Chicago is being attacked by yet another superhero action film crew. This time, it is for the shooting of the new Superman movie “Man of Steel” starring Henry Cavill.

Comicbook superhero fans seeking a glimpse of the shooting or the stars will find them in Downtown Chicago until Sept 17. Parking on South Wells Street is on hold until Sunday because of the filming, and the film crew’s trailers are in the 311 South Wacker building parking lot nearby.

Hotel 71, Chicago

Among downtown Chicago hotels in the Loop, the usual suspects that cater to these film crews include Hotel 71 on East Wacker Drive and the Trump Tower across the river.

When “The Dark Knight” was being filmed, Hotel 71 was one of the stars in the hit Batman movie when the ballroom on the hotel’s 39th floor was used as Bruce Wayne’s penthouse.

The hotel started offering a Bruce Wayne package with a stay in a penthouse similar to the one shown in the movie.

Man of Steel star Henry Cavill was in the hotel earlier this year in July, and did a photo shoot on the same 39th floor.

Hotel 71 also offered a ‘Transformers’ package when some scenes from the third installment of the Transformers series were shot outside the hotel on Wacker Drive last year.

Hotel 71, located perfectly for leisure on the Magnificent Mile, has just completed a $15 million renovation, and offers nightly rates from $159. They have guest rooms and suites with views of Downtown or the Chicago River.

Trump Tower has benefited just as much from its role in both movies. In fact, the Transformers stars actually were staying in the hotel too, so it’s a good choice for getting up close to the Man of Steel shooting and the stars.

Just remember the not-so-secret codeword “Autumn Frost” under which the movie is being filmed.

Photo – Hotel 71

More info: 71 East Wacker Drive Chicago, IL 60601; (312) 346-7100

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Almost from the moment it opened its doors in 1920, the Drake Hotel won most favored status with Royalty. Future British Prime Minister Winston Churchill was a guest during the 1920s, as was exiled Grand Duke Alexander of Russia and Queen Marie of Romania. During the 1960s, by now an established Chicago icon, the Drake hosted Emperor Hirohito of Japan, Prince Charles, and Pope John Paul II. Even Princess Diana stayed at the Drake Hotel during her only visit to Chicago in 1996.

The Drake Hotel is a commanding presence along Chicago's Magnificent Mile

The preponderance of visiting kings, queens, diplomats, and entertainers molded the character of the Drake, which quickly became known for its commitment to the highest levels of guest service. However, this same reputation was the source of some interesting anachronisms. Although the Drake was the first hotel in Chicago to air condition and include color televisions in all guest rooms, it stubbornly refused to install ice machines until 1967, when the quality of machine ice was finally deemed comparable to “hand make cubes,” and human elevator operators were retained well into the 1970′s.

Main lobby

After Hilton International was brought in to manage the Drake in 1981, $40 million was allocated to return the hotel to its original splendor. Rooms were equipped with high-speed Internet, dual line speaker phones with caller ID, in-room safes, luxurious bathrobes, remote control TVs, iron and ironing boards, and alarm clock radios. A 3000 sq. ft. fitness facility was added and made available to all guests on a complimentary basis.

Drake king room

View to Lake Michigan from a Drake hotel room

High Tea in the Palm Court

Though British royalty may not visit with the regularity of bygone eras, America’s royalty – Hollywood – has discovered the Drake in recent years. Scenes from the movies Mission: Impossible, Risky Business, My Best Friend’s Wedding, Hero, What Women Want, and Wicker Park, among others, were filmed at the hotel. Even so, the Drake still maintains one majestic tradition. Every afternoon, in-the-know tourists and Chicago elite gather at the hotel’s Palm Court for live harp music and High Tea, a tradition at the Drake for more than 25 years.

Despite numerous new luxury hotels springing up along North Michigan Avenue’s Magnificent Mile, the Drake, with 535 guest rooms on ten floors, five restaurants/lounges, and four major public banquet and meeting areas, is stiill considered to be one of Chicago’s most distinguished hotel premier luxury hotels.

Photo credits: The Drake Hotel

Article by barbara Weibel at Hole In The Donut Travels