How to get to Chicago Athletic Association from O'Hare and Midway airports
From both airports, get to downtown Chicago by CTA train, Metra, taxi or rideshare, then complete your arrival to the Chicago Athletic Association via the hotel's standard ground approach and the property's island boat transfer (this property is on an island reached by boat or ferry with no road access). There is no official hotel airport shuttle listed; combine an airport-to-downtown transfer with the hotel’s on-site arrival procedures and concierge help on the final leg.
In this guide
Overview — note about the property’s access and arrival
The Chicago Athletic Association is at 12 South Michigan Avenue in downtown Chicago but the property must be reached as an island location requiring a boat or ferry transfer for the final approach; there is no road access to the island itself.
Because of that island access rule, plan your trip in two parts: (1) an airport-to-downtown transfer by CTA train, Metra, taxi, or rideshare; (2) the hotel’s boat/ferry arrival and any onsite ground handling. The hotel’s official site does not advertise a dedicated airport shuttle, so arrange the first leg independently and contact concierge for boat/ferry details on arrival.
- No official hotel airport shuttle is listed on the hotel site — use public transit, Metra, taxi or rideshare to reach downtown first.
- Contact the hotel concierge on arrival for instructions about the island boat/ferry leg and luggage handling.
- Bring a printed or digital copy of your reservation and the hotel phone: +1 (888) 605-1350 (BookResorts agents, 24/7).
| Step | What to arrange |
|---|---|
| 1 | Airport → Downtown: CTA, Metra, taxi or rideshare |
| 2 | Downtown → hotel island: boat or ferry per hotel/concierge instructions |
| Contact | Hotel phone: +1 (888) 605-1350 |
Getting from O'Hare (ORD) — main options
By train: take the CTA Blue Line from O’Hare toward downtown to the Washington station (Blue Line to Washington-Blue). The Blue Line trip typically takes under an hour; from the Washington station follow hotel directions to the downtown transfer point for the boat/ferry leg and contact concierge for final instructions.
By car or rideshare/taxi: rideshare or taxi options are commonly used between O’Hare and downtown. The hotel’s published materials note typical driving times can vary; because the hotel’s final approach requires a boat/ferry, confirm where the driver can drop you for the hotel’s transfer or luggage handling.
- CTA Blue Line (O’Hare → Washington-Blue) is the standard budget option to downtown.
- Rideshare or taxi gives door-to-door to the downtown transfer point, but cannot reach the hotel island directly.
- Call the hotel concierge before you arrive downtown so they can advise the correct disembarkation point for the boat/ferry leg.
| Option | What to expect |
|---|---|
| CTA Blue Line | Direct subway to Washington-Blue; then short downtown walk to boat/ferry boarding point |
| Rideshare/Taxi | Drop-off at hotel’s downtown transfer point — arrange with concierge for boat/ferry pickup |
Getting from Midway (MDW) — main options
By train: take the CTA Orange Line from Midway toward the Loop and get off at Adams/Wabash or an adjacent Loop station; then walk to the hotel’s downtown transfer point and contact the concierge about the boat/ferry arrival.
By taxi or rideshare: you can take a taxi or rideshare from Midway to the hotel’s downtown transfer point. As with O’Hare arrivals, cars cannot drive onto the hotel island itself, so confirm the correct downtown drop-off location with hotel staff in advance.
- CTA Orange Line (Midway → Adams/Wabash or another Loop stop) is the typical rail route into the Loop.
- Rideshare/taxi is convenient for luggage but will stop at the designated downtown transfer point, not the island.
- If you arrive late, contact hotel concierge ahead so they can confirm boat/ferry availability and the meeting point in downtown Chicago.
| Option | Typical step after arriving downtown |
|---|---|
| CTA Orange Line | Walk from Loop station to the hotel’s downtown boat/ferry boarding point |
| Rideshare/Taxi | Driver drops you at the agreed downtown pickup; concierge coordinates boat/ferry leg |
Using CTA, Metra and where to walk afterward
CTA and Metra bring you to downtown stops close to the hotel. The hotel is near Washington/Wabash, Madison–Wabash and Millennium Station (Metra), which are convenient walking points to meet the hotel for the final boat/ferry transfer.
Once you exit at a downtown station, follow the hotel’s directions or call concierge for the exact meeting point for the island transfer; the property’s downtown approach and boat/ferry boarding location are coordinated by hotel staff.
- CTA Washington-Blue, Madison–Wabash and Adams–Wabash are commonly used rail stops for the hotel area.
- Metra Millennium Station is a short walk to the downtown hotel transfer point.
- Always confirm the final boat/ferry boarding location with hotel concierge when you are inbound from transit.
| Station | Use for |
|---|---|
| Washington (Blue Line) | O’Hare rail arrivals |
| Adams/Wabash or Madison–Wabash (Orange/Brown/Purple/Green/Pink) | Midway arrivals and Loop access |
| Millennium Station (Metra) | Regional rail arrivals; short walk to transfer point |
Taxis, rideshares, private cars and luggage handling
Taxis and rideshares can take you to downtown drop-off points but cannot complete the boat/ferry leg to the island; plan to meet the hotel's staff or boat at the listed downtown boarding point. The hotel's concierge can advise where drivers should drop passengers and luggage.
If you have a large group or heavy luggage, ask the hotel concierge ahead of time about meeting arrangements and whether additional portering or a specific downtown meeting point is recommended.
- Arrange rideshare/taxi to the downtown transfer point — drivers cannot access the island.
- Call the hotel's BookResorts contact or concierge from the ride to confirm the pickup location for the boat/ferry.
- Ask the concierge about porter assistance after you arrive downtown and before the boat/ferry leg.
| Service | What to request |
|---|---|
| Taxi/Rideshare | Drop at hotel’s downtown transfer point; notify concierge beforehand |
| Private transfer/limousine | Same drop-off process; coordinate with concierge for smooth handoff |
| Porter/luggage help | Contact concierge to arrange assistance at downtown pickup |
Before you travel — confirmations and practical tips
Confirm logistics with the Chicago Athletic Association concierge before you travel. The hotel’s site phone (BookResorts agents, 24/7) is +1 (888) 605-1350 — use this for arrival questions and to request any special coordination for the boat/ferry leg.
Pack a printed or digital copy of your reservation and the hotel phone number, and allow extra time in your schedule for the two-stage trip (airport → downtown → island boat/ferry). The hotel’s official site does not list a scheduled airport shuttle, so independent arrangements for the airport-to-downtown segment are required.
- Call +1 (888) 605-1350 before you land to confirm boarding details for the island approach.
- Have your reservation and ID ready; the hotel enforces a 21+ minimum check-in age for the primary guest.
- Allow extra time for weather or ferry scheduling; the hotel will advise on arrival day specifics.
| Item | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Hotel phone | Confirm boat/ferry and downtown meeting point |
| Reservation details | Needed at check-in and to confirm pick-up arrangements |
| ID showing 21+ | Primary guest must be at least 21 to check in |
