Holiday Inn Chicago Downtown

Within a short walk of the Greyhound bus station, Union Station/Amtrak, and the Clinton Blue Line Station, this Holiday Inn draws tourists -- including families, couples, and those traveling solo -- and business travelers. The small, modest lobby has soft-gold tile floors and a large, gold circular ceiling light. Colorful photographs of Chicago and modern, bright-yellow furniture add energy, as do a bank of TVs above the granite-topped front desk. Long, narrow halls with floor-to-ceiling windows provide bench seating. The hotel’s casual sports bar, which has a pool table and is chock full of TVs and Chicago sports memorabilia, is often a hub of activity. Another gathering point is the hotel's rooftop pool with excellent views (though this was closed during our visit).

Located in Chicago’s West Loop, the Holiday Inn Chicago Downtown is near the intersection of interstates 90 and 290. It’s a bit isolated from most of the attractions that make the Windy City world famous, but its proximity to several transportation hubs -- the Clinton Blue Line Station (a two-minute walk), the Greyhound station (a three-minute walk), and Union/Amtrak Station (a six-minute walk) -- make it easy to get around. A convenience store, coffee shop, and restaurant are all about a minute's walk from the hotel, and other restaurants are within a five- to 10-minute walk. Grant Park, Magnificent Mile, McCormick Place, and Navy Pier are about a 10- to 15-minute drive from the hotel, or a 20- to 30-minute trip on public transportation. The United Center is 20 minutes by train, and Wrigley Field is 35 minutes away. Midway International Airport is a 25-minute drive, or about a 35-minute trip on public transportation. O’Hare International Airport is about 50 minutes by train or 30 minutes driving. 

The Holiday Inn Chicago Downtown's 173 rooms are decorated in a tasteful combination of gold, gray-blue, and light-brown shades, but they've begun to show signs of wear. We noticed nicks on the furniture when we visited, and the striped drapes, carpeting, and bed skirts clash and look dated, as do the gold-painted walls in an eggshell finish. Large pieces of floral-theme art over the beds add a welcome splash of graphic design. While rooms are generally well-maintained, the bathrooms, especially around the tiles, could use a bit more scrubbing. Bathrooms are average size and drab, with acrylic vanities and shower/tub combos. Standard King and Double-Double rooms come with Keurig coffeemakers, 32-inch flat-screen TVs, free bottled water, and free Wi-Fi. Suites and Executive Rooms add mini-fridges, microwaves, robes, and slippers. Suites also have kitchenettes with sinks and sleeper sofas. Upper floors are more insulated from the ambient traffic noise generated from the nearby highways. 

This Holiday Inn has a few extra property features that make it more enticing compared to the average three-pearl hotel. While many urban chains offer just breakfast service, this property has a full-service restaurant, which does serve a breakfast buffet in addition to other meals throughout the day. Between meals, the convenience store also sells grab-and-go items. The Station sports bar offers a cozy, low-key spot to play billiards or darts, get a drink, and watch lots of TVs tuned to various games. But perhaps the most surprising feature is the hotel's outdoor rooftop pool, which offers good views of the city skyline (although this feature was closed during our visit). The fitness center is in a rather drab space, but it includes a solid selection of weight-training and cardio machines plus free weights. Business travelers are catered to with 2,000 square feet of meeting space, and a dedicated business center with multiple PCs and printers, plus Wi-Fi is free throughout the property. Concierge services include valet dry cleaning and laundry, and there’s a guest laundry room on site. Valet is the only parking option, and it's expensive but includes in-out privileges.