Where to Stay - Chicago 2005 - page 87

including the Versailles-inspired Grand Ballroom and Grand Stair Lobby—are
magnificent, but the rest of the hotel is firmly entrenched in the present.
Some rooms are on the small side, but all are comfortable and warm, and
many of the standard rooms have two bathrooms (great for families). High
rooms facing Michigan Avenue offer sweeping views of Grant Park and the lake.
The hotel's Tower section has a separate registration area, upgraded amenities
(including robes, fax machines, and VCRs), and a lounge open from 6am to
11pm, serving complimentary continental breakfast and evening hors d'oeuvres
and cocktails (you'll pay about $50 above the standard rate for these rooms).
The Hilton is a great choice for families, thanks to its vast public spaces, prox-
imity to major museums and Grant Park (where kids can run around), and pol-
icy of children under 18 staying free in their parent's room. Because the Hilton
depends heavily on convention traffic, those seeking a cozy, romantic getaway
should go elsewhere.
720 S. Michigan Ave. (at Balbo Dr.), Chicago, IL 60605. & 800/HILTONS or 312/922-4400. Fax 312/922-
5240. www.chicagohilton.com. 1,544 units. $124-$324 double; $139-$339 junior suite. AE, DC, DISC, MC, V.
Valet parking $32; self-parking $29. Subway/El: Red Line to Harrison/State. Amenities: 4 restaurants (Conti-
nental, Irish, American); 2 lounges; indoor pool; health club w/indoor track, hot tubs, sauna, and steam room;
concierge; business center; 24-hr. room service; massage; babysitting; laundry service; 24-hr. dry cleaning;
tower rooms. In room: A/C, TV w/pay movies, dataport, minibar, coffeemaker, hair dryer, iron.
Wheeler Mansion This grand Italianate building had fallen on
hard times—until Debra and Scott Seger saw its potential as a bed-and-break-
fast. Today, completely restored and refurbished, the Wheeler Mansion is one of
the city's most charming small hotels. The Segers kept intact whatever was sal-
vageable, including the mosaic tile floor in the vestibule and some of the dark
walnut woodwork and fixtures. But they added good-size private bathrooms to
each room (some have only shower stalls rather than bathtubs). The rooms—
which are spacious enough to include armoires and armchairs—feel even larger
than they are, thanks to the high ceilings. Antique furniture that the Segers
found in Europe fills the house, and guests dine on bone china and sleep on
goose-down feather beds. A continental breakfast by the resident chef is served
weekdays. On weekends, the buffet features a more elaborate array of dishes.
2020 S. Calumet Ave., Chicago, IL 60616. & 312/945-2020. Fax [phone]. www.wheelermansion.com.
11 units. $230-$285 double; $265-$365 suite. Prices include taxes. AE, DC, DISC, MC, V. Free parking. Bus:
62 from State St. downtown. Amenities: Laundry service; computer rental available. In room: A/C, TV, fax,
dataport, hair dryer, iron.

Finds

3 Near North & the Magnificent Mile
For accommodations listed in this section, see map “Where to Stay in Chicago” p. 84.
Along the Magnificent Mile—a stretch of Michigan Avenue running north of
the Chicago River to Oak Street—you'll find most of the city's premium hotels.
The location, near some of the city's best shopping and dining, can't be beat.
VERY EXPENSIVE
Four Seasons Hotel Consistently voted one of the top hotels in
the world by frequent travelers, the Four Seasons offers an understated luxury
that appeals to publicity-shy Hollywood stars and wealthy families. Although
the hotel has every conceivable luxury amenity, the overall look is that of an
English country manor rather than a glitzy getaway. The real attraction here is
the service, not the decor.

Kids