Robert Odell, Jr.

Through traveling and interacting with various cultures and age groups, Robert Odell has gained invaluable life experiences.

Leaving Memphis

The sound of a great horned owl pierced the air as I rose from my slumber. It was the summer of 2023 and leaving for a 5 am flight wasn’t easy. To make it on time for our nonstop Southwest Airlines flight to Chicago from Memphis, we had to catch our “Lyft” ride at 3 am. For some reason, the boarding terminal opened up late. As a result, the flight started behind schedule. Instead of refreshments the late trip was served with a generous helping of bumpy turbulence. I really missed having those snacks.

Instead of refreshments the late trip was topped with a generous helping of bumpy turbulence.

Seat Switching

Although we had a boarding pass, our flight was “free seating.” In other words, we could sit wherever we wanted. Every seat on the plane was filled. Therefore, many passengers were kind enough to switch seats so family members, especially mothers and toddlers, could sit together.

We Had a Rough Landing

The landing at the Midway airport was extremely rough, giving several of the passengers an extreme jolt. People with flying issues had their fears solidified. Because we were off schedule, those who had connecting flights had to hustle to get to their boarding stations on time. Since the aircraft was “free seating,” passngers who did not have connecting flights were asked to stay seated until those who had to catch other planes exited.

Since the plane was free seating, those who did not have connecting flights were asked to stay seated until those who had to catch other planes exited.

I Spent Extra Time in My Seat

For the unfortunates who had to remain seated an extra 35 to 40 minutes was piled upon a flight that was already late. As I sat gazing out of my porthole, I witnessed our luggage being unloaded. I was a bit perturbed that my luggage struck the Chicago pavement before I did.

Our Route to the Baggage Terminal

When we finally existed the plane the baggage terminal was easy to find. On the way to baggage claim, I could not help but notice the artistic setting that the Midway offered. Prints from famous artists such as Vincent van Gough lined the way to the Hubbard Inn restaurant.

Share Rides Were Easy to Find

Share rides such as “Lyft” and “Uber” were easy to order. The drivers were prompt and arrived on schedule. In a big city like Chicago, now and then, a driver may get a little turned around. Because our driver got us safely to our destination, a good tip fit the bill.

Share rides were prompt and easy to find at Midway Airport in Chicago. Our driver got us safely to your destination. A good tip was highly in order.

A Forty-Minute Lyft Ride

Our destination to Sonesta ES Suites, 201 East Walton Place, Downtown, Chicago, IL, was a forty-minute “Lyft” ride from Midway Airport. The drive gave us an opportunity to learn about and soak in the big city atmosphere while rubbing shoulders with each other. I mean literally rubbing shoulders with each other. Eight people, including the driver, in a van full of luggage equals all sorts of interaction.

The Roads of Lower Chicago

On the way to our hotel, our Lyft driver took a route that led us through the roads of lower Chicago. The streets evoked the feel of Batman’s Gothom City and gave the sensation of being in a tunnel. It was an underground way that brought a different vibe to the cityscape.

Some Words About the Sonesta ES Suites

It turned out that our hotel, Sonesta ES Suites, was an extended-stay facility. The downtown establishment offered free breakfast from 6:30 am – 9:30 am. The hotel put us near some of Chicago’s finest attractions.

The Sonesta Was Near Many Attractions

The Sonesta was:

• Nowhere from Chicago’s “Magnificent Mile” commercial district
• Around the corner from 200 E, Delaware Food Market and Liquor
• 1 mile from Navy Pier
• 1.2 miles from the Chicago Riverwalk

The view of Lake Michigan from the hotel’s upper floors was a sight to behold.

Refreshing Shopping

We could walk out of the Sonesta and go to high-end stores like Louis Vuitton. Across the street from Louis Vuitton, the 900 North Michigan Shops offered a refreshing mall-like atmosphere that highlighted facilities such as:

• Bloomingdale’s
• Gucci
• Lululemon
• Kendra Scott
• Tricoci Salon & Spa

• Bonobos
• Topgolf Swing Suite
• Untuckit
• Equinox
• Montblanc
• Sur la Table
• J.Crew

Recap

In our experience with Southwest Airlines, Midway Airport, and Sonesta ES Suites:

• Our plane left the Memphis airport late.
• The plane had “free seating” (passengers could sit in any open seat).
• Passengers were kind enough to swap seats to allow mothers to sit with children.
• We encountered a lot of turbulence.
• Because of strong turbulence and a late start, no refreshments were served.

All in all, I had a true taste of the Chicago experience.

• The landing was very rough.
• We were asked to sit an extra 30-45 minutes on the plane after it landed.
• The share rides were prompt.
• The ride to our hotel was 30-45 minutes.
• Our hotel, Sonesta ES Suites, was close to many prime Chicago attractions.
• The hotel had a marvelous view of Lake Michigan.

How I Rated The Experience

On a rating scale of 1 – 10 with 1 being the lowest rating and 10 being the highest rating, I gave our experience the following:

• Southwest Airlines_5
• Midway Airport and Lyft ride_8
• Sonesta ES_10

That makes an overall rounded up rating of 8.

Summary

I didn’t like the bumpy flight landing. However, since I was on vacation and spent the time to talk to family and friends, the plane delay was tolerable.

I really appreciated the Lyft driver’s determination to help and accommodate our group. The few hiccups we had worked out nicely.

I loved the hotel. The staff was wonderful, and the view was wonderful.

All in all, I feel I had a true taste of the Chicago experience. I gained another travel treasure to love, write about, and share.

This content is accurate and true to the best of the author’s knowledge and is not meant to substitute for formal and individualized advice from a qualified professional.

© 2023 Robert Odell Jr.