Kinzie Hotel

This former Amalfi hotel is named after John Kinzie, one of Chicago’s early settlers. Although it has more than 200 rooms, the Kinzie retains a boutique vibe. Its small lobby is sleek yet cozy with bright, silkscreen-style art and midcentury-inspired furniture. Clean-lined gray sofas sit adjacent to the white desks that mark the reception area, which include tan-leather molded chairs where guests can perch as they check in. A large black-and-white mural of an iconic Chicago L train is mounted on one wall, and one of Chicago’s Horses of Honor public art statues is positioned on a platform above the main entrance. Black-shaded light fixtures hang in clusters. Guests, which include large numbers of business travelers and vacationing couples and families, tend to congregate at the evening receptions hosted at the Double Cross Lounge on the sixth floor, a simple wood-paneled room with tables, a bar, mounted TVs, and dozens of framed vintage Chicago postcards along a wall.

The Kinzie enjoys a superior location in central Chicago’s vibrant River North district. It’s surrounded by places to eat and drink in every direction, including the iconic Harry Caray’s Italian Steakhouse that’s right across the street. It’s a four-minute walk to the Chicago Riverwalk and a five-minute walk to the Red Line L station at East Grand Avenue. The heart of the Magnificent Mile, with its dazzling array of upscale shops, is a seven-minute walk from the hotel. Subway rides to Wrigley Field, United Center, and McCormick Place are 22, 30, and 36 minutes, respectively. It takes approximately 45 minutes to drive to O’Hare International Airport (50 by subway), and 30 minutes to drive to Midway International Airport (38 by subway).

The Kinzie's 215 rooms are decked out in various shades of gray and blue, which contrast nicely with the white bedding and furniture. Large windows and white acrylic furniture brighten the space, which could otherwise appear a bit dark, with navy-colored carpeting and pearl-gray touches. The most striking feature is the custom wallpaper depicting a street map of Chicago on accent walls. The sofas (or bench seats) match the light-gray wallpaper, and aqua-blue bed throws add a splash of color. At 324 square feet, the Deluxe King and Double Queen rooms are spacious. One-Bedroom Suites span 625 square feet and include sleeper sofas in separate living rooms. The pillow-top Serta Perfect Sleeper mattresses earn high marks for comfort from past guests. Bathrooms are also tasteful, with roomy, gray granite vanities and beige marble tile framing the shower/tub combos with dual showerheads. Standard amenities include 42-inch flat screen TVs, mini-fridges, iHome alarm clocks/docking stations, Keurig coffeemakers, robes, safes, and H2O Plus Spa toiletries. Free high-speed Wi-Fi and snack/water honor bars are also standard. Rooms are generally quiet, but some do pick up a bit of street noise. Some rooms offer pleasant street and city views, but others have little or no views (some face brick walls).

The Kinzie bills itself as a boutique hotel, and its amenities reflect that. The free continental breakfast is served at the elevator landing area of each floor to enhance guest convenience. It includes fruit, yogurt, drinks, cereal, boiled eggs, and a variety of pastries. Each evening, the hotel hosts a reception at its Double Cross Lounge on the sixth floor, where each guest receives a free drink and hot appetizers. Room service is also available for lunch and dinner from Harry Caray’s Italian Steakhouse (across the street). Iced fruit water is available in the lobby all day. Valet is the only parking option offered by the hotel, and while it’s expensive it includes unlimited in-out privileges. Self-parking options are available nearby. Concierge services include valet dry cleaning and laundry, as well as in-room massage treatments provided by a local spa. The fitness center is well-equipped with Life Fitness cardio and weight-training equipment and free weights. The business center has both Mac and PC stations, internet access, and a printer/copier. The hotel has more than 1,600 square feet of meeting space and provides free high-speed Wi-Fi. A choice of free newspapers is available, and pets are welcome with a surcharge -- the Kinzie provides bowls, treats, and toys for their four-legged guests.