Where to Stay - Chicago 2005 - page 94

Whitehall Hotel Staying here is like visiting a wealthy, sophisticated
aunt's town house: elegant but understated, welcoming but not effusive. Before
the Four Seasons and Ritz-Carlton entered the picture, the patrician Whitehall
reigned as Chicago's most exclusive luxury hotel, with rock stars and Hollywood
royalty dropping by when in town. Although those glory days have passed, the
independently owned Whitehall still attracts a devoted clientele who relish its
subdued ambience and highly personalized service.
Since this is an older property, the hallways are quite narrow and the bath-
rooms are small. But the rooms are spacious and bright, with new furniture.
Rooms on the north side of the building come with a wonderful straight-on
view of the Hancock Building, with Lake Michigan sparkling in the back-
ground. “Pinnacle Level” rooms are the same size as standard rooms, but come
with extra amenities, including four-poster beds (with luxury linens), irons and
ironing boards, fax machines, and umbrellas; Pinnacle guests also receive com-
plimentary breakfasts.
The hotel's restaurant, Molive, offers an eclectic American menu with Cali-
fornian, Mediterranean, and Asian accents. The covered, heated sun porch
attracts outdoor diners all year round. And don't miss the hotel's dimly lit,
clubby bar, which hasn't changed since the hotel opened in 1928 (ask the staff
to point out Katharine Hepburn's favorite seat).
105 E. Delaware Place (west of Michigan Ave.), Chicago, IL 60611. & 800/948-4255 or 312/944-6300. Fax
312/944-8552. www.slh.com/whitehall. 221 units. $179-$279 double; from $500 suite; weekend packages
from $199. AE, DC, DISC, MC, V. Valet parking $31 with in/out privileges. Subway/El: Red Line to
Chicago/State. Amenities: Restaurant (American); lounge; exercise room (and access to nearby health club
for an extra charge); concierge; business center (for upper floors); 24-hr. room service; babysitting; laundry
service; dry cleaning; club floors. In room: A/C, TV w/pay movies, dataport, minibar, hair dryer, safe.
MODERATE
Allerton Crowne Plaza A historic hotel that received a fairly bland
makeover, the Allerton appeals to travelers who prefer lodgings that are brand
spanking new. Built in 1924 as a “club hotel,” providing permanent residences
for single men and women, the Allerton has been converted into the flagship
hotel of the Crowne Plaza chain. The Italian Renaissance-inspired exterior has
been painstakingly restored to its original dark-red brickwork and stone carvings
and limestone base. Too bad the distinctive exterior style wasn't replicated inside.
The rooms have a generic chain-hotel feel, and because the hotel originally was
built for single men and women, the rooms are fairly small (even the suites).
Still, all the rooms and public areas have a warm and homey feel. Snag one over-
looking Michigan Avenue to get the best views (or at least stop by the hotel's
Renaissance Ballroom for a peek at the Mag Mile).
701 N. Michigan Ave. (at Huron St.), Chicago, IL 60611. & 800/621-8311 outside Illinois, or 312/440-1500.
Fax [phone]. www.allertonchi.crowneplaza.com. 443 units. $109-$299 double; $159-$359 suite. AE,
DC, DISC, MC, V. Valet parking $34 with in/out privileges. Subway/El: Red Line to Chicago/State. Amenities:
Restaurant (American); lounge; fitness center (w/excellent city views); sauna; concierge; business center; 24-
hr. room service; laundry service; same-day dry cleaning. In room: A/C, TV w/pay movies, dataport, minibar,
coffeemaker, hair dryer, iron.
Holiday Inn-Chicago City Centre Enter the soaring modern
atrium, with its vases of blooming fresh flowers, and you won't believe that this
place is kin to Holiday Inn's assembly-line roadside staples. Its location is a nice
surprise as well: east of the Magnificent Mile and close to the Ohio Street Beach
and Navy Pier. Although the rooms are pretty basic, the amenities make this one
of the best values in the city.

Kids Value