John Hancock view: observation deck or Signature Lounge?

Hi! My family recently decided to enjoy the view from the John Hancock center over the Sears Tower...but now we have a new dilemma: Which view do you enjoy more? The view from the observation deck on the 94th? Or the view from the Signature Lounge on the 96th? Also, is there a place to walk around and enjoy the view if we choose the Signature Lounge? Or can you only walk around on the observation deck?

Thanks!

John Hancock view: observation deck or Signature Lounge?

The observation deck was recently remodeled. I would take it over the lounge. Less obstructions. Two floor isn%26#39;t going to make a difference in terms of views.

John Hancock view: observation deck or Signature Lounge?

The observation deck has an entrance fee to get in whereas the lounge does not. So, what many people choose to do is head up to the lounge and get a drink instead of paying admission into the observation deck. The lounge is great--has floor to ceiling windows and you can sit and have your drinks and enjoy the view. You can get up and walk a bit, in fact, the view from the ladies restroom is amazing. However, the observation deck will point out markers, if you have children they can run around a bit. In the end, the costs will probably be the same...drink prices vs. observation deck admission prices.

I love the lounge and the ladies room, but it is hard to get a good view east since the dining room is two stories so that%26#39;s the only place with east facing windows. The lounge is on the floor above and faces the other three directions; you can see through the dining room windows but from a distance. So if you want unrestricted views in every direction go to the observation deck.

Thanks for your advice everyone! I think we%26#39;ll definitely hit up the observation deck, especially since it%26#39;s remodeled!

Also, when you get here, take a look at some of the guest magazines like WHERE or GUEST BOOK (that are in your hotel), I often see coupons for $ off the Hancock observation deck admission. With the $ you save, stop at the Lounge on your way out and have a drink.

Last Saturday I took my kids to the Hancock and had lunch reservations at the Signature Room. The prices were not outrageous - especially when you consider what the observation deck alone costs. Kids meals were $11 - generous portions, and my burger (which was very good) was $13. We got a window table looking south - so we had city views and the lake. It was far more relaxing and enjoyable than fighting the crowds in the observatory. I would definitely do this again, but reservations are a must.

As another poster said, if you have kids, they can run around a bit at the observation deck.

I don%26#39;t much care for kids running around. It is especially annoying if you happen to hit a school field trip. It%26#39;s even worse, if the kids are not very well supervised or well behaved.

I much prefer the Signature Lounge for this reason alone.

Is it a good idea to make a reservation for the Signature Lounge if we want to have an apero there ?

There is a Signature Restaurant on floor 95 that you should have a reservation. Then, there is the Lounge on floor 96 that don%26#39;t take reservations--it%26#39;s just a bar.