Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
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spirit, which may be why it attracts a y ounger clientele, with an overall vibe that is laid-
back and friendly rather than so-hip-it-hur ts. (This is Chicago, after all, not N ew York.)
The plush, je wel-toned 1930s F rench D eco decor at the Kimpton G roup's most
upscale Chicago property infuses sizable r ooms resembling theatrical set pieces; eclectic
furnishings include deep-red headboards and green-striped walls, while the lobby—with
its gold decorative accents and zebra-striped chairs—looks like a 1930s-era salon. F ami-
lies will enjoy the suites, some of which adjoin r ooms with two double beds. R ooms on
the top thr ee floors giv e you a vista of the Chicago Riv er and surr ounding skyscrapers.
(If you're taller than average, you can request a Tall Room, with longer beds.) All r ooms
include “meditation stations”—comfy seats tucked into the larger-than-average windows,
which are perfect for taking in the cityscape outside (ask for a river view). The cozy lobby
is the spot for fr ee morning coffee and an ev ening wine r eception. You'll find the con-
cierge happy to help with a list of kid-friendly attractions. And feel fr ee to bring the
family pet along—the hotel has welcomed every creature from parrots to poodles. Make
sure to tell them about y our pet when y ou make a r eservation, as pet food and dog-
walking services are available, too. (The Hotels Burnham and Allegro, sister hotels to the
Monaco, offer similar services for traveling pets.)
225 N. Wabash Ave. (at Wacker Dr.), Chicago, IL 60601. & 800/397-7661 or 312/960-8500. F ax 312/960-
1883. www.monaco-chicago.com. 192 units. $169-$329 double; $279-$429 suit e. Kids 17 and under sta y
free in parent's room. Rollaways and cribs free. AE, DC, DISC, MC, V. Valet parking $38 with in/out privileges.
Subway/El: Brown, Green, or Orange Line to Randolph/Washington or Red Line to State/Lake. Pets allowed.
Amenities: Restaurant (American); small fitness room (and access to nearby health club); concierge; busi-
ness center; 24-hr. room service; in-room massage; babysitting; laundry service; dry cleaning. In room: A/C,
TV w/pay movies, fax, high-speed Internet access, minibar, coffeemaker, hair dryer, iron, safe.
Renaissance Chicago Hotel The Renaissance is the most understated upscale
hotel in the city, located at the top of S tate Street, just across the bridge fr om the Mag-
nificent Mile and steps fr om the Loop's attractions. Although business trav elers are the
Renaissance's bread and butter, I was happy to disco ver that the hotel made a big effor t
to accommodate families trav eling with children. One huge plus: A pool on the four th
floor is open fr om 6:30am to 10pm, with no r estrictions on childr en's use. The hotel's
restaurants offer kids ' menus for br eakfast, lunch, and dinner , serving everything from
French toast to ravioli. PlayStation games on the television can keep kids enter tained.
The hotel embraces its location with bay windows offering stunning views of the river
and the towers of North Michigan Avenue. Standard double rooms include a small sit-
ting area with an armchair and desk; families might pr efer the delux e doubles, which
have much bigger bathr ooms (some with separate sho wers and bathtubs) and two
couches. Club-level rooms, located on the top four floors, are half a room larger and have
their own concierge in a private lounge, where complimentary continental breakfast and
evening hors d'oeuvres are served. Families often request connecting rooms, one of which
has a king-siz e bed; the other , two queen-siz e beds. R equest a riv er vie w for the best
cityscape (corner suites also hav e excellent vie ws of both the Chicago Riv er and Lake
Michigan).
1 W. Wacker Dr. (at State St.), Chicago, IL 60601. & 800/HOTELS-1 (468-3571) or 312/372-7200. Fax 312/
372-0093. www.marriott.com. 553 units . $199-$399 double; $249-$389 club -level double; suit es from
$500. Weekend rat es a vailable. K ids 11 and under sta y free in par ent's room. Rolla ways free in Club
Lounge rooms only; cribs free. AE, DC, DISC, MC, V. Valet parking $40 with in/out privileges . Subway/El:
Brown Line to State/Lake, or Red Line to Washington/State. Small pets accepted. Amenities: Restaurant
(American); lounge; indoor pool w/sk ylights; health club w/sauna and st eam room; concierge; FedEx
Office located in lobb y; 24-hr. room ser vice; babysitting; same -day laundr y ser vice and dr y cleaning;
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