Where to Stay - Chicago 2005 - page 93

working fireplaces, tapestries, and numerous French horns used for fox hunts, is
intimate and inviting—all the better in which to enjoy your complimentary
continental breakfast.
Although comfortable, the rooms aren't quite as distinctive; they also vary in
size, so ask when making reservations. Suites and the hotel's “executive king”
rooms entice with Jacuzzi tubs; suites have separate sitting areas with sofa beds
and dining tables.
20 E. Delaware Place (between Rush and State sts.), Chicago, IL 60611. & 800/TALBOTT or 312/944-4970.
Fax [phone]. www.talbotthotel.com. 149 units. $149-$289 double; $319-$449 suite. AE, DC, DISC, MC,
V. Self-parking $21. Subway/El: Red Line to Chicago/State. Amenities: Lounge; access to nearby health club;
concierge; business services; 24-hr. room service; laundry service; dry cleaning; executive rooms. In room: A/C,
TV, minibar, hair dryer, iron, safe.
Tremont Hotel The Tremont won't dazzle you with style or amenities,
but it fits the bill for anyone looking for a small, European-style hotel. The cozy
lobby (complete with fireplace) makes a fine space to hang out and plan your
itinerary for the day. The guest rooms aren't too big—there's space for a bed, a
desk, and either a sofa or two chairs—but they are cheery, with yellow walls and
large windows. Ask for a room facing Delaware Street if you crave natural light
(rooms in other parts of the hotel look into neighboring buildings). The furni-
ture shows signs of wear, and the bathrooms are fairly basic, but the Tremont
will appeal to anyone who likes their hotels homey rather than slick.
The steak-and-chops restaurant off the lobby, the memorabilia-filled Mike
Ditka's Restaurant (p. 131), is co-owned by the legendary former Chicago Bears
football coach.
100 E. Chestnut St. (1 block west of Michigan Ave.), Chicago, IL 60611. & 800/621-8133 or 312/751-1900.
Fax [phone]. www.tremontchicago.com. 130 units. $119-$279 double; $199-$299 suite. AE, DC, DISC,
MC, V. Valet parking $34. Subway/El: Red Line to Chicago/State. Amenities: Restaurant (American); small
exercise room (and access to nearby health club); concierge; secretarial services; massage; babysitting; dry
cleaning. In room: A/C, TV w/VCR, CD player, minibar, hair dryer, iron, safe.
W Chicago Lakeshore The only hotel in Chicago with a location on
the lake, this property prides itself on being a hip boutique hotel—but sophis-
ticated travelers might feel like it's trying way too hard with dance music play-
ing in the lobby and the black-clad staff members doing their best to be eye
candy. The compact rooms are decorated in deep red, black, and gray—a
scheme that might strike some travelers as gloomy. And although the Asian-
inspired bathrooms are stylish, the wooden shades that separate them from the
bedroom don't make for much privacy. In W-speak, rooms and suites are desig-
nated “wonderful” (meaning standard, with a city view) or “spectacular” (mean-
ing a lake view, for which you'll pay more). I actually prefer the “wonderful”
rooms with their dramatic city views. Of the few boutique hotels in Chicago,
the W Lakeshore has the best location, within easy reach of outdoor activities
(the beach, bike paths, and Navy Pier), restaurants, and nightlife—just don't
take the place too seriously.
The W Lakeshore boasts Wave, a stylish internationally inspired seafood restau-
rant, and Whiskey Sky, the hotel's see-and-be-seen spot designed by Rande Gerber.
644 N. Lake Shore Dr. (at Ontario St.), Chicago, IL 60611. & 877/W-HOTELS or 312/943-9200. Fax
312/255-4411. www.whotels.com. 556 units. $229-$429 double; from $369 suite. AE, DC, DISC, MC, V. Valet
parking $36 with in/out privileges. Subway/El: Red Line to Grand/State. Pets accepted. Amenities: Restau-
rant (Mediterranean); bar; pool; exercise room; concierge; business center; 24-hr. room service; in-room mas-
sage; babysitting; same-day laundry service; dry cleaning. In room:A/C, TV w/VCR and pay movies, CD player,
dataport, minibar, coffeemaker, hair dryer, iron, safe.