Aloft Chicago Downtown River North

Opened in 2013, this Aloft outpost is designed to be decidedly unconventional and energetic, with vibrant colors, ultra-modern furniture, and a fun and funky atmosphere. The lobby has an industrial feel, with large concrete pillars, exposed ductwork, and polished concrete floors. An explosion of color and hip furniture invigorate the space, including '60s-style ball chairs, slat-wood benches, and leather armchairs with just the right amount of distress. Even the oval front desk is illuminated in a rainbow of colors. The spacious open lobby features a popular restaurant and a bar that sometimes hosts live music, so it can get busy and loud at times. This hotel hosts everyone from conference delegates to leisure travelers exploring the Windy City. 

The Aloft Chicago City Center is located in River North, a safe, vibrant, and central area of Chicago that’s packed with shopping and dining choices. It's within walking distance of the Magnificent Mile, home to the iconic Water Tower, the John Hancock Observatory, the Loop, and the Theatre District. The Red subway line is a brief walk from the hotel and provides quick and easy connections to the airports and other points of interest. 

• 10-minute walk to the Theatre District
• 11-minute walk to the Loop
• 12-minute walk to shops on Michigan Avenue’s Magnificent Mile
• 15-minute walk to the Millennium Park
• 15-minute walk to the John Hancock Observatory
• 20-minute walk to the Art Institute of Chicago
• 13-minute drive to the Museum of Science and Industry (40-minute subway ride)
• 14-minute drive to United Center (35-minute subway ride)
• 15-minute drive to Wrigley Field (20-minute subway ride)
• 25-minute drive to Midway International Airport (40-minute subway ride)
• 25-minute drive to O’Hare International Airport (50-minute subway ride)

Like the hotel itself, rooms are a bit unconventional for a chain hotel, with a sleek design that’s stylish but sparse. Various shades of gray dominate, which makes rooms feel dark despite large windows and bright-white bedding. Modular-style laminate wood with a light finish is used for the desks, dressers, and paneling for some walls, and splashes of light blue on the gray carpet and bench-style seats liven up the look. The rooms are clean and offer enough space for comfort, with King (271 to 301 square feet) and Double Queen (318 to 451 square feet) options. All come equipped with 42-inch flat-screen TVs.

Long, narrow, stylish bathrooms continue the rooms' distinctive look and feature dark-gray tile floors and white ceramic vanities with raised vessel sinks. The laminate wood back walls have closet space with clothes hangers, and there are no doors between the bathroom and bedroom areas. Sliding doors separate the toilets and clear-glass shower stalls from the vanity areas to offer some privacy. Bathrooms also contain mini-fridges, coffeemakers, and safes that come standard. 

Views from the higher floors are impressive, but some rooms face buildings where guests can see (and be seen by) office workers during the day. Rooms are relatively quiet, but the hotel is located on a busy street that generates ambient traffic noise that's audible from lower-floor rooms.

This ultra-modern hotel is geared toward younger travelers, but its amenities hold broad appeal. The lobby includes the Beatrix restaurant, which serves all three meals. An adjacent bakery offers a variety of coffee drinks and delicious pastries. The WXYZ Bar also is in lobby and features live music and a billiards table guests can use free of charge. Outdoor tables and service are provided as well. The lobby also has a 24-hour mini-mart selling snacks, sandwiches, salads, and beverages including beer.

The 24-hour fitness center is spacious and well equipped, with yoga mats, free weights, and Life Fitness cardio and weight-training equipment. The only on-site parking option is valet, and it’s expensive. However, there are public garages with slightly lower rates within a couple of blocks of the hotel. The 24/7 business center in the lobby has three computer stations with internet access and a printer. Free Wi-Fi is accessible throughout the hotel, and there are six meeting rooms that collectively offer over 1,800 square feet of space. Concierge services include valet dry cleaning and laundry. Pets are welcome free of charge, and the hotel provides their four-legged guests with water bowls, treats, and toys.