getting out of Chicago but if Milwaukee is about the same 30-40 miles I wouldn't mind renting a car. Thanks a lot, gonna check that out.