Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
The rates given in this chapter are
per night and do not include taxes,
which are quite steep at 14.9%, nor
do they take into account any dis-
counts. Prices are always subject to
availability and vary according to day
of the week and seasonally. (The lower
rates tend to be offered Jan-Mar and
on nonholiday weekends.)
1 The Loop
Strictly speaking, “downtown” in Chicago means the Loop—the central busi-
ness district, a 6-by-8-block rectangle enveloped by elevated tracks on all four
sides. An outer circle beyond this literal loop of tracks is bounded on the north
and west by the Chicago River and its south branch, forming an elbow on two
sides; on the east by Michigan Avenue running along the edge of Millennium
Park and Grant Park; and on the south by the Congress Expressway. Within
these confines are the city's financial institutions, trading markets, and munici-
pal government buildings, making for, as you might expect, quite a lot of hustle
and bustle Monday through Friday. Come Saturday and Sunday, however, the
Loop is pretty dead, despite the fact that it is also home to major music and the-
ater venues and is near the Art Institute. On a nice day, it's easy to walk south
from the Loop to the Museum Campus, home to the Field Museum of Natural
History and John G. Shedd Aquarium.
For visitors who want a real “city” experience, the Loop offers dramatic urban
vistas or skyscrapers and a feeling that you're in the center of weekday action.
The Loop has an interesting mix of grand old hotels, such as the Palmer House,
and brash new upstarts, most notably the hip triad run by the West Coast-based
Kimpton Group: the Hotel Burnham, Hotel Monaco, and Hotel Allegro.
Despite their differences, all offer undeniable convenience for families who pre-
fer to be at the center of the city.
VERY EXPENSIVE
Fairmont Hotel
The Fairmont is easily one of the city's most luxurious
hotels, offering an array of deluxe amenities and services. This is the kind of
place that regularly hosts high-level politicians and CEOs (but not rock stars).
The overall effect is chic but a bit impersonal. The entrance looks out on anony-
mous office towers, and you're likely to wander the circular lobby a bit before
finding the check-in desk. Still, families rave about the huge rooms and bend-
over-backwards service; although families aren't the hotel's primary market, you
will be made to feel more than welcome.
The large rooms are decorated in a comfortable, upscale style. (Ask for one
with a lake view, although even the city-view rooms offer some distance from
neighboring offices.) The posh bathrooms feature extra-large tubs, separate van-
ity areas, and swivel TVs. The windows even open (a rarity in high-rise hotels),
so you can enjoy the breeze drifting off Lake Michigan. Suites have one or two
bedrooms, a living room, a dining area, and a built-in bar—and all come with
lake views. You can access Lakeshore Athletic Club without walking outside.
The club has a pool, but unfortunately the club is open to children only after
2pm on Saturday and all day on Sunday. The hotel is connected to the city's
underground pedway system (one of my favorite activities to do with kids),
through which you can walk all the way to Marshall Field's on State Street on
inclement days without stepping outside.
200 N. Columbus Dr. (at Lake St.), Chicago, IL 60601.
&
800/526-2008
or 312/565-8000. Fax 312/856-1032.
www.fairmont.com. 692 units. $129-$389 double; $229-$539 suite. Kids under 18 stay free in parent's room.
