Where to Stay - Chicago 2005 - page 90

EXPENSIVE
Doubletree Guest Suites This full-service all-suites hotel is a good
choice for families and business travelers seeking something with a little less
starch. Best of all is its location, just off the Mag Mile and next door to the Han-
cock Building and Water Tower Place.
Suites might not be huge, but they're warm, inviting, and immaculate. All fea-
ture a separate living room (with pullout sofa) and bedroom. The price depends
on bed size, floor (some have spectacular lake views), and furnishings. The hotel
doesn't feel that different from other Doubletree properties, but that consistency
might be just what some people are looking for.
The homespun service and little touches are what count here: fresh flowers in
the lobby and two freshly baked chocolate-chip cookies presented to guests on
check-in. The hotel's high spot—literally—is the fitness center on the 30th
floor; stop by on summer Wednesday and Saturday evenings for a great view of
the fireworks at Navy Pier.
198 E. Delaware Place, Chicago, IL 60611. & 800/222-TREE or 312/664-1100. Fax [phone]. www.
doubletree.com. 345 units. $109-$309 double suite. Children under 18 stay free in parent's room. AE, DC,
DISC, MC, V. Valet parking $34 with in/out privileges. Subway/El: Red Line to Chicago/State. Amenities:
Restaurant (American); lounge; indoor pool; health club; Jacuzzi; sauna; concierge; business center; 24-hr.
room service; babysitting; laundry room; dry cleaning. In room: A/C, TV w/pay movies, dataport, minibar,
fridge, coffeemaker, hair dryer, iron.
The Drake If ever the term “grande dame” fit a hotel, it's The Drake,
which opened in 1920. Fronting East Lake Shore Drive, this landmark building
is Chicago's version of New York's Plaza or Paris's Ritz. Despite a massive reno-
vation in the 1990s, the Drake still feels lost in time compared to places like the
glitzy new Peninsula. But for many, that is part of The Drake's charm.
The Drake's public spaces still maintain the regal grandeur of days gone by,
but the guest rooms have been modernized with new furniture and linens. Most
rooms include a small sitting area with couch and chairs; some have two bath-
rooms. The lake-view rooms are lovely, and—no surprise—you'll pay more for
them. Be forewarned that “city view” rooms on the lower floors look out onto
another building, so you'll probably be keeping your drapes shut. Rooms and
suites on the “executive floors” provide such additional amenities as disposable
cameras, a generous continental breakfast in a private lounge, and free cocktails
and hors d'oeuvres, plus a daily newspaper and valet assistance for polishing
shoes, packing and unpacking, and securing theater tickets.
The hotel's restaurants include the Oak Terrace, a large dining room serving
up American fare and some great views of the lake and Michigan Avenue; the
Cape Cod Room (p. 128), an old-timey seafood spot; and the Coq d'Or (p. 271),
one of Chicago's most atmospheric piano bars.
140 E. Walton Place (at Michigan Ave.), Chicago, IL 60611. & 800/55-DRAKE or 312/787-2200. Fax 312/
787-1431. www.thedrakehotel.com. 537 units. $255-$295 double; $335-$430 executive floor; from $600
suite; weekend rates start at $289 with continental breakfast. AE, DC, DISC, MC, V. Valet parking $32 with
in/out privileges. Subway/El: Red Line to Chicago/State. Amenities: 3 restaurants (American, seafood); 2
lounges; fitness center; concierge; business center; shopping arcade (including a Chanel boutique); 24-hr.
room service; in-room massage; laundry service; 24-hr. dry cleaning; executive-level rooms. In room: A/C, TV
w/pay movies, dataport, minibar, coffeemaker, hair dryer, iron.
Hotel Inter-Continental Chicago Newer hotels might be getting all the
attention, but the Hotel Inter-Continental remains a sentimental favorite for
many Chicagoans. Built as an athletic club in 1929, the building's original lobby
features truly grand details: marble columns, hand-stenciled ceilings, and historic