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scarcely 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 restaurant zones in the city, it lies within easy walking distance of
interesting boutiques and Chicago's art-gallery district. Rooms are spacious, and
the bathrooms are spotless (though no-frills). One-room suites have a sitting
area, while other suites have a separate bedroom; all suites come with a sleeper
sofa. The Best Western's reasonable rates and rooftop pool (with sweeping views)
will appeal to families on a budget—and the almost-unheard-of free parking can
add up to significant savings for anyone planning to stay a week or more.
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. $105-$149 double; $250 suite. Kids under 18 stay free in parent's room.
Rollaways $10/night; cribs free. AE, DC, DISC, MC, V. Free parking for guests (1 car per room). Subway/El: Red
Line to Grand/State. Amenities: Restaurant (American); lounge; indoor pool with sun deck; exercise room;
business services; limited room service; laundry service; VIP rooms. In room: A/C, TV w/pay movies and video
games, dataport, minibar, coffeemaker, hair dryer, iron, safe.
Hampton Inn & Suites Chicago—Downtown 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-room 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.
Rooms are residential and warm, with framed collages of vintage Chicago
postcards on the walls. Request a room overlooking Illinois Street if you crave
natural light; most rooms don't offer much of a view. The apartment-style suites
feature galley kitchens with fridges, microwaves, dishwashers, and cooking uten-
sils. You won't have to cook breakfast though, since the hotel offers a compli-
mentary breakfast buffet. Off the lobby is an American diner, 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 or 312/832-0330. Fax 312/832-
0333. www.hamptoninn.com. 230 units. $129-$179 double; $189-$229 suite. Kids under 18 stay free in par-
ent's room. Rollaways $10/night and cribs free. AE, DC, DISC, MC, V. Valet parking $32 with in/out privileges;
self-parking $14 with no in/out privileges. Subway/El: Red Line to Grand/State. Amenities: Restaurant (Amer-
ican diner); indoor pool with sun deck; exercise room w/sauna; business services; room service; laundry
machines. In room: A/C, TV, coffeemaker, hair dryer, iron, safe, high-speed Internet access.
Value
5 The Gold Coast
The Gold Coast begins approximately at Division Street and extends north to
North Avenue, bounded on the west by Clark Street and on the east by the lake.
The area encompasses a short strip of some of the city's priciest real estate along
Lake Shore Drive. From the standpoint of social status, the streets clustered here
are among the finest addresses in Chicago. It's a lovely neighborhood for a stroll
among the graceful town houses and the several lavish mansions that remain,
relics from a glitzier past. The hotels here tend to be upscale without hitting the
peak that some of the nearby Michigan Avenue hotels reach.
To locate these hotels, see the “Central Chicago Accommodations” map on
p. 74.
EXPENSIVE
Omni Ambassador East The ring-a-ding glory days of the Ambassador
East, when stars including Frank Sinatra, Humphrey Bogart, and Liza Minnelli
shacked up here during layovers or touring stops in Chicago, are ancient history.
But even though big-name celebs tend to ensconce themselves at the Peninsula or
Park Hyatt these days, the Ambassador name still evokes images of high glamour
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