World City Guide

Hotels

Whether seeking a basic room or an ultra-luxurious suite, Chicago has plenty of each with a lot of in-between. With the exception of the Wheeler Mansion, which is located near Chicago’s huge convention facility, McCormick Place, the hotels listed here are Downtown. Guests should always check with hotels for special rates or promotions, and at the Chicago Convention and Tourism Bureau (tel: 877-CHICAGO (244 2246); website: www.choosechicago.com/hotels), particularly during Chicago Holiday Festival (Nov-Jan) or Winter Delights (Jan-Mar) or during other special events. Hotel rooms can be reserved through the Chicago Convention and Tourism Bureau and other discount bookings are available from the no-fee discount hotel reservation service, Hot Rooms (tel: 800 468 3500 or 773 468 7666; website: www.hotrooms.com), or through the Illinois Reservation Service (tel: (800) 491 1800). Hotels in Chicago add a room tax (sales tax) to all bills, which currently stands at 14.9%.

The prices stated below are the starting prices for a double room, excluding room tax and breakfast unless otherwise specified.

Business

The Fairmont Chicago
This 45-floor, Rosetta-pink granite structure, which overlooks both Grant Park and Lake Michigan, has a spacious lobby that mixes contemporary furnishings with antiques and original art. A bath sommelier is just one of the luxurious amenities offered by this five-star hotel. Guests can relax after a busy day with a choice of candles, scents and bubbles in their drawn bath. The large and comfortably furnished rooms include premium mattresses, dressing areas, marble baths, built-in bars, multi-line phones, modem points and fax machines. Its new, chic Aria restaurant, features a wide selection of wines and an interesting selection of American, European and Asian cuisines.

200 North Columbus Drive
Tel: (312) 565 8000.
Website: www.fairmont.com
Price: From US$289.

Hilton Chicago
Overlooking Grant Park and Lake Michigan, the Hilton Chicago combines modern amenities with historic splendour. When it opened in 1927, as the world’s largest hotel, it boasted an in-house hospital, ice rink, bowling alley, rooftop golf course and theatre. Through the years it has played host to Queen Elizabeth and 11 US presidents. The hotel’s long, Renaissance lobby, suites and crystal-laden, gold-gilt Grand Ballroom continue to emit an aura of elegance. Each comfortable room, decorated in warm earthy colours, has state-of-art business facilities, classic cherry furnishings and marble bathrooms. Its facilities include four restaurants, a 24-hour business centre and complete fitness centre.

720 South Michigan Avenue
Tel: (312) 922 4400.
Website: www.chicagohilton.com
Price: From US$169.

W Chicago-City Center
The W Chicago-City Center merges the old, the new and the comfortable. A twin marble staircase, opposite the entrance, and the embossed, domed ceiling, on either side of the lobby, are reminders of the former Midland Hotel’s 1940s splendour. Recently it was purchased by the W chain and totally renovated. Soft lighting, cushy couches, games and chessboards create the property’s Living Room lobby while 1940s Hollywood is the decor of the glamorous guest rooms (chaises longues, shadowboxes with antique cigar cases and four-metre (12 feet)ostrich leather headboards) are mixed with 21st-century innovations such as CD players, Game Boys, high-speed Internet access, pillow-top mattresses and feather duvets. Tuscan cuisine is featured at the hotel’s Ristorante Wé, where service is unhurried and attentive.

172 West Adams Street
Tel: (312) 332 1200. Fax: (312) 332 5909.
Website: www.starwoodhotels.com
Price: From US$299.

Wheeler Mansion
The South Loop neighbourhood, close to McCormick Place, may be up and coming, but the Wheeler Mansion has arrived. The 130-year-old mansion is now an elegant, 11-room boutique hotel and offers a nice alternative to the bustling big hotels. Its lovely garden area, polished woodwork and special mattresses with goose feather duvets radiate warmth and comfort. Owner Debra Seger’s attention to detail is revealed in the property’s original artwork and furnishings. Antique dressers function as bathroom vanity units and special amenities include errand service and free shoeshine service. A breakfast feast, such as crusted French toast topped with fruit, fresh juice and pastries, is complimentary.

2002 South Calumet, South Loop
Tel: (312) 945 2020.
Website: www.wheelermansion.com
Price: US$230 (including breakfast).

Luxury

Four Seasons Hotel Chicago
At the Four Seasons, personal service, attention to detail and elegant appointments are basics. Opulent wood, brass, crystal and marble exude warmth in the hotel’s seventh-floor lobby, while spacious guest rooms in the 46-floor property command stunning city and lake vistas. Each has a four-poster bed and twice-daily maid service. Technology amenities include in-room Internet access and its own comp-cierges (or personal computer support team). The Technology 2000 Suite features laser printer, fax, photocopier, cordless telephone and web TV. There is an elegant spa and fitness centre and, just an elevator ride away, is the upscale shopping mall anchored by Bloomingdale’s, the Shops at 900 North Michigan Avenue.

120 East Delaware Place
Tel: (312) 280 8800.
Website: www.fourseasons.com/chicagofs
From Price: US$435.

The Peninsula Chicago
Service, discretion, understated elegance and attention to detail have made The Peninsula a sanctuary. The earth-toned guest rooms are spacious, and the bathrooms are equipped with a steam-free TV screen and a hands-free telephone that eliminates the sound of water. The fifth-floor main lobby, with its six metre-high (20ft) ceilings, elongated French windows and huge metal mural, is the stylish place to meet for a meal or cocktails. During afternoon tea, live classical music adds to its ambience. The granite, mahogany and black leather Bar, the Asian-flared Shanghai Terrace and the upscale Avenues complete the hotel’s gourmet offerings. A 1,300 square metre-spa (14,000 sq ft) and adjoining fitness centre serve the needs of the tired traveller or fitness fanatic.

108 East Superior Street
Tel: (312) 337 2888.
Website: www.peninsula.com
Price: From US$295.

Ritz-Carlton Chicago
The Ritz has always been a symbol of luxury and the Ritz-Carlton Chicago is no exception. An award-winning dining room, oversized rooms with a view, Bulgari bath toiletries, state-of-the-art business facilities and 24-hour concierge service are some of the reasons Condé Nast Traveler has named it ‘best hotel’ in North America for several years running. The hotel provides special rooms for allergy-sensitive guests, a full service spa, cookies and toys for kids and, for four-legged visitors, pet services that include gourmet room service. The hotel also has its comp-cierge service – at just a moment’s notice, a technician will render personal computer assistance to guests who require help.

160 East Pearson Street
Tel: (312) 266 1000. Fax: (312) 266 1194.
Website: www.fourseasons.com/chicagorc
Price: From US$435.

Moderate

Embassy Suites Chicago Downtown-Lakefront
Conveniently located between Navy Pier and Michigan Avenue, the modern Embassy Suites meets the needs of the business traveller. Its airy, 17-floor atrium lobby, with fountains and reflecting pool, is just the place to unwind after a busy day. Enclosed glass elevators reveal city and lake views, as do the comfortably furnished, two-room suites, which are standard. Amenities include high-speed Internet access and two-line phones with voice-mail. The complimentary fitness centre, a nightly manager’s reception and a full American breakfast make a stay at the Embassy Suites exceptional value.

511 North Columbus Drive
Tel: (312) 836 5900. Fax: (312) 836 5901.
Website: www.embassysuites.com
Price: From US$159.

Red Roof Inn
Located one block east of Michigan Avenue’s Magnificent Mile, the Red Roof Inn may be the perfect lodging for the budget-minded traveller needing a prime location. The 80-year-old property is newly renovated – its clean rooms are small but adequate and each comes with a modem point, desk, microwave, coffee-maker and cable TV. There is a small charge for fax and photocopying services. No food service is available but the hotel is next door to Coco Pazzo Café (open for lunch and dinner) and within walking distance of other restaurants, the lake, Navy Pier, shopping and entertainment.

162 East Ontario Street
Tel: (312) 787 3580.
Website: www.redroofinn.com
Price: From US$89.99.

Other Recommendations

The Drake
Long before the plethora of luxury hotels sprang up on Michigan Avenue, there was The Drake. Its elegance made it the destination of famous people, such as Princess Diana and before her Marilyn Monroe. It is still the place to meet for afternoon tea, and The Cape Cod Room is the place to come for excellent seafood. Recently the 80-year-old property underwent a US$45 million renovation. The public areas have been revitalised and newly enlarged rooms, half of which face the lakefront, have been equipped with in-room high-speed Internet access. Extras include fresh fruit on every floor, workout facilities and the use of the Red Door Spa.

140 East Walton Place
Tel: (312) 787 2200. Fax: (312) 787 1431.
Website: www.thedrakehotel.com
Price: From US$199.

Park Hyatt Chicago
The look may be traditional European but this elegant boutique hotel is strictly modern American. Rich woods and warm tones create comfortable and tranquil public areas, and there is original contemporary art throughout the hotel, including the lobby’s Piazza del Duomo, Milan by Gerard Richter. Because the hotel rises over Water Tower Square, dramatic lake and city views are standard in the state-of-the-art rooms. So are oversized soaking tubs, flat-screen TVs, DVD and CD players. Guests will find great attention to detail, exceptional personal service and handsome decor. A bilingual staff accommodates foreign as well as local visitors as does the hotel’s full-service spa and award-winning restaurant, NoMI.

800 North Michigan Avenue
Tel: (312) 335 1234. Fax: (312) 239 4000.
Website: www.hyatt.com
Price: From US$285.

The Hard Rock Hotel
The staid 1929 Carbon and Carbide Building has just reinvented itself. It has become the city’s newest, sleekest hotel, a 383-room and 13-suite musically-themed, contemporary venue that pulsates with excitement. Piped-in music and rock & roll memorabilia are everywhere. Cushy, leather couches and open space give the lobby a feeling of warmth and comfort. Rooms with zebra wood furnishings are accented in greys, blues, chrome, wood, mirrors and rock & roll artwork, matchless Downtown vistas, flat screen television, and state-of-the-art amenities are standard, as is the business centre and fitness facility. China Grill, the hotel’s restaurant, combines Asian Fusion fare with a comfortable setting.

230 North Michigan
Tel: (312) 345 1000. Fax: (312) 345 1012.
Website: www.hardrockhotelchicago.com
Price: From US$249.