Chicago Hotel Tips by deecat

Note: The staff was friendly and extremely helpful.

When Allan and I decided that we wanted to stay for two nights in Chicago to celebrate our 44th Wedding Anniversary [August 10, 2007], Allan selected The Seneca Hotel because of its fabulous location and reasonable price. It's located across from the John Hancock Center and Water Tower Place. It is so convenient to everything that we wished to do.

It was built in 1924 and was renovated in 2006. Not all of the rooms are done yet; fortunately, we were placed in a renovated room on the 17th floor [#1705]. This is a European boutique hotel even though it is 17 floor high. There are more than 200 rooms, but 190 of them are guestrooms. The others are used as permanent residents.

We had a room with a queen-sized bed, large dresser, a small round table with two chairs, two end tables, a high bar that separated the bedroom from the kitchen. The kitchen had a full-sized refrigerator, sink, microwave, fully stocked cabinets, toaster, coffeemaker, electric can opener. It also had a beautiful tiled bathroom. Surprisingly, we had two rather large closets with a in-room safe.

We really loved the high ceilings with crown molding. I also liked the sheer white drapes which let in plenty of light. Behind the sheers were mini-blinds that could be closed.

If you want more luxury, you need to ask for a suite that has king bed in a separate bedroom, a sofa, loveseat, and upholstered chair as well as a dining area with table and chairs.

Unique Qualities: All the rooms have complimentary wireless Internet access and voice mail.

The hotel has a lovely restaurant called The Saloon Steakhouse where seafood, steaks, and fine chops are served. There is also a more informal place called The Chestnut Grill and Wine Bar. There are three meeting rooms, a business center, a concierge desk, a same-day cleaning service, and discounts to Linda Field's Salon and Spa.

Note: If you use the Valet Parking Service where you have unlimited in and out privileges, the cost is $42.00 per night. Instead, we used the parking garage next door for $25.00 a night with those privileges because we walked everywhere. [Believe it or not, in 2 1/2 days, Allan and I walked over 40 miles just exploring the lakefront, the parks, Michigan Avenue, etc.]

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Theme: Hotel
Comparison: less expensive than average
Prices: US$80-120  » Currency Converter
Phone: 312-787-8900
Address: 200 East Chestnut Street, Chicago, IL 60611
Website: www.senecahotel.com
Other Contact: Fax: 312-988-4438

"It's one of those cities we feel we know a lot about because it has such a prominent place in the imaginative life of the twentieth century, whether because of Al Capone, Mayor Daley, or Michael Jordan" Salman Rushdie, January 1996

For the feel of elegance from another era, choose the Millennium Knickerbocker Hotel Chicago. The rooms are smaller than some of the more contemporary hotels; however, these rooms and suites are beautiful, intimate, and sophisticated. The success of this hotel is based on luxury and service.

There are 305 guestrooms, The Crystal Ballroom with its 28-foot-high gilded domed ceiling (palatial, indeed), the Martini Bar, and the NIX Restaurant.
From the moment the doorman opens the door, you know this is something special.
The hotel has a history that permeates the rooms.

The location is excellent and within walking distance of Chicago's finest shopping on Michigan Avenue.

Unique Qualities: I would suggest asking for the Classic rooms, which are more spacious than the Deluxe rooms. And, they have just recently received a completely new decor, most with chinoiseries armoires. Some even have walk-in marble showers. They also have canopied beds and mini-bars. Of the 305 rooms in the hotel, 109 are Classic Rooms.

All rooms feature:

In-room movies, HBO
Hair dryers
Iron & Irnoning Boards
Terrycloth robes
complimentary newspapers

The Martini Bar is fantastic. They serve 44 different Martinis plus fine wines, beers, and other cocktails. There is nightly entertainment
Wed.-Sat.

The NIX Restaurant has American cuisine in a bistro setting.

This is an unique hotel. Try it for a special celebration.

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Theme: Hotel
Comparison: about average
Prices: US$80-120  » Currency Converter
Phone: (312)751-8100
Address: 163 E Walton St, Chicago, IL 60611

Since we were staying about two blocks away from the historic Drake Hotel and since Allan's parents spent their honeymoon at the Drake Hotel a few years after it opened in 1920, we decided to give it a visit.

Everything that you read about this luxury hotel is to be believed. After the Drake family leased the hotel in 1933 for ten years to the Kirkeby Chain [who maintained it for military lodging], it reverted back to the family again. Then, in 1979, The beautiful Drake Hotel was purchased by Jupiter Industries and was leased to Hilton International. In 2003, The Drake Hotel had a $45 million dollar renovation. It was then that this grand old lady gained its splendor again.

The rooms are luxurious but the suites are opulent. People who stay here always say that it has the best service and world-class amenities.

The hotel has plenty of dining options:

The Palm Court has live entertainment and serves a traditional English Afternoon Tea. There is also cocktail service.

The Drake Brothers has incredible views of Lake Michigan and highly-rated steaks as well as an international wine list.

The Cape Cod Room is perhaps the most well known. It has wonderful seafood and has won numerous awards.

Coq d' Or has a fine bar and a variety of food.

Executive Lounge is a PRIVATE LOUNGE on the Executive floor.

Club International is a PRIVATE DINING SPACE in an English motif, but is "members only".

Unique Qualities: The hotel has Fitness Center, Business Center, and Wireless Connectivity.

Many rooms have a Lakefront View.

The Drake Hotel has earned such a fine reputation all over the world that it is regularly visted by heads of nations, royalty, and hollywood celebrities.

Expect to pay "top dollar" when staying at The Drake.

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Theme: Hotel
Comparison: more expensive than average
Prices: US$180 and up  » Currency Converter
Phone: 1-312-787-2200
Address: 140 E WALTON PLACE, , CHICAGO, ILLINOIS 60611
Website: www.TheDrakeHotel.com

"No other city in mainland U.S.A. can offer a spectacle like the Loop, where dozens of major buildings lie within the compass of an afternoon stroll." Reyner Banham, British architectural critic, 1964

Don't even ask how many years ago I stayed at the wonderful Palmer House (before Hilton owned it)! I was a senior in high school & attended a Newspaper Convention in Chicago. Can you believe that we stayed at the magnificent Palmer House?
When my daughter Jill was married here in Chicago, my dear friends, Marilyn & Bruce Hart, stayed at the Palmer House Hilton. They loved it, bringing back my own memories.
It's such a part of Chicago, & for all 125+ years, people from all over the world have come here to stay when they visited Chicago. Why? Because of the Beaux Arts ceiling in the Lobby, the mythological statues all around, the famous EMPIRE ROOM, & because of its location near Chicago's business & financial district. It's also within walking distance of The Art Institute; Symphony Center; Goodman, Chicago, & Shubert Theatres; Grant Park & the Lakefront.
My friends said that the rooms were smaller than most luxury hotel rooms, but they were still more than satisfied.
It's a huge hotel with over 1500 deluxe rooms & almost 90 suites. The Penthouse Suite has 11 rooms!
The Palmer House Hilton has what they call "an Executive Level", which my friends belong to, & so they enjoyed the following:
a. complimentary Continental breakfast
b. complimentary hors d'oeuvres at cocktail time
c. private elevator to a private registration area, lobby, & lounge

Restaurants & Bars:
a. The French Quarter (American Cuisine)
b. Windsor's Lobby Bar & Cafe
c. The Big Downtown (new) Bar/Restaurant
d. Jacques for caffeine lovers who eat on the
run such things as pastries, muffins, or
bagels
There is also a Fitness Club with Nautilus equipment & other exercise gear plus massage therapy, sauna, whirlpool, & steam room. Oh, yes, there is an indoor pool.

Unique Qualities: Just a few days ago (July of 2004), Allan & I visited for old time's sake...the Lobby is wonderful with all the restoration of the ceiling by a Florentine artisan who also worked on the Sistine Chapel. A staff member let us into the famed EMPIRE ROOM, which has also been restored and is used for special parties. I'm so pleased, as you, too, will be when you experience this 1971 Landmark Hotel.

Note: Price is per person. Here in the USA, prices are quoted per room; however, the choice here is per person so calculate accordingly.
CLICK ON PHOTO FOR PANORAMIC VIEW

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Theme: Hotel
Comparison: about average
Prices: US$40-80  » Currency Converter
Phone: 1 (312) 726-7500
Address: 17 E Monroe St, Chicago, IL 60603
Other Contact: Fax: (312)263-2556

"There's a freshness, a vitality about the city. It hasn't been corroded with ultra-sophistication and with its citizens' esteeming of their own quality. Yet at the same time, it's a magnificent city--the architecture, the music. It's enough to make your mouth drop open. Gerald Arpino, cofounder of the Joffrey Ballet, 1995

July10, 2004, , my daughter Jill was married here in Chicago, and after much investigating and visiting of hotels, we selected Wyndham Chicago for the hotel for guests and the wedding party. Why? We selected the Wyndham because of its location, the spaciousness of the rooms and suites, and because of the special price we were given for Jill's special day.
Jill and her new husband, Eric stayed two nights in a suite. Allan and I also stayed in a suite. We have reserved rooms for guests as well.
The Wyndham Chicago is located in the heart of Chicago's Magnificent Mile, just one block off of Michicgan Avenue. It is close to wonderful restaurants, high-end shopping, great museums, the new Theater District, Navy Pier, and a few blocks from Lake Michigan. Compared to other hotels of its caliber, its rooms are quite large and all have a panoramic view of downtown Chicago. In addition, it has a fitness center and an indoor pool. Also, there is a well-regarded restaurant called "Caliterra Bar & Grille".
For all these reasons and because the personnel are so friendly and helpful, we selected the Wyndham Chicago as our Wedding Event Hotel. Likewise, you should select it whenever you visit Chicago. Our suite was gigantic and beautifully appointed. But, it is the SERVICE that sets the Wyndham Hotel on top of the places to stay. Every single staff member went out of his/her way to make us feel welcome.

Unique Qualities: The rooms are wonderful, and the suites are fabulous. Both are quite spacious with large windows overlooking the city. The hotel has 417 rooms (327 are non-smoking rooms! Thank Goodness); there are 49 suites.
The bathrooms are luxurious with Golden Door Bath Care amenities. A truly unique feature is the computer keyboard that accompanies each TV. For $10.99, you have access to the Net for 24 hours!
Coffee/Tea are complimentary in each room; Monday-Friday the USA Today Newspaper is delivered to the room; Valet parking with in/out privileges is available for a daily fee; Power converters for International Guests;high-speed Internet access and cordless multi-line phones are standard features; Hair Dryer, Iron/Ironing Board, Mini Bar, and VCR are in each room.
The Caliterra Bar & Grille serves great food--influenced by Tuscan and Northern California cuisines, Executive Chef Rick Gresh has received "rave" reviews.
Wyndham Chicago is a perfect hotel in a perfect location.

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Theme: Hotel
Comparison: about average
Prices: US$120-180  » Currency Converter
Phone: (312)573-0300
Address: 633 N Saint Clair St, Chicago, IL 60611

"Chicago is not only a real city. . . and one of the world's great cities, but at the same time it's a city that's knowable, manageable, and workable. You can figure it out. It has a sense of cohesiveness..." Lucy Salenger, Chicago Office of Film and Entertainment, 1981

When my sister came to stay in Chicago for a little over a week, she and I spent five of those days in Chicago at the Talbott Hotel. It's the perfect place for two unescorted women to stay because of its location and its safety. It is located just off North Michigan Avenue near the Water Tower and John Hancock Building.
There are 149 rooms and suites, and all denote understated elegance. A nightly turn down and a morning newspaper are just two of the delightful services offered at the Talbott.
The hotel was built in 1927 but has recently been renovated and is luxurious. We stayed in a large room with two Queen-sized beds,two end tables, a comfortable reading chair, and great wardrobe chest with plenty of space for storage. In addition, there was a nice-sized closet. There was an iron and ironing board, an in-room safe (which we used each day), cable TV, radio, clock, two phones (one in the bathroom.) Speaking of the bathroom; it was absolutely wonderful as was the complimentary bath soaps, shampoos, and lotions.
It is a 4-Star Hotel.

Check-in time is 3:00 PM
Check-out is 12:00 PM

Unique Qualities: It's a true European-style hotel where the staff remembers your name and is always there to help you. From 6:00am until 10:00 pm, room service is available.

A Victorian Sitting Room serves as the lobby with two fire places. Basil's is just off the lobby with its Antique Bar and small seating area. In the summer there is a lovely outdoor eating space. The menu is light and perfect for snacks or lunch.
We stayed under a special deal where the breakfast came with the room, and Basil's is where we ate each morning.
The Talbott Hotel is a wonderful place to stay in Chicago.

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Theme: Hotel
Comparison: about average
Prices: US$40-80  » Currency Converter
Address: 20 E Delaware Pl, Chicago, IL 60611

"There are some cities that are resolutely turned toward the future. Chicago is one of them. Its very size, the beauty of its bold, modern architecture--these are the signs of a powerful, dynamic metropolis full of life and activity."

When our daughter Jill was growing up, we would always stay at the Chicago Marriott Downtown Hotel. Many times, we would let her invite a friend along when we would have an "adventure" weekend in the city. The Marriott is great for staying with children because the staff is quite accommodating; the rooms are large; the location is perfect for walking everywhere.
The hotel is located in the Magnificent Mile and literally "soars" 46 stories upward. It is very large with 1,192 rooms and five restaurants and lounges. It consistently earns honors such as AAA Diamonds, Mobil Travel Guide Stars, and three Michelin Stars.
When we stayed there, we would always walk to Uno's for Pizza.
The children loved the indoor pool (small, but nice). We always asked for one of the high floors so the views of Michigan Avenue and the rest of the city were spectacular.
The furniture is stylish with warm, rich tones. The lobby is massive; yet, it still has an intimate feel because of the furniture arrangement. The photo is of Jill and her friend in that lobby with a stained glass window behind them.

Unique Qualities: There are so many choices for eating/drinking in this hotel. I remember that we always came on a special "deal" which included breakfast and dinner.
JW's Steakhouse is an elegant choice for dinner. Ventoso is Italian and is more informal and good for breakfast and lunch, but they also serve dinner.
The Lobby Bar is good for driniks and conversation.
4th Edition is not my choice because it is really for cigar smokers.
The Bean is the lobby coffee bar for specialty coffees.
There is Valet parking available for $34.00 per day.
he rooms have high-speed internet access, cable/satellite TV, complimentary in-room coffee, hairdryers, in-room safe, and a free USA Today Mon.-Fri.
Check-in: 4:00 PM
Check-Out: 12:00 PM

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Theme: Hotel
Comparison: less expensive than average
Prices: US$40-80  » Currency Converter
Phone: (312)-836-0100 or 1-900-228-9290
Address: 540 N Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60611
Other Contact: FAX: 1 312-836-6139

"Eventually I think that Chicago will be the most beautiful great city left in the world." Frank Lloyd Wright, architect, 1939

The only reason we ever stayed at The Ritz-Carlton Chicago is because they offered a special half price the month of my birthday one year. So, for my birthday, my husband made the arrangements to stay there. It was an incredible experience. The hotel is set atop Water Tower Place above North Michigan Avenue. It is known as one of Chicago's finest hotels (A Four Seasons Hotel). The service is renown; the guest rooms are luxurious; the food at the contemporary French Restaurant is legendary.
The hotel has 435 guest rooms (91 suites and oversized rooms). Because the hotel is literally attached to Watertower Place, you can walk from the hotel into the famous shopping place.
The Dining Room denotes luxury and elegance. Chef Sarah Stegner offers a personalized 8-course tasting menu. This restaurant has won numerous awards and rightfully so. It is closed on Mondays. It is most famous for the Sunday Brunch which defies description.
Note: Elegant attire is required and jackets are highly recommended.
The Cafe is a causual place for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. It is most famous for its delicious desserts (so, save room!)
The Greenhouse really looks like a greenhouse with a wide expanse of windows for a view of Chicago.
It is perfect for a light lunch, Afternoon Tea, a cocktail and appetizers.
If you cannot stay at the hotel, at least try the food at one of these fine restaurants.

Unique Qualities: There is a Spa at the Carlton Club with a pool, a fitness center, steamroom, sauna, massage and other therapies.
Services include: Valet parking, express check-in/out, 24-hour In-Room Dining, complimentary overnight shoeshine.
Rooms have: Video or DVD player, twice-daily housekeeping service, CD player, Down pillows (non-allergenic pillows available which I had to ask for!), thick terrycloth bathrobes, hair dryer, iron and ironing board, complimentary local newspaper, high-speed e-mail & Internet access, and wake-up call.)
This is a once-in-a-lifetime kind of place!

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Theme: Hotel
Comparison: more expensive than average
Prices: US$120-180  » Currency Converter
Phone: (312)266-1000
Address: 160 E Pearson St, Chicago, IL 60611

"Chicago is the finest city in the world for the moderate, natural, average man of affairs in which to live. The New Yorker who says Chicago is a city of no luxuries is probably one of that constantly growing number who are insatiable in their greed for the softer things in life." Gustavus Franklin Swift, meatpacker & founder of Swift & Company

I took this photo of the Sheraton Chicago Hotel and Towers from across the Chicago River at the southeast corner of the Michigan Avenue Bridge & Wacker Drive. It's an imposing structure overlooking the Chicago River. The amazing thing about the hotel is that every room and suite has a view of either the Chicago River, Lake Michigan, or the city skyline (which are all magnificent!)
It's a huge hotel with about 1200 rooms, and 33 of those are suites.
For their guest's convenience, the hotel rooms include:

King or two double beds
Coffee Makers
Large Desk
Comfortable Furniture
27" Cable TV with CNN and Showtime
Pay-per-view is also available
video games
Dataport
AM/FM alarm clock
Lighted mirror (great)
Luxurious bathrooms
in-room safes

The Hotel Facilities Include:

SIX RESTAURANTS & LOUNGES
a. Shula's Steak House
b. Riverside Cafe
c. Esplanade Express Snack Bar
d. Spectators Sports Bar
E. Waves Lobby Bar

There is 24-hour room service
Fitness Facility
Indoor Pool
Sauna
Message Therapy
Sun Deck

I can honestly say that it is a full-service hotel.

Unique Qualities: Besides the incredible views, the spectacular service is impressive. The staff seems to go out of their way to please you. Your comfort is their mission.
For a romantic weekend in the city, a business trip to Chicago, or a family excursion, the Sheraton Chicago Hotel and Towers is a great choice if you value quality and service.
Note: the price is per person (US hotels never state prices per person, but that is what our choice is here)

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Theme: Hotel
Comparison: about average
Prices: US$40-80  » Currency Converter
Phone: 1 (312) 464-1000
Address: 301 E North Water St, Chicago, IL 60611
Other Contact: Fax: (312) 464-9140

"Get out of your train and drive up Michigan Avenue! I defy you not to respond to the excitement in the air, not to throw your hat to the sky and shout "Beautiful, how beautiful!" How beautiful it is as you whirl northward past the Tribune Tower." Mary Borden, novelist, 1930s

Recently renovated, the Allerton Crowne Plaza is a building that is characteristic of "old" Chicago. It's been a favorite for decades, and now it really "glows" with charm. It has a meticulously recreated Art Deco (which I love) lobby. The rooms are large and elegant. But, the real importance is the spectacular setting. It is located in the heart of the Magnificent Mile where it is surrounded by the Gold Coast, Water Tower Place Shopping, miles of lakefront, Old Water Tower Place, Wrigley Building, and many exclusive shops and restaurants.
There are 450 rooms with over 130 junior, one, and two bedroom executive suites.
There is "The Avenue Cafe and Restaurant", a cocktail lounge, adjacent parking available, a Brooks Brothers men's store, a fine jeweler store, a gift shoppe, and a renowned beauty salon.%f*

Unique Qualities: Even though this is in an exclusive neighborhood and near to many sites and the best shops and restaurants, the prices are reasonable. When we were there, the double room was $129.00.
The most expensive part of staying in Chicago (if you drive) is to pay for parking. Parking is up to $20.00-35.00 per day, depending on the hotel.