Chicago Hotel Tips by yooperprof

The Palmer House Hilton is a historic hotel in the heart of Chicago's Loop. Currently undergoing renovations, the Hotel was owned and owned and operated by Hilton International from 1945 to 2005, but it is now no longer part of the Hilton family. however, the current owners (an international investment group) have retained the rights to use the Hilton in the name. (Is that weird or what?)

The Lobby is the big attraction here. It was originally built in the 1870s, after the terrible Chicago fire, and it certainly earns its keep as an opulent and grand public space. When I stayed in the Palmer House in March 2008, the lobby was more chaotic and confused than normal - due to the ongoing renovations underway at the property. The lobby bar was operating in the lobby itself - peculiar, but (I hope) just a temporary expedient until the renovations are completed.

The guest rooms of the hotel date from the 1920s, when the present structure of the hotel was created by the architectural firm of Holabird and Roche. It's one of the largest hotels in the city - around 1600 rooms - and their quality varies: some of them are quite small, and very few of the rooms have interesting views. On the other hand, with Priceline I've been able to stay here for around $80 a night, and you can't beat that!


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Theme: Hotel
Comparison: about average
Prices: US$80-120  » Currency Converter
Address: 17 E. Monroe Street

The Swisshotel is a fairly luxurious place, but the emphasis is on comfort and service, not on glitz. It's primarily a businessman's hotel, there aren't a lot of snazzy facilities on the site, but it is close to everything in the Loop and up Michigan Avenue, and since it's at the end of Wacker Drive, it's actually fairly quiet. Expensive - yes, but there are some great discount rates through the usual sources.

Unique Qualities: The Hotel is ingeniously designed in an intriguing wedge shape, and the rooms are situated so that every one faces either Lake Michigan or the Chicago River. The swimming pool and exercise facilities are on the 43rd floor, with views that are pretty spectacular.

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Theme: Hotel
Comparison: more expensive than average

Address: Upper Wacker Drive, east of Michigan Ave.

The Hilton Chicago is probably the largest - and one of the most impressive - of the area's "historic hotels." When it was originally opened in the early 1930s, it was said to be the largest hotel in the world - with many incredible features - including rooftop golfing! (You have to see the photos to believe it!)

When I first stayed at the Hilton Chicago, it was the mid-1980s, and the hotel - like most of the city at that time - was a little down on its luck. In particular, this area of the South Loope looked sad and forlorn, especially. Well, things have changed since then. With the burgeoning development of South Michigan, this side of the city is now "happening," and the Chicago Hilton is well poised to take its proper place alongside the city's many other fine hotels.

The public areas of the Chicago Hotel are more than suitable for a prestige propery. I especially like the grand foyer, which seems to belong in a French chateau, and the open bar by the check-in-desk, decorated with what seems like acres of marble. The guest rooms have been updated and redecorated. They're not exactly large, but they are comfortable - particularly if you are fortunate (as I was) and end up getting a room with two full bathrooms!

I was little surprised at first when I saw that Priceline had classified the Chicago Hilton as a Four Star property, but after staying there, I'm a believer. I'd be glad to stay here again.

NOTE: don't confuse this place, the Chicago Hilton, on South Michigan, with the Palmer House Hilton in the heart of the Loop further north. I'd say that the Palmer House has a more spectacular lobby, but the guest rooms there seem to be a little smaller.


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Theme: Hotel
Comparison: about average
Prices: US$80-120  » Currency Converter
Address: 720 S Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60605

The management here is hoping for a young and trendy clientele, and they certainly have succeeded in revitalizing the old "Executive Inn" which formerly occupied this space. From the sleek design of the (small) lobby to the designer vodkas on offer in the bar to the techno music in the elevators, Hotel 71 seeks to define itself as a haven for the leopardskin and Prada set.

One possible drawback is the location - it's a few blocks off desirable Michigan Ave. Another shortcoming is the lack of elevators - there are only four public elevators for hundreds of rooms. But as long you don't expect this to be the Four Seasons, chances are you'll be satisfied here - espcially if you get a good rate from one of the hotel discounting websites!

Be sure to ask for a room with a river-view.


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Theme: Hotel
Comparison: about average
Prices: US$80-120  » Currency Converter
Address: 71 E Wacker Dr, Chicago, IL 60601

The Intercontinental is a pretty spiffy place - I was glad to find a good rate so I could check out the rooms at this traditional and established Chicago landmark. The rooms are a little smaller than what you might expect for the price - the Intercontinental is often classified as a 4.5 star property. On the other hand, I like the rooms themselves - they have "art deco" touches that are entirely in keeping with the age and design of the hotel. My room was on the 12th floor and had a great view of bustling Michigan Avenue below. It was also far enough up so that the traffic noise was minimal.

(I used one of those discount booking services, and was able to get a rate of about $100 a night plus change. I think I was lucky -- you can spend a lot more here if you are silly enough to pay the rack rate.)

Unique Qualities: A major attraction of the Intercontinental is the historic pool, located on the 12th floor of the historic tower. It's the kind of place where you expect to run into Esther Williams and a bevy of beauties doing a Busby Berkeley routine.

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Theme: Hotel
Comparison: more expensive than average
Prices: US$120-180  » Currency Converter
Address: 505 N Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60611

The Hyatt Regency is another established and busy conference-oriented hotel in a very desirable Chicago location. The Hyatt is convenient for activities in the Loop such as the Art Institute, the Symphony and the theaters, and at the same time is easily accessible for North Michigan Ave. shopping. Rooms have been remodeled recently, and are understated and soothing. (They need to do something about the hallway carpets, however.)

The Hyatt Regency recently appears on Priceline bid sheets. If you are looking for quality accomodation in the off-season, you might be able to find rate of between $60 and $70 a night here. Not a bad deal, IMHO!


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Theme: Hotel
Comparison: about average
Prices: US$40-80  » Currency Converter
Address: 151 E Wacker Dr, Chicago, IL 60601

Well designed big conference hotel, comfortable rooms. I found a $99-a-night rate one autumn weekend in 2003, using one of the major internet services. Convenient for the cultural attractions of the Loop and Michigan Ave. shopping.


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Theme: Hotel
Comparison: more expensive than average
Prices: US$80-120  » Currency Converter
Address: 301 E North Water St, Chicago, IL 60611

They call this the Embassy Suites Lakefront, though it isn't actually on the Lakefront, its a few blocks away. (Not to be confused with the Embassy Suites Downtown, which isn't actually downtown, either.) I haven't stayed here. but I would -if I found a good rate. It just opened in 2003, and I like the general location a lot.


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Theme: Hotel

Address: 511 N Columbus Dr, Chicago, IL 60611

French elan and joie de vivre comes to Chicago. I haven't stayed at the Sofitel, but it's certainly the most attractive hotel to open in recent years in the popular North Michigan/Water Tower Place corridor. I like the way that the building seems to taper like a large "A" frame cabin.


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Theme: Hotel
Comparison: more expensive than average

Address: 20 E Chestnut St, Chicago, IL 60611

Priceline sent me up to the Gold Coast on a recent visit to Chi-town at a reasonable rate of $70 a night. Having usually spent my Chicago weekends at accomodations along Wacker Drive or N. Michigan Ave., I didn't know what to expect at this "boutique" hotel. But I was pleased at this older, yet well-maintained property. Rooms have comfortable real furniture and the public lobby is a bit like a private club. The Ambassador East lacks many of the features standard at larger, more business-oriented facilities: there is no gift shop, no business center, no pool or exercise room, for example. And the location may be off-putting to some: it's in a residential neighborhood a few blocks north of the standard visitor attractions like the John Hancock, the Bloomingdales mall, or Oak Street. But the distances are not really that significant - it's only a ten minute walk from the Ambassador to Rush Street. I like the fact that it's a little quieter here than at most Chicago hotels.

I overheard a conversation in the bar that the hotel has recently been sold to out-of-town investors, and that significant changes will be made over the next year. However, the hotel will remain open throughout its conversion. I hope that they don't do anything to change the basic character of the Ambassador - an upscale boutique hotel that is a little more European than most places in Chicago.

Unique Qualities: The Pump Room Bar is a classic.

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Theme: Hotel
Comparison: more expensive than average
Prices: US$80-120  » Currency Converter
Address: 1301 North State Parkway, CHICAGO, ILLINOIS 6061
Directions: Gold Coast - but just one block north of Division