Homewood Suites by Hilton Chicago-Downtown

After a 2016 renovation, this hotel's lobby has been transformed into a gleaming, stylish and functional space. It does triple duty as a breakfast room, a place to work, and a gathering spot for weekday evening receptions. The property is steadily booked year-round given its location, with business travelers here for extended stays; summer is an especially busy time when families with kids in tow come for vacation. Ample natural light pours in thanks to floor to ceiling windows, which afford excellent views of skyscrapers surrounding the hotel. Cushiony chairs covered in burnt orange or lapis velvet are pulled up to long tables that act as desks, with outlets below for plugging in laptops and devises. They're interspersed with two-tops more suitable for sitting down to a meal from the adjoining pantry, which looks like a large and bright country kitchen.

The hotel is located in River North, the city's arts district known for its buzzy restaurants and bars, trendy boutiques, and extensive art galleries filling lofts of converted warehouses. The neighborhood has a cavernous feel, in the shadow of landmarks like the Tribune Tower and the Wrigley Building. The famed Magnificent Mile is less than two blocks away. For sights farther out, the Grand Metro Station (Red Line) is a short walk from the hotel and connects directly to iconic spots like Wrigley Field.  

• Two-minute walk to the Grand Metro Station (Red Line)
• Five-minute walk to the Magnificent Mile
• 10-minute walk to Chicago Water Tower
• 12-minute walk to Water Tower place 
• 15-minute walk to Millennium Park
• 11 minutes to Art Institute of Chicago via public transportation 
• 12 minutes to Navy Pier via public transportation  
• 20 minutes to Wrigley Field via public transportation 
• 26 minutes to McCormick Place via public transportation 
• 15-minute drive to The Field Museum of Natural History
• 35-minute drive to Midway International Airport 
• 55-minute drive to O'Hare International Airport 

Guest rooms are streamline, modern spaces -- although some may find the decor a tad off-putting, with mismatched patterns and colors that aren't complimentary. The abstract design of the grayish-blue carpeting doesn't mesh with chairs upholstered in muted green mid-century modern fabric. Couch cushions have bright yellow piping, but side tables in the same hue look out of place. Still, the apartment-style units are spacious and comfortable, and all feature separate living rooms with flat-screen TVs and sleeper sofas. The adjoining full kitchens have refrigerators, microwaves, coffeemakers, cooktops, dishwashers, and they're stocked with cookware and utensils. Small dining tables double as desks. There are no safes, but irons and ironing boards and free Wi-Fi come standard. 

Most rooms are Kings, but roomier Double Queen units are available. Bathrooms are generously sized as well, and have sand-colored subway tiling around shower/tub combos and wide, granite-topped vanities with Neutrogena products. For outstanding views of the city skyline, book one of the top-floor rooms.

Several amenities at this hotel enhance its value and appeal to families and business travelers alike. Freebies include a hot breakfast buffet, a weekday reception -- with hors d'oeuvres, wine, and beer -- and coffee and tea throughout the day. Another notable perk: The hotel offers a free grocery shopping service for guests looking to save money by eating in. 

The bright fitness center on the top floor has city views and offers up-to-date equipment. The adjacent heated indoor pool is lap-style, but big enough for a good swim. 

A 24-hour business center has two computer stations and printers, and guests can print remotely from rooms at no charge. The hotel has four meeting rooms that can host up to 100 people each, and Wi-Fi is free throughout. The 24-hour minimart that sells sundries, non-alcoholic drinks, and frozen entrees is another convenience. There's also concierge services with valet dry cleaning, a laundry room, and safe deposit boxes at the front desk. 

Valet parking is the only option offered by the hotel and it’s rather expensive but typical of central Chicago. Several guests have commented that waits for the elevators can be long at peak times. Pets are welcome in select rooms, but the fee is hefty.