Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Lakeshore Athletic Club next door. The location is great, too—
just a few blocks from kid-friendly Navy Pier. See p. 45.
•
Hampton Inn & Suites Chicago Downtown
(33 W. Illinois
St.;
&
800/HAMPTON;
www.hamptoninn.com): The Hamp-
ton Inn feels more expensive than it is. The rooms have an
upscale urban look, and the indoor pool is a draw for families.
The hotel's hot breakfast buffet puts the standard coffee-and-
doughnut spread at other motels to shame. See p. 47.
•
Red Roof Inn
(162 E. Ontario St.;
&
800/733-7663;
www.
redroof-chicago-downtown.com): This is your best bet for the
cheapest rates downtown. The rooms don't have much in the
way of style, but it fits the bill if you want a central location and
plan on using your hotel as a place to sleep rather than hang
out. See p. 45.
•
Majestic Hotel
(528 W. Brompton St.;
&
800/727-5108;
www.cityinns.com): This neighborhood hotel is tucked away
on a residential street just a short walk from Wrigley Field and
the lakefront. You won't find lots of fancy amenities, but the
atmosphere here has the personal touch of a B&B. See p. 49.
4 The Most Unforgettable Dining Experiences
•
Charlie Trotter's
(816 W. Armitage Ave.;
&
773/248-6228
):
Charlie Trotter is the city's original celebrity chef, and his inti-
mate restaurant is the first place I steer foodie visitors. The serv-
ice lives up to Trotter's legendary perfectionism; the chef
himself has been known to come out of the kitchen and ask
diners why they didn't finish a certain dish. See p. 75.
•
Alinea
(1723 N. Halsted St.;
&
312/867-0110
): Widely con-
sidered the town's top restaurant of the moment, Alinea has
gotten national press for chef Grant Achatz's revolutionary twist
on contemporary dining. An added bonus: service that's
friendly, not snobby. See p. 74.
•
Gibsons Bar & Steakhouse
(1028 N. Rush St.;
&
312/266-
8999
): This is the kind of place to live large (literally): The por-
tions are enormous, so you're encouraged to share, which adds
to the party atmosphere. See p. 61.
•
foodlife
(Water Tower Place, 835 N. Michigan Ave.;
&
312/
335-3663
): This is my top pick for a quick, affordable, family-
friendly meal downtown. Leaps and bounds beyond the standard
