Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
82
MODERATE
Hotel Allegro
Value
For families in search of a fun, light-hearted vibe, the Kimp-
ton Group's splashy Allegr o is a good v alue. Although its published rates ar e similar to
those of its sister properties, the Hotel Monaco and Hotel Burnham (both listed above),
the Allegro is far larger and ther efore more likely to offer special rates to fill space, espe-
cially on w eekends and in the winter . Guests enter a lobb y with plush, boldly color ed
furnishings. That whimsical first impr ession segues into the cheer y, pink-walled guest
rooms. Most rooms are small (without much space beyond the bed, an armoire, and one
chair), but manage to feel cozy rather than cramped; the compact bathr ooms, annoy-
ingly, have only pedestal sinks—meaning minimal counter space for kids ' toothbrushes
and mom's makeup. Suites have separate bathrooms and foldout couches that come with
robes and two-person Jacuzzi tubs. For a family of three or more, the hotel recommends
a king suite with a J acuzzi tub; the r oom includes a living r oom and separate bedr oom
with a king-size bed.
As befits a place where the doorman hums along to the tunes playing on speakers out
front, the Allegr o appeals to y ounger trav elers. The hotel 's r estaurant, 312 Chicago,
attracts nonguests in sear ch of ex cellent Italian cuisine. There's no kids ' menu, but the
restaurant is accommodating to families. Like the other Kimpton G roup hotels in Chi-
cago, Hotel Allegro welcomes pets. If your family is in town to catch some theater, make
sure to ask about the Allegr o's access to exclusive seats for high-profile downtown shows
and its special theater packages.
171 W. Randolph St. (at LaSalle St.), Chicago, IL 60601.
&
800/643-1500
or 312/236-0123. Fax 312/236-
0917. www.allegrochicago.com. 483 units. $149-$299 double; $225-$399 suit e. Kids 17 and under sta y
free in parent's room. Rollaways free depending on r oom; cribs free. AE, DC, DISC, MC, V. Valet parking
$30 with in/out privileges . Sub way/El: All lines t o Washington. P ets allo wed.
Amenities:
Restaurant
(northern Italian); lounge; exercise room (and access to nearby health club w/indoor pool f or $10/day);
concierge; business ser vices; salon; limit ed r oom ser vice; same -day laundr y ser vice; dr y cleaning .
In
room:
A/C, TV w/pay movies, free high-speed Internet access, minibar, coffeemaker, hair dryer, iron.
4
2
SOUTH LOOP
Unlike the ar ea surr ounding N orth M ichigan A venue—the “M ag M ile”—the S outh
Loop is less about glamour and mor e about old Chicago . Running the length of G rant
Park, S outh M ichigan Avenue is ideal for a long city str oll, passing grand museums,
imposing architecture, and the park's greenery and statuary. But although this stretch was
once Chicago's most regal hotel row, it's certainly the worse for wear today. Over the past
decade, however, the surr ounding neighborhood has been r evitalized, with the conv er-
sion of industrial buildings into loft apar tments. O ld-timers might complain about
gentrification, but it's good news for visitors, who now find more restaurant options and
livelier street life. For families, the proximity to Millennium Park, Grant Park, and State
Street shopping makes the ar ea attractive, particularly when summer music festiv als or
holiday shopping is on the agenda.
VERY EXPENSIVE
Hilton Chicago
When it erupted onto Michigan Avenue in 1927, this massive
brick-and-stone edifice billed itself as the largest hotel in the world. It certainly owns one
