Convenient location a short walk to trains and Grant Park
Stylish, historic boutique hotel dating to 1896
Competitively priced for a four-pearl downtown property
Comfortable, spacious rooms with coffeemakers and flat-screen TVs
Excellent restaurant with large menu and bar
24-hour business and fitness centers
Ample meeting space for variety of groups
Free Wi-Fi throughout (premium is an additional fee)
Pets welcome (for a fee)
No mini-fridges or minibars in rooms
Expensive valet parking
Some rooms have a bland view of adjacent building’s wall
No pool or spa on-site
The 162-room, four-pearl Hotel Blake Chicago offers
sophisticated, boutique accommodations at a convenient location just one block
south of the loop and within a brief walk of train stations and Grant Park. Its
stylish rooms are comfortable and spacious, and the attached Meli Café gets
rave reviews for its extensive menu options at every meal. The Blake is competitively
priced for all it offers, and it's a solid choice for both leisure and business
travelers with 24-hour business and fitness centers. But many viable
alternatives with comparable amenities exist in downtown
Chicago, such as The Silversmith Hotel, so travelers may want to compare rates.
Disclaimer: This content was accurate at the time the hotel was reviewed. Please check our partner sites when booking to verify that details are still correct.
Scene
Quiet sophistication with a dark, stylish decor
A plaque outside the circa 1896 Morton and Duplicator
Building explains that this site is listed on the National Register of
Historic Places, and it suggests guests are in for a memorable stay. The lobby exudes
quiet sophistication. It’s dominated by rich, dark wood paneling and columns plus upscale furniture like butterscotch leather couches and red upholstered chairs
in various seating arrangements. Beige and brown marble tile floors, large red
planters, and star-shaped chandeliers add character and class. A short hallway
leads to the open and airy Meli Café that’s decorated in lighter wood tables
and floors, and tan leather couches and seats. A stone wall with a small opening
allows diners a peek into the open kitchen. The same natural stone frames the rectangular
bar adjacent to the dining area. The entire area is warmly lit by large, modern
chandeliers and numerous windows with street views. A cluster of chairs and
tables outside offers alfresco dining.
Location
Downtown loop within a brief walk of attractions and train stops
The Blake is located in Printer’s Row, one of Chicago’s
oldest districts just one block south of the loop. Today it’s mostly a quaint
and quiet residential neighborhood with lots of character. It’s well located
near the city’s business district and a 10-minute walk from Grant Park. The Art Institute of Chicago is a 12-minute walk away. With Columbia College only a
six-minute walk from the hotel, the neighborhood sees many students. The hotel
is surrounded by several CTA stations that are a two-three-minute walk away.
Once there, connections to Millennium Park and McCormick Place take about 20
minutes, with Midway Airport 30 minutes away and O’Hare International about 50
minutes. The Amtrak Station is a 15-minute walk or 13 minutes on the CTA.
Rooms
Spacious, comfortable, and tastefully decorated
Rooms are spacious and comfortable with contemporary decor befitting an upscale boutique hotel. The color scheme is predominantly dark
brown and beige with red accents on the white bedding. Espresso-colored wood
nightstands, dressers, headboards, and work desks, paired with black leather office
chairs, add sophistication. Rooms are offered in several options, and some slight
variations in configurations exist. Some bathrooms have dark granite vanities,
while others are lighter. All of them have double sinks, magnifying mirrors, and premium Bath & Body Works toiletries. They also have tan tile
on the floors and walk-in showers with glass doors and rainfall showerheads. Corner King Rooms have shower/tub combos with shower curtains and bathroom windows. The One-Bedroom Parlor Suite has a smaller bedroom but separate living room with a couch, chairs, and a glass table with six chairs. All rooms have single-cup coffeemakers,
speakerphones with voice mail, flat-screen TVs, and electronic safes. Robes are provided upon request. Free Wi-Fi is provided, and premium Wi-Fi is available for a fee.
Features
Restaurant and bar, valet parking, meeting space, and 24-hour business and fitness centers
The adjoining Meli Café receives rave reviews from guests
for its large menu that includes vegan and gluten-free options. It’s open
for breakfast through the evening, and provides room service. Free coffee and
water are provided in the lobby where there is a 24-hour business center with
two computer stations, a printer, and a table with four chairs for impromptu
meetings. The 24-hour fitness center is spacious and well equipped with cardio and
weight machines. Its windows provide a nice street view while working out. Drivers
have valet and assisted self-parking options, although valet is quite expensive,
and bellmen are waiting to help with luggage. Free Wi-Fi is provided throughout
the property, and 4,000 square feet of meeting space is offered in four rooms.
Valet dry-cleaning services are offered; in-room spa treatments are available; and pets are welcome for a fee.
