Travel Reference
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concierge in a private lounge, where complimentary continental breakfast and
evening hors d'oeuvres and pastries are served. Families often request connect-
ing rooms, one of which has a king bed and the other, two queen-size beds. I'd
also recommend requesting a room on the 20th floor or higher on the east side
for views of both the Chicago River and Lake Michigan. Other good bets are
rooms on the hotel's north side, all of which have river views.
1 W. Wacker Dr. (at State St.), Chicago, IL 60601.
&
800/468-3571
or 312/372-7200. Fax 312/372-0093.
www.renaissancehotels.com. 553 units. $159-$259 double; $189-$289 Club Level double; $500-$2,500
suite. Kids under 12 stay free in parent's room. Rollaways at no charge in Club Lounge rooms only; cribs free.
Weekend rates available. AE, DC, DISC, MC, V. Valet parking $34 with in/out privileges. Subway/El: Brown Line
to State/Lake, or Red Line to Washington/State. Small pets accepted.
Amenities:
Restaurant; lounge; indoor
pool w/skylights; health club w/sauna and whirlpool; concierge; 24-hr. Kinko's business center; salon; 24-hr.
room service; babysitting; laundry service; club-level rooms. In room: A/C, TV w/pay movies and PlayStation,
minibar, coffeemaker, hair dryer, iron, high-speed Internet access, wet bar in some rooms.
MODERATE
Hotel Allegro
For families in search of a fun, light-hearted vibe, the
Kimpton Group's splashy Allegro is a good value. Although its published rates
are similar to those of its sister properties, the Hotel Monaco and Hotel Burn-
ham, the Allegro is far larger and therefore more likely to offer special rates to
fill space, especially on weekends and in the winter. Guests enter a whimsical
lobby that feels like a cartoon with its plush, eclectic, and boldly colorful fur-
nishings, but the overarching theme here is musical entertainment. Adjoining
the hotel is the historic Palace Theatre, a former vaudeville house reopened in
1999 as a venue for first-run Broadway shows. Suites have robes, VCRs, and
two-person Jacuzzi tubs. For a family of three or more, the hotel recommends a
king suite with a two-person Jacuzzi tub; the room includes a living room and
separate bedroom with a king bed.
As befits a place where the concierge wears a stylish leather jacket and the
doorman hums along to the tunes playing on speakers out front, the Allegro
appeals to younger travelers. The hotel's restaurant, 312 Chicago, attracts
nonguests in search of excellent Italian-American cuisine. There's no kids' menu,
but the restaurant is accommodating to families. Like the other Kimpton Group
hotels in Chicago, Hotel Allegro welcomes pets.
171 W. Randolph St. (at LaSalle St.), Chicago, IL 60601.
&
800/643-1500
or 312/236-0123. Fax 312/236-
0917. www.allegrochicago.com. 483 units. $149-$299 double; $225-$399 suite. Kids 17 and under stay free
in parent's room. Rollaways are free available depending on room; cribs free. AE, DC, DISC, MC, V. Valet park-
ing $30 with in/out privileges. Subway/El: All lines to Washington. Pets allowed.
Amenities:
Restaurant;
lounge; exercise room (and access to nearby health club w/indoor pool); concierge; business services; salon;
limited room service; same-day laundry service; dry cleaning. In room: A/C, TV w/pay movies, fax, minibar, hair
dryer, iron, high-speed Internet access (upon request).
Value
2 South Loop
Unlike the area surrounding North Michigan Avenue—the “Mag Mile”—the
South Loop is less about glamour and more about old Chicago. Running the
length of Grant Park, South Michigan Avenue is ideal for a long city stroll, pass-
ing grand museums, imposing architecture, and the park's greenery and statuary.
But although this stretch was once Chicago's most regal hotel row, it's certainly
the worse for wear today. Over the last decade, however, the surrounding neigh-
borhood has been revitalized, with the conversion of industrial buildings into
loft apartments. Old-timers might complain about gentrification, but it's good
news for visitors, who now find more restaurant options and livelier street life.
For families, the proximity to Millennium Park, Grant Park, and State Street
