Where to Stay - Chicago - page 47

when the sun goes down. Bathrooms are well appointed with slate
and marble accents and thick robes for lounging.
55 E. Ontario St. (at Rush St.), Chicago, IL 60611. & 877/526-3755 or 312/337-
1000 www.jameshotels.com. 297 units (including 52 studios). $189-$529 double;
$229-$569 studio; $289-$629 loft; $329-$669 apartment; $1,400-$2,000 pent-
house loft. AE, DISC, MC, V. Valet parking $42. Subway/El: Red Line to Grand. Pets
welcome. Amenities: Restaurant (steakhouse); fitness room; concierge; business
center; 24-hr. room service; laundry; dry cleaning. In room:AC, TV w/pay movies, fax,
high-speed Internet access, minibar, coffeemaker, hair dryer, iron, safe, stereo with
iPod/mp3-player dock.
INEXPENSIVE
Best Western River North Hotel This former motor
lodge isn't going to win any design prizes, but it's got some of the
most affordable rates to be found in this busy neighborhood. Rooms
are spacious if rather generic (with comfortable bedding and down
pillows); the bathrooms, though no-frills, are spotless. One-room
suites have a separate sitting area, while other suites have a separate
bedroom; all suites come with a sleeper sofa (the Family Suite has
two separate bedrooms and two bathrooms). A big selling point for
families is the indoor pool, with an adjoining outdoor roof deck (a
small fitness room looks out onto the pool, for parents who want to
work out while the kids splash around). The almost unheard-of free
parking in the hotel's parking lot can add up to significant savings
for anyone who drives here for a visit. There's a 2-night minimum
for weekend stays May through October.
125 W. Ohio St. (at LaSalle St.), Chicago, IL 60610. & 800/528-1234 or 312/
467-0800. Fax [phone]. www.rivernorthhotel.com. 150 units. $159-$199 dou-
ble; $225-$295 suite. AE, DC, DISC, MC, V. Free parking for guests (1 car per room)
with in-out privileges. Subway/El: Red Line to Grand. Amenities: Restaurant (pizze-
ria); lounge; indoor pool; exercise room; room service; laundry service; same-day dry
cleaning. In room: A/C, TV w/pay movies and video games, high-speed and Wi-Fi
Internet access, coffeemaker, hair dryer, iron, safe.

Value Kids

Hampton Inn & Suites Chicago Downtown This
family-friendly hotel manages to appeal to both adults and kids—
the Prairie-style lobby and breakfast lounge give the place a tranquil
feel, while the indoor pool and free hot breakfast are a plus for fam-
ilies. Built in 1998, the hotel still feels brand-new; the rooms have
an urban look, with dark wood furniture and plush duvets. You can
book a standard room, which includes a desk, armchair, and
ottoman; a studio, which has a microwave, sink, and minifridge
along one wall; or a suite, which includes a kitchenette, separate bed-
room, and VCR. The complimentary continental breakfast with two

Value Kids