I do not plan on going, however if the kids school schedule was not a factor I would spend the money instead monitoring it on a beach in Play Del Carmen. I have been to Chicago a few times. The downtown is a great place to visit. My last time was a conference at the Hilton. It was a fine hotel and great setting, especially the daily Bulls Cheerleader practice in one of the basement conference rooms. We even had a welcome from Rod Blagiovich (sp). His final line in his welcoming speech was, and this is a direct quote, "welcome to F$%&*$G CHICAGO!" For me it wouldn't be a tough choice...In January...Chicago or Playa del Carmen, hmmmmmm.....lol

I guess that puts me in the dim category.

good luck

(I) C. W.