About Chicago
Welcome to Chicago, named the Best Big City by Condé Nast Traveler readers for an unprecedented seven consecutive years.
Marriott Marquis Chicago
2121 S Prairie Ave
Chicago, IL 60616
United States
Travel to Chicago
Chicago O’Hare International Airport
Multi-award-winning, environmentally conscious O’Hare (ORD) is one of the largest airports in the world. It lies just 16 miles from downtown Chicago and boasts four terminals — three domestic (Terminals 1, 2 and 3) and one international (Terminal 5).
ORD is located 21.4 miles from the Marriott Marquis Chicago and this can take as little as 30 minutes or as much as an hour and 15 minutes depending on traffic.
Chicago Midway International Airport
Midway (MDW) is the nation’s premier point-to-point airport, offering value-oriented leisure and business travel to over 60 destinations. It’s located only 11 miles from downtown Chicago.
MDW is 10.2 miles from the Marriott Marquis Chicago. Depending on traffic this can take as little as 20 minutes or up to an hour in traffic.
Transportation to/from O’Hare and Midway
Both O’Hare and Midway are within easy reach of downtown Chicago.
- The Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) Blue Line ‘L’ Train, which runs 24/7, connects directly to O’Hare. The CTA Orange Line ‘L’ Train connects directly to Midway. See maps and fares.
- Taxi, Lyft, and Uber pick-up points are available at both airports. Alternatively, you can e-hail and e-pay with CHICABS-approved apps ARRO and CURB. Credit cards are accepted in all taxis. For on-demand ride-sharing, download your free Lyft and/or Uber app. Simply enter your current location and destination, review fare options, and request your ride.
- GO Airport Express provides shared ride services to all downtown/suburban hotels.
- Numerous car rental companies have facilities at both O’Hare and Midway airports.
- Find limousine and chauffeur services for your stay in Chicago.
Entering the United States
Two documents are needed to enter the United States:
- A valid passport
- If your country is not part of the Visa Waiver Program (VWP), you will need to obtain a visitor visa from the U.S. Department of State. The VWP allows citizens of over 30 participating countries to travel to the United States without a visa for stays of 90 days or less. Find out if you qualify.
If your country is not part of the VWP, there are three visitor visa categories you may apply for:
- B-1: For those entering the U.S. temporarily for business
- B-2: For those visiting for pleasure
- B-1/B-2: For a combination of both
Note: Citizens of Canada and Bermuda visiting the United States for temporary travel generally do not require a nonimmigrant visa.
Check the latest requirements here.
Time zones
Chicago is on Central Standard Time (CST). That’s 6 hours behind Greenwich Mean Time (GMT), 1 hour behind New York City (EST), 1 hour ahead of Mountain Time (MST), and 2 hours ahead of Los Angeles (PST).
Sales tax
- A 10.25% sales tax is applied in the city of Chicago.
- Hotel Accommodations Tax is currently 17.4%
Smoking
Smoking as well as “vaping” or the use of e-cigarettes, vape pens, and e-hookahs is prohibited in enclosed public places, and within 15 feet of the entrance of these establishments.
Age regulations
- Legal car rental age: 21, with surcharges for those under 25
- Legal driving age: 16
- Legal drinking and gambling age: 21
- Legal age to purchase cigarettes and tobacco: 21
- A valid photo ID is required.
Climate
Spring in Chicago means flowers in bloom, warming weather, and buzzing activity in our parks and along the lake.
Temperatures in April typically range in the 50s°F (10 – 15°C), while May can reach up to around 70°F (21°C). Rainfall averages 3.5 – 3.8 inches (92 – 94mm).
Currency
The currency in Chicago is USD (United States Dollar).
Dress Code
The dress code for IPBA Chicago 2025 is business casual.
Electricity/Voltage
The U.S. uses 120 volt, 60 hertz.
Tip: buy a Type-B adapter plug NEMA 5-15 to ensure your electrical items work while you’re visiting.
Emergency services
- Police/Fire Emergency – 911
- Police/Fire/City Services Non-Emergency – 311
Tipping
- Taxi drivers, bartenders, and waiters generally receive a 20% gratuity on the pre-tax amount of your bill for standard service, though it is appropriate to leave a 25%-plus gratuity for exceptional service.
- Hotel doormen and valet parking attendants are tipped approximately $2.
- Bellhops are tipped $2 per bag.
- Hotel chambermaids are usually tipped $2 per day.
Alcohol
- The legal drinking age is 21.
- A valid photo ID is required.
- Open containers cannot be taken outside drinking-establishment premises.
- It is customary to tip bartenders; generally, $1 per drink ordered.
- Consuming alcohol while traveling in a vehicle is illegal for both drivers and passengers. It is also illegal to transport alcohol with a broken seal.