Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
99
19th floor more than satisfies, with thr ee enormous rooms, including a huge bathr oom
and a large window offering a side view of the river.
320 N. Dearborn St. (on the river), Chicago, IL 60610.
&
800/WESTIN1
(937-8461) or 312/744-1900. Fax
312/527-9650. www.westinchicago.com. 424 units . $199-$350 double; $400-$2,800 suit e. Kids 18 and
under stay free in parent's room. Rollaways $25/night; cribs fr ee. AE, DC, DISC, MC, V. Valet parking $39
with in/out privileges; self-parking $16. Subway/El: Brown, Orange, or Green Line to State/Lake.
Ameni-
ties:
Restaurant (c ontemporary American); lounge; fitness c enter; c oncierge; business c enter; 24-hr .
room service; babysitting; laundry service; same-day dry cleaning.
In room:
A/C, TV w/pay movies and
video games, fax, high-speed Internet access, minibar, coffeemaker, hair dryer, iron, safe.
MODERATE
Best Western River North Hotel
Value
This former motor lodge and cold-storage
structure conceals a very attractive, sharply designed interior that scar cely resembles any
Best Western in which you're likely to have spent the night. One of the few hotels located
right in the midst of one of the busiest nightlife and r estaurant zones in the city, it lies
within easy walking distance of inter esting boutiques and Chicago 's art-gallery district.
Rooms are spacious, and the bathrooms are spotless (though no-frills). One-room suites
have a sitting ar ea, while other suites hav e a separate bedr oom; all suites come with a
sleeper sofa (the F amily Suite has two separate bedr ooms and two bathr ooms). A big
selling point for families is the indoor pool, with an adjoining outdoor oof deck (a small-
ish fitness room looks out onto the pool). The Best Western's reasonable rates will appeal
to families on a budget—and the almost-unhear d-of free parking can add up to signifi-
cant savings for any one who driv es her e 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 312/467-1665.
www.rivernorthhotel.com. 150 units. $159-$199 double; $225-$295 suite. Kids 17 and under stay free in
parent's room. Rollaways $10/night; cribs fr ee. AE, DC, DISC, MC, V. Free parking for guests (1 car per
room) with in/out privileges . Sub way/El: Red Line t o Grand/Stat e.
Amenities:
Restaurant (pizz eria);
lounge; indoor pool w/sun deck; 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.
Hampton Inn & Suites Chicago—Downtown
Value
The Hampton, with its
combination of rooms, two-room suites, and studios, is a smart choice for families. Kids
will appreciate the indoor pool and in-r oom video games and VCRs after a busy day of
sightseeing. You won't have far to go to find dinner: The Hard Rock Cafe and Rainforest
Café are both a few blocks' walk away. Though built in 1998, the hotel still feels brand-
new; the Prairie-style lobby and breakfast lounge give the place a tranquil feel.The rooms
have an urban look, with dar k wood furniture and plush duv ets. Request a room over-
looking Illinois or D earborn streets if y ou crave natural light; most r ooms don't offer
much of a vie w. The standard r ooms include a desk, an armchair and an ottoman; a
studio has a micr owave, sink and minifridge along one wall; and the apar tment-style
suites feature galley kitchens with fridges, microwaves, dishwashers, and cooking utensils,
and a separate bedroom. Nice touches for families include a nightlight in the bathr oom
and clock radios with guides to local radio stations. You won't have to cook breakfast in
your kitchenette—the hotel offers a complimentary breakfast buffet, with two hot items
per day. Off the lobb y is an I talian restaurant, and a second-floor skywalk connects to
Ruth's Chris Steakhouse next door.
33 W. Illinois St. (at Dearborn St.), Chicago, IL 60610.
&
800/HAMPTON
(426-7866) or 312/832-0330. Fax
312/832-0333. www.hamptoninn.com. 230 units. $159-$199 double; $199-$309 suite. Kids 17 and under
stay free in par ent's room. Rollaways $10/night; cribs fr ee. AE, DC, DISC, MC, V. Valet parking $38 with
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