Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
90
families, but the lack of a pool, game r oom, or other kid-friendly amenities (many of
which its competitors offer) may be a negativ e. Still, plenty of families hav e made it a
tradition to stay here.
Parents will be happy to know that the typical room is generous in size and furnished
comfortably with a separate sitting area; some have two bathrooms. The lakeview rooms
are lovely, and—no surprise—you'll pay more for them. B e forewarned that “city view”
rooms on lower floors look out onto another building, so you'll probably be keeping your
drapes shut.
Even if you don't stay at the hotel, take your older kids to the lavishly decorated Palm
Court for afternoon tea, which is accompanied b y a harpist. The hotel 's r estaurants
include Drake Bros., an upscale r estaurant with gr eat vie ws of the lake and M ichigan
Avenue; the Cape Cod Room, an old-time-style local favorite for seafood; and Coq d'Or,
one of Chicago's most atmospheric piano bars. All of the r estaurants have kids' menus.
140 E. Walton Place (at M ichigan Ave.), Chicago, IL 60611.
&
800/55-DRAKE
(553-7253) or 312/787-
2200. Fax 312/787-1431. w ww.thedrakehotel.com. 535 units . $199-$425 double; $279-$495 ex ecutive
floor; from $545 suite. Kids 18 and under stay free in parent's room. Rollaways and cribs free. AE, DC, DISC,
MC, V. Valet parking $32 with in/out privileges. Subway/El: Red Line to Chicago/State.
Amenities:
3 res-
taurants (American, steakhouse, seafood); 2 lounges; fitness center; concierge; business center; shopping
arcade (including a Chanel boutique); barbershop; 24-hr . room service; in-room massage; bab ysitting;
laundry service; 24-hr. dry cleaning; executive-level rooms.
In room:
A/C, TV w/pay movies, high-speed
Internet access, minibar, coffeemaker, hair dryer, iron.
Hilton Suites Chicago/Magnificent Mile
This full-service all-suite hotel is a
very good choice for families seeking something with a little less star ch. Best of all is its
location: just off the Mag Mile and next door to the Hancock Building and Water Tower
Place. Suites might not be huge, but they're warm, inviting, and immaculate to boot. All
include a separate living r oom (with pullout sofa) and bedr oom. The price depends on
bed size, floor (some have spectacular lake views), and furnishings. The hotel doesn't feel
that differ ent fr om other H ilton Suites pr operties, but that consistency might be just
what some people are looking for.
The hotel's high spot—literally—is the fitness center on the 30th floor , with a pool
that's surrounded by stunning vie ws of N avy Pier and the M agnificent Mile; kids ar e
welcome at both. (Stop by on a summer Wed or Sat evening for a great view of the fire-
works at Navy Pier.) The hotel also is home to Mrs. Park's Tavern, a family-friendly place
featuring creative American far e. The restaurant has a kids ' menu and side walk seating
that offers prime people-watching in the shado w of the John Hancock building.
198 E. Dela ware Place, Chicago, IL 60611.
&
800/HILTON1
(445-8661) or 312/664-1100. F ax 312/664-
8627. www.hilton.com. 345 units. $159-$229 double. Kids 17 and under sta y free in parent's room. No
rollaways (sofa beds in ev ery suite); cribs free. AE, DC, DISC, MC, V. Valet parking $50 with in/out privi-
leges. Subway/El: Red Line t o Chicago/State.
Amenities:
Restaurant; lounge; indoor pool; fitness r oom;
hot tub; sauna; concierge; business center; 24-hr. room service; babysitting; laundry room; dry cleaning;
free high-speed Internet access in public spaces.
In room:
A/C, TV w/pay movies, dataport, minibar, fridge,
coffeemaker, hair dryer, iron.
InterContinental Chicago
4
Newer hotels might get all the attention, but the
InterContinental remains a sentimental fav orite for many Chicagoans, ranking right up
there with The Drake in our affections. B uilt as the M edinah Athletic Club in 1929, the
building's original lobby features truly grand details: marble columns, hand-stenciled ceil-
ings, and historic tapestries. The addition of a drab, impersonal modern tower in the 1960s
added mor e r ooms but gav e the I nterContinental a some what schiz ophrenic quali ty. A
