The Godfrey Hotel Chicago

The Godfrey Hotel, located in a super sleek 16-story high rise, has a youthful vibe that pervades the hotel through high-energy music coming from its nightclub and the marble-clad circular lobby that looks like the set of a space age movie. The furniture and decor in common areas includes glossy wood paneling, contemporary artwork, dim lighting for a sexy mood, and seating areas carved out of circles in the walls. IO Godfrey Lounge, the large rooftop lounge, is actually on the fourth floor, and offers uninterrupted views of the southern Chicago skyline, wall water elements, and video murals. The retractable roof allows guests to grab a drink at two bars, one inside surrounded by plush couches, chairs, and banquette seating, and one outside on the ultra-modern terrace set with tables, couches, cabana-style seating, and a modern fire pit that makes the space feel cozy. The lounge’s restaurant is popular during breakfast, and guests can enjoy meals until dark, after which the space becomes a happening nightclub. The ultra-hip atmosphere is more suited to young adults than to families with kids.

The Godfrey is an eight-minute walk to Michigan Avenue’s Magnificent Mile, known for its upscale shopping, famous landmarks, theaters, restaurants, bars, and more than 100 art galleries. It’s a 20-minute drive away from Wrigley Field, and a 10-minute drive from Millennium Park, which provides the backdrop for hundreds of free cultural programs including concerts, exhibitions, tours, and family activities. The hotel is also a 15-minute drive to ArchiTech Gallery, Hancock Tower, the Chicago Water Tower, and Soldier Field. Public transportation is easily accessible, with Chicago’s Red Line a five-minute walk, and the El Train a six-minute walk. O'Hare International Airport is about a 40-minute drive from the hotel.

The Godfrey’s 221 rooms exude modern luxury. Each comes standard with a 46-inch LED TV, iPod dock, free Wi-Fi, wet bars with sink, mini-fridge, and Keurig coffeemaker. The surprisingly large rooms, with separate seating areas in most, offer a blend of sleek decor and design, with modern artwork, streamlined leather benches, and Parsons-style lacquer desks with ergonomic chairs. The rooms manage to be cozy and comfortable, with inviting beds and plum plush couches and chairs that give a pop of color to the black feature walls. Roomy bathrooms have white subway tile walls that give off a clean look, shower stalls (no tubs), L’Occitane bath products, and long black sink consoles that offer ample room for toiletries. Rooms near the nightclub do pick up throbbing music. 

The crown jewel at The Godfrey Hotel Chicago is the 15,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor roofscape lounge with its two chic bars, a combination of contemporary and plush seating for drinks or meals, and a hip nightclub when night falls. Dolce Italian, near the lobby entrance, offers Italian classics during lunch and dinner in an approachable yet elegant atmosphere featuring mid-century modern Italian furniture. Breakfast isn't included in room rates. 24-hour room service is super convenient. There's 10,000 square feet of meeting and event space for business or private parties. Wi-Fi is free throughout the property. While the 24-hour gym might lack great views, the space has everything a guest needs, including treadmills, elliptical trainers, and free weights. The in-house spa offers massages, many types of facials, and in-room treatments. Parking is available as valet or self-parking, with high prices for each option.