The Tremont Chicago Hotel at Magnificent Mile

Having undergone a multi-million dollar renovation in March 2015, the Tremont Chicago Hotel at Magnificent Mile now has the feel of an elegant boutique hotel with a European flair. The front desk may be small, but the lobby is filled with contemporary furnishings like trendy metallic-hued sofas brightened by colorful accent pillows, a large communal table, and photography from local artists hanging on the walls. Wooden floors and ceilings, warm colors like orange and brown, and stylish decorative pieces give the space a homey vibe. Round marble coffee tables are a trendy and elegant touch, as are fresh orchids that lend a dose of greenery. The lobby offers direct access to the restaurant next door, Mike Ditka’s. The hotel draws many leisure tourists and couples, many of which congregate in the lobby so as to take advantage of the free Wi-Fi. Travelers should note that many guests complain of slow elevator service.

The hotel is located right off the popular entertainment avenue of North Michigan Avenue, known as Magnificent Mile, which is a block away and is filled with shopping, museums, bars, and restaurants. Several attractions are a short walk away from here, including the John Hancock Center with its tourist attraction observation deck (two-minute walk) and Chicago’s Museum of Contemporary Art (five-minute walk). The Lakefront Trail (a trail that lines the coast of Lake Michigan) is a five-minute walk away, as is Oak Street Beach. To explore other parts of the city, travelers can hop on the closest metro (Chicago Red) which is five minutes away on foot. Chicago Midway International Airport is about a 30-minute drive from here, as is O'Hare International Airport.

Rooms at the hotel are stylish and simply furnished with cream-colored walls and crisp white beds framed by chic slate-colored tufted headboards that match the dark carpeting. Artwork from local artists adorns the mostly bare walls, which give the room a clean, minimalist feel. All rooms are outfitted with flat-screen TVs, coffee/tea makers, iHome alarm clocks with Bluetooth capability, and work desks, but in-room Wi-Fi incurs a fee. Microwaves and fridges can be added for a fee as well. Though the rooms have been recently renovated, the bathrooms appear a bit dated and have garnered complaints from guests who remark about their lack of space as well as maintenance issues. 

The majority of rooms are quite small in size, though suites offer more space and have separate living rooms furnished with couches and additional flat-screen TVs, as well as microwaves and mini-fridges. Penthouse Suites are the largest and offer dining areas and wet bars, plus some have fireplaces. Suite bathrooms are more modern than those in Standard Rooms, and include whirlpool tubs and separate showers. The hotel also offers a separate set of studios for long-term stays, Tremont Chicago Residences, which are located in the next-door building. Besides offering all of the same features as the hotel's Standard Rooms, these units also have fully-equipped kitchens and free Wi-Fi. 

The hotel offers a limited amount of amenities that include a business center with a computer and printer. Several other features are located off-site, such as a fitness center at the nearby Westin Michigan Avenue Chicago Hotel, a three-minute walk away, that guests have access to. The hotel sets up meetings and events at the next door Mike Ditka’s Restaurant, which also offers a buffet breakfast for guests (for a fee). Wi-Fi is free in the lobby, but incurs an added fee for in-room use. Valet and self-parking are available, but both options are pricey.