Back at it for the #himss2023 trade show. This year it’s in Chicago. I have not been to Chicago as an adult – and yeah, I’ve been an adult by age for quite a while 
I was able to get approval to stay at the Marriott Marquis Chicago for this event – the nightly room rates are well outside my self-approval budget. Even with a discounted AAA rate, the base room+tax rate for 5 nights is about $3,100 for a standard king room.
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Check in was smooth. There were 5 or 6 agents lined up checking in guests. I had already checked in online and had a room assignment, but always check in at the desk anyway to get a physical key.
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I didn’t ask for any upgrades, but was very pleasantly surprised as I was walking to, and entered my room. A light and window filled corner, King room. The room is the same size as the other “standard” rooms on this floor (by the door map), but the walls of windows and the view are fantastic!
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It’s nice that the hotel is connected by an attached pedestrian bridge to the convention center. Some days this week look like rainy and maybe even snowy weather. We’ll be able to stay inside if necessary.
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The gym is large and well equipped. The M Club looks large, but is only open for breakfast hours. There’s a bar, a restaurant (maybe more), a cafe/shop .. we’ll see what this place and the nearby area offers over the next few days.
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Overall, not a bad remote office for 5 days, while my colleague and I support our global sales team here at HIMSS
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