Where to Stay - Chicago - page 45

bar; pool; exercise room; spa; concierge; business center; 24-hr. room service; in-
room massage; babysitting; same-day laundry service; dry cleaning. In room:A/C,
TV/VCR/DVD w/pay movies, high-speed and Wi-Fi Internet access, minibar, cof-
feemaker (on request), hair dryer, iron, safe, CD player.
MODERATE
Chicago City Centre Hotel & Sports Club The
soaring modern atrium lobby is impressive, as is the location east of
the Magnificent Mile and close to the Ohio Street Beach and Navy
Pier. Although the public spaces have the impersonal feel of a con-
ference center, the rooms are cheerily decorated, and the large win-
dows allow sweeping city views from the upper floors. (I recommend
the rooms on the north side of the building, which look toward the
Hancock Building.) But it's the amenities that help this hotel stand
out, making it one of the best values in the city.
Fitness devotees will delight in the fact that the hotel adjoins the
Lakeshore Athletic Club, where guests may enjoy the extensive facil-
ities free of charge (including an indoor pool, fitness classes, and
sauna); you don't even have to go outside to get there. The hotel also
has its own spacious outdoor pool and sun deck; in the summer you
can sit back and enjoy a drink at the outdoor bar, Breezes. (Be fore-
warned, however, that the hotel fills up during summer vacation;
book as far in advance as possible for July-Aug).
300 E. Ohio St. (at Fairbanks Court), Chicago, IL 60611. & 800/HOLIDAY or 312/
787-6100. Fax [phone]. www.chicc.com. 500 units. $109-$270 double. AE,
DC, DISC, MC, V. Self-parking $38. Subway/El: Red Line to Grand. Amenities: 3
restaurants (American, cafe); bar; outdoor and indoor pools; complimentary access
to nearby health club w/whirlpool and sauna; concierge; business center; 24-hr.
room service; babysitting; laundry room; dry cleaning; executive-level rooms.
In room: A/C, TV w/pay movies and video games, high-speed Internet access, cof-
feemaker, hair dryer, iron, safe.
INEXPENSIVE
Red Roof Inn This is your best bet for low-price lodgings
in downtown Chicago. The location is the main selling point: right
off the Magnificent Mile (and within blocks of the Ritz-Carlton and
The Peninsula, where rooms will cost you at least three times as
much). The guest rooms are stark and small, but the linens and car-
peting are clean and relatively new. Ask for a room facing Ontario
Street, where at least you'll get western exposure and some natural
light (rooms in other parts of the hotel look right into neighboring
office buildings). The bathrooms are tiny but spotless. You're not
going to find much in the way of style or amenities here—but then
you don't stay at a place like this to hang out in the lobby (except,
maybe, to sip the free coffee that's available there 24 hr.).

Kids Value

Value