Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Hotel Monaco
More California-chic than French Riviera-suave, this
playful 14-story boutique hotel greets guests with derby-hatted doormen, funky
house music, and a goldfish for your room that comes with its own name. (Nat-
urally, the ability to acquire a personal goldfish tends to be kids' favorite aspect
of this hotel.) Given the hotel's playful spirit, it attracts a younger clientele, with
an overall vibe that is laid-back and friendly rather than so-hip-it-hurts. (This is
Chicago, after all, not New York.)
The plush, jewel-toned 1930s French Deco decor at the Kimpton Group's
most upscale Chicago property infuses sizable rooms resembling theatrical set
pieces—eclectic furnishings include Deco armoires, mahogany writing desks, and
marshmallow-soft beds. The lack of a pool is somewhat compensated for by the
luxurious Jacuzzi bathtubs. Families enjoy the suites, some of which adjoin rooms
with two double beds. (For your wannabe Mick Jagger, there's a “Party Like a
Rock Star” suite with a Sony 52-disc CD player, rock costume replicas, an elec-
tric guitar and amplifier, concert photographs of rock icons, and a 19-in. TV set
that appears to have been thrown through the window.) Rooms on the top three
floors give you a vista of the Chicago River and surrounding skyscrapers. The
cozy lobby is the spot for free morning coffee and an evening wine reception.
You'll find the concierge happy to help with a list of kid-friendly attractions. And
feel free to bring the family pet along—the hotel has welcomed every creature
from parrots to poodles. Make sure to tell them about your pet when you make
a reservation, as pet food and dog walking services are available, too.
225 N. Wabash Ave. (at Wacker Dr.), Chicago, IL 60601.
&
800/397-7661
or 312/960-8500. Fax 312/960-
1883. www.monaco-chicago.com. 192 units. $139-$299 double; $279-$429 suite. Kids 17 and under stay
free in parent's room. Rollaways and cribs free. AE, DC, DISC, MC, V. Valet parking $28 with in/out privileges.
Subway/El: Brown, Green, or Orange Line to Randolph/Washington or Red Line to State/Lake. Pets allowed.
Amenities:
Restaurant (South Water Kitchen, p. 111); fitness room (and access to nearby health club);
concierge; business center; 24-hr. room service; in-room massage; babysitting; laundry service; dry cleaning.
In room: A/C, TV w/pay movies, fax, dataport, minibar, coffeemaker, hair dryer, iron.
Hotel 71
The city's newest hotel is actually a complete renovation of a
rather drab 1950-era high-rise. The spacious rooms are the draw for families
here—they're among the largest in the city, and a bargain at the price. Don't let the
boring exterior fool you. With over 400 rooms and 30-plus stories, Hotel 71 is too
big to be considered a “boutique” hotel, but it is filled with unique touches that
reflect the boutique sensibility. The rather cramped lobby has a nightclub look,
with black curtains covering the walls and atmospheric trance music wafting from
the stereo system. By contrast, the rooms are bright and cheery, and the decor is
brand-new, with yellow-checked linens and curtains and spotless white bath-
rooms. Rooms have well-lit work desks and minibars stocked with gourmet treats
from Dean & DeLuca (keep it locked to prevent the kids from charging up a
storm!). Rooms on the north side of the hotel overlook the Chicago River and
have the best views. Request a room on the west end of the building for a gorgeous
northwest view down the river and across to the Magnificent Mile. Suites come
with either a living room or meeting room and a bedroom down the hall (One
negative: The bathrooms are actually smaller than those in the regular rooms), but
a family of three or four could fit into a standard room with two queen beds.
71 E. Wacker Dr. (at Wabash Ave.), Chicago, IL 60601.
&
800/621-4005
or 312/346-7100. Fax 312/346-
1721. www.hotel71.com. 454 units. $149-$249 double. Kids under 18 stay free in parent's room. Rollaways
$30/night; cribs free. Weekend rates available. AE, DC, DISC, MC, V. Valet parking $32 with in/out privileges.
Subway/El: Brown, Green, or Orange Line to Randolph/Wabash, or Red Line to Washington/State.
Amenities:
Restaurant; fitness room; concierge; business services; 24-hr. room service; laundry service; dry cleaning. In
room: A/C, TV, minibar, hair dryer, iron, CD player, high-speed Internet access.
