Where to Stay - Chicago 2005 - page 97

Westin Chicago River North Geared to upscale business travelers,
the Westin Chicago River North has an understated, modern feel that will
appeal to those looking for a quiet retreat. The hotel still retains traces of its pre-
vious incarnation as the Japanese-owned Hotel Nikko, with a Zen rock garden
at the rear of the lobby and bamboo growing beside one of the lobby's staircases;
the lobby's Hana Lounge also offers a sushi menu.
Rooms are handsome, with furniture and artwork that give them a residential
feel. New beds were added in 2000. For the best view, get a room facing south,
overlooking the Chicago River. For those who feel like splurging, a suite on the
19th floor more than satisfies, with three enormous rooms, including a huge
bathroom and a large window offering a side view of the river.
Although the Westin River North has the personality of a business hotel, it
has made an effort to be family-friendly; especially notable are the many baby
and toddler accessories available to guests, from bottle warmers and cribs to
night lights and electrical outlet covers. Older kids can while away the hours
with in-room PlayStation.
320 N. Dearborn St. (on the river), Chicago, IL 60610. & 800/WESTIN1 or 312/744-1900. Fax [phone].
www.westinchicago.com. 424 units. $199-$498 double; $419-$2,800 suite; weekend rates $199-$249. AE,
DC, DISC, MC, V. Valet parking $34 with in/out privileges; self-parking $16. Subway/El: Brown, Orange, or
Green line to State/Lake. Amenities: Restaurant (contemporary American); lounge; fitness center; concierge;
business center; 24-hr. room service; babysitting; laundry service, same-day dry cleaning. In room: A/C, TV
w/pay movies and video games, fax, dataport, minibar, coffeemaker, hair dryer, iron.
MODERATE
Best Western River North Hotel This former motor lodge and cold-
storage structure conceals a very attractive, sharply designed interior that scarcely
resembles any Best Western in which you're likely to have spent the night. One
of the few hotels located right in the midst of one of the busiest nightlife and
restaurant zones in the city, the Best Western lies within easy walking distance of
interesting boutiques and Chicago's art-gallery district. Rooms are spacious, and
the bathrooms, though no-frills, are spotless. One-room suites have a sitting area,
while other suites have a separate bedroom; all suites come with a sleeper sofa.
The Best Western's reasonable rates and rooftop pool (with sweeping views) will
appeal to families on a budget—and the almost unheard-of free parking can add
up to significant savings for anyone planning to stay a week or more.
125 W. Ohio St. (at LaSalle St.), Chicago, IL 60610. & 800/528-1234 or 312/467-0800. Fax [phone].
www.rivernorthhotel.com. 150 units. $105-$149 double; $250 suite. AE, DC, DISC, MC, V. Free parking for
guests (1 car per room). Subway/El: Red Line to Grand/State. Amenities: Restaurant (American); lounge;
indoor pool with sun deck; exercise room; secretarial services; limited room service; laundry service. In room:
AC, TV w/pay movies and video games, dataport, coffeemaker, hair dryer, iron, safe.
Hampton Inn & Suites Chicago Downtown While the
Hampton Inn does attract some business travelers on a budget, it is mainly a
family hotel. You can book a room, a two-room suite, or a studio; most don't
have much in the way of views, but request one overlooking Illinois Street if you
crave natural light. Rooms are residential and warm, with framed collages of vin-
tage Chicago postcards on the walls. The apartment-style suites feature galley
kitchens with fridges, microwaves, dishwashers, and cooking utensils. An Amer-
ican diner is located off the lobby, and a second-floor skywalk connects to Ruth's
Chris Steak House next door. Guests with children will appreciate the indoor
pool (the suites have VCRs, for when the little ones need to chill out after a busy
day). Children under 18 stay free in parent's room, and there is a complimen-
tary buffet breakfast each morning.

Kids

Value

Kids Value