Located on the near South Side of Chicago, the Hyatt Regency is far from most of Chicago's attractions and is not within walking distance to any notable shopping, restaurants, or nightlife. It is, however, attached to McCormick Place, the largest convention center in North America. Guests never need to set foot outside to attend events there, as a sky bridge connects the two enormous properties. The rooms, especially those on higher floors, offer great views of the city and Lake Michigan, and the hotel is filled with amenities for business travelers. For those who don't need to be near the convention center or Soldier Field, however, the fees, captive food prices, and driving distances will add up, especially when compared with business-friendly hotels closer to the heart of Chicago's downtown. For something completely different but in the same location as the Hyatt, the historic Wheeler Mansion just down the street has higher rates but offers free parking and breakfast in an intimate yet far more grand setting.
Located on the near South Side of Chicago, the Hyatt Regency is far from most of Chicago's attractions and is not within walking distance to any notable shopping, restaurants, or nightlife. It is, however, attached to McCormick Place, the largest convention center in North America. Guests never need to set foot outside to attend events there, as a sky bridge connects the two enormous properties. The rooms, especially those on higher floors, offer great views of the city and Lake Michigan, and the hotel is filled with amenities for business travelers. For those who don't need to be near the convention center or Soldier Field, however, the fees, captive food prices, and driving distances will add up, especially when compared with business-friendly hotels closer to the heart of Chicago's downtown. For something completely different but in the same location as the Hyatt, the historic Wheeler Mansion just down the street has higher rates but offers free parking and breakfast in an intimate yet far more grand setting.
The upper-middle-range Hilton Chicago O’Hare Airport is the only hotel directly connected to its namesake airport. Located in a no-fly zone on the actual grounds of Terminal 2, the hotel’s biggest perk is the convenient indoor walkways to domestic concourses. Its massive size accommodates an indoor swimming pool, multiple dining options, and an on-site UPS store. However, the gym, breakfast, in-room Wi-Fi, and parking come with hefty fees, and its 860 rooms, while spacious and soundproofed, have generic chain decor. Those on a layover will appreciate day-use rooms. For lower rates, travelers may prefer the nearby Hilton Rosemont/Chicago O’Hare, but it isn't walkable from the airport.
The upper-middle-range Hilton Chicago O’Hare Airport is the only hotel directly connected to its namesake airport. Located in a no-fly zone on the actual grounds of Terminal 2, the hotel’s biggest perk is the convenient indoor walkways to domestic concourses. Its massive size accommodates an indoor swimming pool, multiple dining options, and an on-site UPS store. However, the gym, breakfast, in-room Wi-Fi, and parking come with hefty fees, and its 860 rooms, while spacious and soundproofed, have generic chain decor. Those on a layover will appreciate day-use rooms. For lower rates, travelers may prefer the nearby Hilton Rosemont/Chicago O’Hare, but it isn't walkable from the airport.
This 52-room boutique hotel is set in a lovely Victorian building in Lakeview, a 15-minute walk from Wrigley Field and half a block from Lake Michigan. The Majestic has few amenities (there's no on-site restaurant, gym, or business center) and it's far from most tourist sites, but for a value property it offers some nice freebies, including coffee and tea, continental breakfast, passes to a nearby local gym, and Wi-Fi. Clean, modern rooms have flat-screen TVs and affordable minibars, but bathrooms are a bit dated and some rooms are on the small side. Travelers could also consider the nearby Best Western Hawthorne Terrace, which has an on-site gym and sauna and rooms with coffeemakers and microwaves, though rates can be higher.
This 52-room boutique hotel is set in a lovely Victorian building in Lakeview, a 15-minute walk from Wrigley Field and half a block from Lake Michigan. The Majestic has few amenities (there's no on-site restaurant, gym, or business center) and it's far from most tourist sites, but for a value property it offers some nice freebies, including coffee and tea, continental breakfast, passes to a nearby local gym, and Wi-Fi. Clean, modern rooms have flat-screen TVs and affordable minibars, but bathrooms are a bit dated and some rooms are on the small side. Travelers could also consider the nearby Best Western Hawthorne Terrace, which has an on-site gym and sauna and rooms with coffeemakers and microwaves, though rates can be higher.
The 535-room Drake Hotel is a historic property on upscale Magnificent Mile and one of Chicago’s grande dames, with an impressive lobby full of chandeliers and a beautiful classic decor. Despite its historic status, modern amenities abound: There is a large, modern fitness center; wonderful dining options on-site, including the Palm Court, where a harp player entertains the guests during the afternoon tea; and even a shopping arcade with designer names like Chanel. But while the rooms are adequate and have some modern perks (like flat-screen TVs and MP3 players), the bathrooms are sub-par and could use an upgrade. The golden days of this luxurious property might be slowly fading, but it is still a great pick for its history and high-class notoriety.
The 535-room Drake Hotel is a historic property on upscale Magnificent Mile and one of Chicago’s grande dames, with an impressive lobby full of chandeliers and a beautiful classic decor. Despite its historic status, modern amenities abound: There is a large, modern fitness center; wonderful dining options on-site, including the Palm Court, where a harp player entertains the guests during the afternoon tea; and even a shopping arcade with designer names like Chanel. But while the rooms are adequate and have some modern perks (like flat-screen TVs and MP3 players), the bathrooms are sub-par and could use an upgrade. The golden days of this luxurious property might be slowly fading, but it is still a great pick for its history and high-class notoriety.
