The four-pearl Radisson Blu Aqua opened in late 2011 as the brand’s first U.S. property, situated inside downtown Chicago's bustling loop. The stylish hotel has 334 streamline rooms, with Nespresso coffeemakers, flat-screen TVs, minibars, and spacious desks. Bathrooms have roomy walk-in showers and attractive vanities. The hotel has a solid lineup of features, including a chic on-site Italian restaurant, a huge fitness center, a seasonal rooftop pool and bar, and a game room, but breakfast isn't included in room rates. It's worth comparison shopping, as prices are competitive and not inexpensive considering the location. The four-pearl Fairmont Chicago, Millennium Park across the street has similar rates and amenities, plus a spa.
The four-pearl Radisson Blu Aqua opened in late 2011 as the brand’s first U.S. property, situated inside downtown Chicago's bustling loop. The stylish hotel has 334 streamline rooms, with Nespresso coffeemakers, flat-screen TVs, minibars, and spacious desks. Bathrooms have roomy walk-in showers and attractive vanities. The hotel has a solid lineup of features, including a chic on-site Italian restaurant, a huge fitness center, a seasonal rooftop pool and bar, and a game room, but breakfast isn't included in room rates. It's worth comparison shopping, as prices are competitive and not inexpensive considering the location. The four-pearl Fairmont Chicago, Millennium Park across the street has similar rates and amenities, plus a spa.
This 1,639-room historic hotel in the Loop has a storied past, and a breathtaking lobby with a painted ceiling and glittering chandeliers. But room quality is uneven -- some rooms still have dated decor and tube TVs -- and all the extra fees can add up. If you don't mind sacrificing the history, it's worth considering the similarly priced Hotel Monaco or Fairmont.
This 1,639-room historic hotel in the Loop has a storied past, and a breathtaking lobby with a painted ceiling and glittering chandeliers. But room quality is uneven -- some rooms still have dated decor and tube TVs -- and all the extra fees can add up. If you don't mind sacrificing the history, it's worth considering the similarly priced Hotel Monaco or Fairmont.
The midrange, 243-room River Hotel shares a building (and small, stately lobby) with the members-only Club Quarters hotel. Rooms are on the small side, but they're clean and modern, and some come with kitchenettes. The hotel is, as you might have guessed, right on the Chicago River on the northern edge of the Loop; rates are among the most affordable you'll find in this tourist-centric location.
The midrange, 243-room River Hotel shares a building (and small, stately lobby) with the members-only Club Quarters hotel. Rooms are on the small side, but they're clean and modern, and some come with kitchenettes. The hotel is, as you might have guessed, right on the Chicago River on the northern edge of the Loop; rates are among the most affordable you'll find in this tourist-centric location.
Like other hotel's in Starwood's boutique-inspired luxury brand, commons spaces in W Chicago - City Center impress with a whimsical blend of Beaux-Arts architecture and trendy, modern details. The hotel has an on-site restaurant, a lively bar and lounge, a host of meeting and event rooms, a business center, and a modern gym. Its 369 guest rooms and suites can feel comparatively small and bland, especially the entry-level option, though they have nice amenities like 42-inch flat-screen TVs and minibars (but no coffeemakers), not to mention the W brand's signature comfy beds. Expect some hefty extra fees for things like parking, pet stays, breakfast, and even in-room Wi-Fi. The location in The Loop is exceptional. The JW Marriott Chicago is a nearby alternative, featuring more straightforward decor but larger rooms and an on-site pool and spa.
Like other hotel's in Starwood's boutique-inspired luxury brand, commons spaces in W Chicago - City Center impress with a whimsical blend of Beaux-Arts architecture and trendy, modern details. The hotel has an on-site restaurant, a lively bar and lounge, a host of meeting and event rooms, a business center, and a modern gym. Its 369 guest rooms and suites can feel comparatively small and bland, especially the entry-level option, though they have nice amenities like 42-inch flat-screen TVs and minibars (but no coffeemakers), not to mention the W brand's signature comfy beds. Expect some hefty extra fees for things like parking, pet stays, breakfast, and even in-room Wi-Fi. The location in The Loop is exceptional. The JW Marriott Chicago is a nearby alternative, featuring more straightforward decor but larger rooms and an on-site pool and spa.
This midrange hotel, which shares a building with the members-only Club Quarters Central Loop Hotel, is a solid value in the center of The Loop, within walking distance of many tourist attractions. Rooms are small and a little generic, but modern, with flat-screen TVs and comfy beds (some come with kitchenettes). Nice freebies (coffee, newspapers, Wi-Fi) and the lively on-site gastropub are highlights, but don't expect too much in the way of service; with an electronic check-in and concierge services shared by both hotels, the hotel can give off a "do-it-yourself" attitude.
This midrange hotel, which shares a building with the members-only Club Quarters Central Loop Hotel, is a solid value in the center of The Loop, within walking distance of many tourist attractions. Rooms are small and a little generic, but modern, with flat-screen TVs and comfy beds (some come with kitchenettes). Nice freebies (coffee, newspapers, Wi-Fi) and the lively on-site gastropub are highlights, but don't expect too much in the way of service; with an electronic check-in and concierge services shared by both hotels, the hotel can give off a "do-it-yourself" attitude.
This 687-room luxury hotel — renovated in 2010 — is in the Loop neighborhood, near Millennium Park and Lake Michigan. Big rooms have separate soaking tubs and showers (which even pricier hotels like the Ritz-Carlton lack), iPod docks and 42-inch flat-screen TVs. Add a bar, a spa, and stunning design by David Rockwell, and you've got one of Chicago's most luxurious hotels in this price range. But you'll have to pay extra for just about everything, including parking, the fitness center, and Wi-Fi.
This 687-room luxury hotel — renovated in 2010 — is in the Loop neighborhood, near Millennium Park and Lake Michigan. Big rooms have separate soaking tubs and showers (which even pricier hotels like the Ritz-Carlton lack), iPod docks and 42-inch flat-screen TVs. Add a bar, a spa, and stunning design by David Rockwell, and you've got one of Chicago's most luxurious hotels in this price range. But you'll have to pay extra for just about everything, including parking, the fitness center, and Wi-Fi.
The 192-room Kimpton is located inside a former hat factory in the Loop, and its stylish decor is a mix of Art Deco elegance and quirky boutique flair. Solid freebies, including evening wine and beer hour with entertainment plus morning coffee and tea, help to create an intimate experience. All in all, it's one of the city's best boutiques, even with expensive valet parking and unexceptional bathrooms.
The 192-room Kimpton is located inside a former hat factory in the Loop, and its stylish decor is a mix of Art Deco elegance and quirky boutique flair. Solid freebies, including evening wine and beer hour with entertainment plus morning coffee and tea, help to create an intimate experience. All in all, it's one of the city's best boutiques, even with expensive valet parking and unexceptional bathrooms.
Opened in late 2010, this upscale hotel is housed in a historic neoclassical-style building with crystal chandeliers and a grand staircase in the lobby. But sophisticated rooms are thoroughly modern, and big, elegant bathrooms have separate showers and soaking tubs. The Loop location is convenient for business travelers, and the pool and 24-four fitness center is top-notch.
Opened in late 2010, this upscale hotel is housed in a historic neoclassical-style building with crystal chandeliers and a grand staircase in the lobby. But sophisticated rooms are thoroughly modern, and big, elegant bathrooms have separate showers and soaking tubs. The Loop location is convenient for business travelers, and the pool and 24-four fitness center is top-notch.
The three-pearl Comfort Suites Michigan Avenue/Loop offers an attractive package of spacious suites, good rates, and a great location that attracts a diverse mix of travelers. Its Loop location near the Chicago River is well serviced by public transportation and within walking distance to many attractions. Suites feature full kitchens and washer/dryer combos. Two-bedroom suites even offer a second bathroom, and some suites have private balconies. A free hot breakfast and free Wi-Fi enhance the hotel's appeal. Bathrooms are on the small side, however, and like many other hotels downtown, parking is expensive and off-site. But it’s a package that’s hard to beat and with only 119 units, it sells out often. A reasonable, mid-range alternative inside the Loop is the Hampton Inn Majestic Chicago Theater District, though rooms lack kitchens.
The three-pearl Comfort Suites Michigan Avenue/Loop offers an attractive package of spacious suites, good rates, and a great location that attracts a diverse mix of travelers. Its Loop location near the Chicago River is well serviced by public transportation and within walking distance to many attractions. Suites feature full kitchens and washer/dryer combos. Two-bedroom suites even offer a second bathroom, and some suites have private balconies. A free hot breakfast and free Wi-Fi enhance the hotel's appeal. Bathrooms are on the small side, however, and like many other hotels downtown, parking is expensive and off-site. But it’s a package that’s hard to beat and with only 119 units, it sells out often. A reasonable, mid-range alternative inside the Loop is the Hampton Inn Majestic Chicago Theater District, though rooms lack kitchens.
Occupying an 1893 building that was previously an elite men’s club, the upscale Chicago Athletic Association Hotel retains its old style and atmosphere with a modern twist. It has a fantastic location along the Chicago Cultural Mile on Michigan Avenue, adjacent to Millennium Park. The 241 rooms are handsome and modern, with marble rainfall showers, flat-screen TVs, and charming touches such as pommel horses as bedside benches. However, many units are on the small side and past guests have complained of noise issues. Although lacking a pool and spa, features are excellent, with standouts being Cindy’s, a rooftop restaurant and bar, the Game Room, a bar with billiards and bocce bay, and the speakeasy-style Milk Room. A daily resort fee covers Wi-Fi, 24-hour fitness center access, free coffee or tea, a welcome Champagne toast, access to the on-site basketball court, and free bike rentals. Overall, this is a good pick for travelers intrigued by the property’s history, style, and bar offerings, but those wanting a more traditional upmarket pick with a spa and pool should consider the Waldorf Astoria Chicago.
Occupying an 1893 building that was previously an elite men’s club, the upscale Chicago Athletic Association Hotel retains its old style and atmosphere with a modern twist. It has a fantastic location along the Chicago Cultural Mile on Michigan Avenue, adjacent to Millennium Park. The 241 rooms are handsome and modern, with marble rainfall showers, flat-screen TVs, and charming touches such as pommel horses as bedside benches. However, many units are on the small side and past guests have complained of noise issues. Although lacking a pool and spa, features are excellent, with standouts being Cindy’s, a rooftop restaurant and bar, the Game Room, a bar with billiards and bocce bay, and the speakeasy-style Milk Room. A daily resort fee covers Wi-Fi, 24-hour fitness center access, free coffee or tea, a welcome Champagne toast, access to the on-site basketball court, and free bike rentals. Overall, this is a good pick for travelers intrigued by the property’s history, style, and bar offerings, but those wanting a more traditional upmarket pick with a spa and pool should consider the Waldorf Astoria Chicago.