07/30/09

Never again

by giraf007xx

I expected the long wait (almost 2 hrs even though the sign said the wait would be 1 hour) and the high cost ($50 for family of 4) but after the wait & cost, I did not expect to be CRAMMED into the elevator like sardines. My 77yr old mother was with me and was being smashed. It was ridiculous. The attendant kept asking us to "take a baby step back". I finally yelled back at her that there was no more room and maybe some people needed to wait for the next elevator. I am a Chicago native and have visited the skydeck before but I will never go again. There was also no one there who could tell me how to address my concerns with the Skydeck management.

• Pros: Great views
• Cons: Customer service

12/17/08

Cool Experience

by GoldenAsh

Sears Tower is absolutely one of my favorite places in Chicago. I know it is quite a ways to the top of it, where the Skydeck is so keep your eyes close if you're afraid of heights (at least until you get off the elevator). You have to pay a minimal amount to go up there but the view is amazing!

10/13/06

Chicago's tallest building boasts the city's longest view--50 miles in any direction on a clear day.

by Contributor

The Scene
The Sears Tower stands 1,450 feet tall, 110 floors high. On a clear day, viewers can see four states. Don't get dizzy--the average sway is six inches from the center. The Guest Relations Team often goes out of its way to be helpful and informative.

The Experience
After a $4 million renovation, the Sears Tower Skydeck boasts more than a fantastic view. The elevators are equipped with televisions, and when visitors arrive at the top, a multimedia Chicago exhibit gives them more to do than just look out the windows. Murals and interactive special effects wrap around the entire floor, highlighting Chicago history, writers, artists, historic landmarks, memorable events and sports teams.

08/29/05

Great view, but...

by bluehensfan

Good view (not suprirising) but the view seemed just as good at the John Hancock tower likely due to the proximity of Lake Michigan. The problem with the Sears Tower Observatory is they try to make the whole experience Disney-esque by subjecting you to a 15-minute movie on Chicago prior to boarding the elevator. Make sure to sit up front and to the left when watching the movie because the doors open to the elevator there. Prior to going up, you get your picture taken and can get the photo (along with other souvenirs) after you return to ground level.

08/27/04

Nice View

by rovers

It has a good view but if you have to choose between the Sears tower and the Hancock Building I would take the later. Another option is to do what we did the first time we went. We did the John Hancock building during the day (beautiful views of the Lake) and the Sears tower at night for a totally different look.

• Pros: great view

02/13/04

Sears Tower and Skydeck

by carigee

I recently traveled to Chicago and HAD to visit the Sears Tower Skydeck. After all, it's the tallest building in the US. BUT, after purchasing the Chicago CityPass, I visited the John Hancock Building Observatory. The view is more spectacular than at Sears. "Big John" also has an outside terrace where you can feel the Chicago cold, as well as hear all the Chicago sounds. The best part is a 'take your own photo' set of Washing the Windows at Big John. My friends and I had a blast just acting silly. It was one of our favorite souvenirs of our Chicago trip.

When visiting definitely visit Big John!

• Pros: inexpensive, history

01/27/04

SOOOOO COOL

by cghooper84

I enjoyed going up in the SEARS TOWER. I am active duty NAVY therefore it was/is free for us. I cannot get enough of a view of it. I have been in it three times and i loved it each time. The view is magnificant and the people are great. It is worth the wait.

• Pros: VIEW, INTERACTION, HISTORY
• Cons: PRICE, LONG LINES/WAIT

08/08/02

toweriffic!

by jank

the best place to get a wonderful bird's eye view of the city-and four states on a clear day! would recommend it highly to all my out of town friends and family.

• Pros: accessable
• Cons: crowded

07/26/02

excellent

by dorlandoll

Great experience, and a must do, as it represents Chicago.

• Pros: Expense, reasonable, easy
• Cons: need good weather, no snacks, no place to rest

07/26/02

sears tower

by nitsirt

Sears tower is a lot of fun to see because of its importance as a widely known landmark, and because of the amazing views. Chicago is a truly great city and the skydeck allows you to see it all from one of the best perspectives: from above.

• Pros: whole family can enjo, see the entire city, facilities are great
• Cons: needs better parking