Embassy Suites by Hilton Chicago Downtown Magnificent Mile

This 455-room, 17-story hotel buzzes with activity and attracts families and business travelers alike. The hotel features a huge atrium with rooms facing inward. The atrium has gray tile floors and a black granite “eco wall” with live plants. It would be dark were it not for the natural light from the skylights above. The long wall and other barriers separate the large atrium into smaller spaces that feel comfortable and, in some cases, even cozy. Both the free breakfast buffets and evening receptions are hosted in the atrium and with a hotel of this size, the lines can be quite long at peak times. Also, note that the crowds can create enough noise to be heard in rooms, even those on the upper floors.

The Embassy Suites is just north of the Chicago River on the city’s Gold Coast. It’s directly connected to River Center East, which features a cinema complex, a bowling alley, and restaurants. A Whole Foods supermarket is across the street, and there are several other restaurants and shops a short walk away. It’s about six minutes on foot to the Magnificent Mile along Michigan Avenue, and a couple of minutes more to the nearest train station. Many top attractions are within a 15-minute walk, including Millennium Park, Museum of Contemporary Art, Navy Pier, and Water Tower Place. Union Station is 10 minutes by car or 18 minutes by public transit, and Wrigley Field is a 16-minute drive or about half an hour via public transit. McCormick Place takes about eight minutes to reach by car. Approximate driving times to Midway International Airport and O’Hare International Airport are 30 and 35 minutes, respectively, or an hour by public transport.

Suites are sophisticated and contemporary, though drained of color. They feature shades of gray, brown, and beige to create a sleek and pleasant decor that borders on minimalist. The wood furniture is modular in style, but not cheap, often topped in black granite. Bright-white linens and curtains contrast nicely with the gray-and-brown striped carpet and light beige walls. Black-and-white photos of city skylines hang on the walls and the rooms are brightened by large windows. Separate living rooms have sleeper sofas, desks, and additional TVs, while bedrooms offer king beds or two doubles. The hallways between the living and bedrooms have wet bars with microwaves, mini-fridges, and Keurig coffeemakers. Bathrooms have standard shower/tub combos and are only average in size, but they do feature roomy black-granite vanities. Some of the rooms feature terrific views of Lake Michigan or the Chicago skyline, while others simply face neighboring buildings. Ambient noise from the atrium can be significant at busy times (such as during the peak breakfast and evening reception hours). 

This large, business-oriented hotel features all the amenities typically found in Embassy Suites properties. These include a free breakfast with made-to-order omelets and evening receptions featuring free appetizers and alcoholic beverages, but past guests have complained of long lines. The atrium also has a bar, and a full-service restaurant is attached. The heated indoor lap pool has an adjacent whirlpool, and there's a fitness center with several pieces of cardio equipment plus free weights. The hotel also offers 20,000 square feet (6,100 square meters) of meeting space and a 24/7 business center with multiple PCs. Wi-Fi is free throughout the property, though guests have to sign up for the free HHonors loyalty program to access it. Concierge services include valet dry cleaning and laundry, and while valet and self-parking are available, both options are expensive.