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that feels new—without being too trendy—should be satisfied with the rein-
vented Allerton. Because it was built for single men and women, even the suites
aren't that big; families should also ask about adjoining rooms. The Allerton is an
old-time Chicago hotel, so don't expect to find loads of family-friendly amenities
such as a pool or game room. There's a fitness center, but kids aren't allowed.
Rooms, however, might make up for the lack of amenities with their warm and
homey feel. Snag one overlooking Michigan Avenue to get the best views (or at
least stop by the hotel's Renaissance Ballroom for a peek at the Mag Mile).
701 N. Michigan Ave. (at Huron St.), Chicago, IL 60611. & 800/227-6963 outside Illinois or 312/440-1500.
Fax 312/440-1819. www.allertonchi.crowneplaza.com. 443 units. $109-$229 double; $159-$399 suite. Kids
19 and under stay free in parent's room. Rollaways $25/night; cribs free. AE, DC, DISC, MC, V. Valet parking
$34 with in/out privileges. Subway/El: Red Line to Chicago/State. Amenities: Restaurant; lounge; fitness cen-
ter (w/excellent city views); sauna; concierge; business center; 24-hr. room service; laundry service; same-day
dry cleaning. In room: A/C, TV w/pay movies, dataport, minibar, coffeemaker, hair dryer, iron.
Courtyard by Marriott Chicago Downtown Marriott's lower-budget chain
offers families good value in the heart of River North. You're a short walk from
Michigan Avenue, the Loop, and the many theme restaurants of River North,
including the ESPN Zone. The trolley to Navy Pier stops a block from the hotel
(on State St.). Plus, you'll get access to an indoor pool, fitness center (kids 12 and
under must be supervised by an adult), whirlpool, sauna, and sun deck. Guest
rooms are newly renovated and feature granite vanities, high-speed Internet access,
and sofas, some with pull-out beds. Rooms especially good for families include
connecting rooms (both double-bedded and king), and suites that offer a bedroom
plus a sitting room with a sofa bed. The 30 East Café and Lounge offers breakfast
buffet (with a special price of $7 for kids), lunch, dinner, and room service. There's
no kids' menu, but most kids will be able to find something they like among the
kid-friendly, sandwich-and-soup options on the regular menu.
30 E. Hubbard St. (at State St.), Chicago, IL 60611. & 800/321-2211 or 312/329-2500. Fax 312/329-0293.
www.marriott.com. 337 units. $119-$209 double; $159-$400 suite. Kids 18 and under stay free in parent's
room. Rollaway beds and cribs free. AE, DC, DISC, MC, V. Valet parking $33 with in/out privileges; self-park-
ing $21. Subway/El: Red Line to Grand/State. Amenities: Restaurant; lounge; exercise room; indoor pool;
concierge; room service; laundry service and self-service laundry. In room:A/C, TV w/pay movies, dataport,
coffeemaker, hair dryer, iron, high-speed Internet access.
Courtyard by Marriott Chicago Downtown/Magnificent Mile This
brand-new hotel is located in the heart of the Magnificent Mile, just a half-block
east of Michigan Avenue. Sure, it's not the place to indulge in luxuries, but it's
a great choice for families, with a killer location plus that rarest of rarities in
downtown hotels: a brand-new pool, on the 10th floor. There's even a large fit-
ness room with great views. Rooms here are generally larger than at the Court-
yard's sister hotel in River North. Double rooms with two beds feature two
queen beds (not two double beds, which is standard in the industry)—a nice
option for families of four. King suites have a kitchen with a refrigerator and
microwave, plus a pull-out couch in the living area. Rooms offer city views,
some of Michigan Avenue. Another family-friendly feature in the room design
is the shower and bathtub area, which is separate from the vanity and dressing
area, a plus when multiple people are trying to get ready in the morning. The
lobby decor is Art Deco, and the room decor is pretty standard, but everything
is clean and new. An American cafe, Viand Bar & Kitchen, is kid-friendly and
also provides room service. And when mom and dad need a pick-me-up, they
can get a cup of coffee from the Starbucks in the lobby.
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