Where to Stay - Chicago - page 44

hotels. The cozy, wood-lined lobby has the secluded, intimate feel of
a private English club, with roaring fireplaces in the winter and
leather couches perfect for curling up with a cup of tea. Proprietor
Basil Kromelow takes a keen personal interest in the hotel's decor:
Most of the gorgeous antiques strewn throughout are purchases from
Kromelow's European shopping trips.
The larger-than-average rooms—which were completely reno-
vated in 2006—are decorated in soothing neutral tones, with furni-
ture chosen for its residential feel (such as carved-wood desks),
European linens, and plasma TVs. Perhaps surprising for a property
that feels so traditional, the Talbott is also at the forefront of guest-
service technology; the lights turn on automatically when guests
enter their rooms, and a high-tech sensor system shows housekeep-
ing when a room is occupied—so no one will barge in to make up
your room while you're enjoying a late-morning sleep-in.
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.
$169-$449 standard kings; $260-$671 suites. AE, DC, DISC, MC, V. Valet parking
$40 with in-out privileges; self-parking $30. Subway/El: Red Line to Chicago. Ameni-
ties: Restaurant (Italian), lounge; complimentary access to nearby health club;
concierge; business services; 24-hr. room service; laundry service; dry cleaning.
In room: A/C, TV, high-speed and Wi-Fi Internet access, minibar, coffeemaker, hair
dryer, iron, safe.
W Chicago Lakeshore If you've had your fill of cookie-cut-
ter chain hotels, the W has a fun, relaxed vibe that appeals to
younger travelers. The compact rooms are decorated in deep red,
black, and gray—some visitors have told me they find the color
scheme gloomy, while others think it's a welcome change from the
sterile, neutral decor that fills so many other hotels. Although the
Asian-inspired bathrooms are stylish, the wooden shades that sepa-
rate them from the bedroom don't make for much privacy. In W-
speak, rooms and suites are designated “wonderful” (meaning
standard, with a city view) or “spectacular” (meaning a lake view, for
which you'll pay more). I actually prefer the “wonderful” rooms with
their dramatic city views. Although the W boasts of being the only
hotel in Chicago with a location on the lake, it is separated from the
water by busy Lake Shore Drive, so don't expect to step onto a sandy
beach from the lobby. Still, the hotel is within easy reach of the lake-
front walking paths and tourist magnet Navy Pier.
644 N. Lake Shore Dr. (at Ontario St.), Chicago, IL 60611. & 877/W-HOTELS or 312/
943-9200. Fax [phone]. www.whotels.com. 520 units. $219-$429 double;
from $399 suite. AE, DC, DISC, MC, V. Valet parking $44 with in-out privileges. Sub-
way/El: Red Line to Grand. Pets accepted. Amenities: Restaurant (Mediterranean);