Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
in these parts. For the past 50 years, celebrities who have come to town to mingle
with Chicago's Gold Coast society have done so most publicly from the revered
Booth One in the ritzy Pump Room restaurant. Less pricey than the Peninsula or
Park Hyatt, and located on a beautiful tree-lined street in the Gold Coast, the
Omni East is a good choice for families looking for accommodations near, but not
on, the Magnificent Mile.
The Ambassador suffered a slow decline in the 1960s and 1970s, which didn't
turn around until 1986, when Omni bought and renovated the property. Today,
after a recent second face-lift, the Ambassador East has reclaimed its strut and
splendor. Rooms have been spruced up; bathrooms feature the usual higher-end
amenities. Executive suites have separate sitting areas, but most extravagant is
the Presidential Suite, which boasts a canopied terrace and marble fireplace. If
money's no object, families will want to go for celebrity suites (named for the
stars who've crashed in them), each with a separate bedroom, two bathrooms, a
small kitchen, and dining room. The Ambassador East offers a Kids' Program
and makes an extra effort for guests with disabilities, offering equipment such as
TDD telephones and strobe fire alarms for hearing-impaired guests.
1301 N. State Pkwy. (1 block north of Division St.), Chicago, IL 60610. & 800/843-6664 or 312/787-7200.
Fax 312/787-4760. www.omnihotels.com. 285 units. $160-$200 double; $259-$799 suite. Kids 18 and under
stay free in parent's room. Rollaways and cribs free. AE, DC, DISC, MC, V. Valet parking $34 with in/out priv-
ileges. Subway/El: Red Line to Clark/Division. Amenities: Restaurant; small fitness room (and access to
nearby health club); concierge; business services; 24-hr. room service; babysitting; 24-hr. laundry service; dry
cleaning. In room: A/C, TV w/pay movies, dataport, minibar, coffeemaker, hair dryer, iron.
MODERATE
The Claridge If a modest, cost-effective option in a lovely setting
within walking distance of both Michigan Avenue and Lincoln Park's many
attractions sounds pretty good to you, look into the Claridge. Ask for a room
above the eighth floor that overlooks the tree-lined street (kings and double-
doubles are spacious and sunny); avoid at all cost the dark “king superior”
rooms, which look onto the fire escape. Some deluxe accommodations have sit-
ting areas, and three executive suites on the 14th floor have working fireplaces.
The Claridge won't overwhelm you with facilities; the hotel's restaurant and
bar are both quite small. Where this small hotel really wins its Brownie points is
for the very pleasant staff and nice touches. Kids will love the freshly baked
cookies at turndown. In the lobby there's a small sitting area where your family
can enjoy a complimentary hot breakfast buffet. The surrounding neighborhood
of elegant town houses makes a great place for a stroll—without the traffic and
noise of other downtown neighborhoods.
1244 N. Dearborn Pkwy. (1 block north of Division St.), Chicago, IL 60610. & 800/245-1258 or 312/787-
4980. Fax 312/266-0978. www.claridgehotel.com. 163 units. $175-$250 double; $475-$750 suite. Kids
under 18 stay free in parent's room. Rollaways and cribs free. AE, DC, DISC, MC, V. Valet parking $34 with
in/out privileges. Subway/El: Red Line to Clark/Division. Pets accepted. Amenities: Restaurant; lounge; exer-
cise room; concierge; business services; limited room service; laundry service; same-day dry cleaning. In room:
A/C, TV w/pay movies, dataport, minibar, coffeemaker, hair dryer, iron.
Finds
6 Lincoln Park & the North Side
If you prefer the feel of living amid real Chicagoans in a residential neighbor-
hood, several options await you in Lincoln Park and farther north. Not only do
these hotels tend to be more affordable than those closer to downtown, but they
also provide a different vantage point from which to view Chicago. If you stay
at the Majestic Hotel or the City Suites Hotel, for example, you can join the
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