Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
shopping makes the area attractive, particularly when summer music festivals or
holiday shopping is on the agenda.
VERY EXPENSIVE
Hilton Chicago When it erupted onto Michigan Avenue in 1927, this
massive brick-and-stone edifice billed itself as the largest hotel in the world. It
certainly owns one of the most colorful histories of any Chicago hotel. Guests
have included Queen Elizabeth, Emperor Hirohito, and every president since
FDR. The classical-rococo public spaces—including the Versailles-inspired
Grand Ballroom and Grand Stair Lobby—are magnificent, but the rest of the
hotel is firmly entrenched in the present. The hotel is a solid choice for families:
There's plenty of space to wander, and it's close to all of the major museums and
Grant Park (great for when the kids need to burn off some energy). Even better,
there's a heated swimming pool and a fitness center with a whirlpool and sauna,
all open to kids.
Some rooms are on the small side, but all are comfortable and warm, and many
of the standard rooms have two bathrooms—great for families. Adjoining rooms
are available; ask when you call for reservations. The views from those higher up
facing Michigan Avenue offer a sweeping view of Grant Park and the lake. The
hotel's Tower section offers a separate registration area, upgraded amenities
(including robes, fax machines, and VCRs), and a lounge open from 6am to
11pm, serving complimentary continental breakfast and evening hors d'oeuvres
and cocktails (you'll pay about $50 above the standard rate for these rooms).
720 S. Michigan Ave. (at Balbo Dr.), Chicago, IL 60605. & 800/HILTONS or 312/922-4400. Fax 312/922-
5240. www.chicagohilton.com. 1,544 units. $124-$324 double; from $139-$339 junior suite. Kids 18 and
under stay free in parent's room. Rollaways $25/stay; cribs $25/stay. AE, DC, DISC, MC, V. Valet parking $32;
self-parking $29. Subway/El: Red Line to Harrison/State. Amenities: 4 restaurants; 2 lounges; indoor pool;
health club w/indoor track, hot tubs, sauna, and steam room; concierge; business center; 24-hr. room service;
massage; babysitting; laundry service; 24-hr. dry cleaning. In room: A/C, TV w/pay movies, dataport, minibar,
coffeemaker, hair dryer, iron.
INEXPENSIVE
Travelodge Chicago Downtown You won't be reveling in luxury, but
Travelodge promises and delivers neat, clean rooms at reasonable prices. The
hotel's location near the Loop and Museum Campus is excellent: You are half a
block from Grant Park and all the summer festivals, and only 4 blocks from the
Field Museum. This 12-story hotel is one of few budget lodgings you'll find in
the heart of the Loop. The hotel was built in 1925 as the Harrison Hotel, and
for many years was one of the premier hotels in the city. Ever since Travelodge
acquired the property, they've been promoting it as “a touch of old Chicago” and
working to restore the property. To date, all guest rooms and the lobby have
been renovated.
Families should request one of the “Sleepy Bear Den” rooms, which offer pri-
vacy for parents and for kids—but not too much privacy. The room is separated
into two areas with an archway: On one side is a king bed for the parents, and
on the other side is a double bed for the kids, specially decorated with whimsi-
cal curtains and bedding. Each side has its own television and VCR; the kids'
side is stocked with children's movies. Also included are a microwave and refrig-
erator. Other rooms suitable for families offer two beds and two bathrooms.
There's no pool, but two restaurants cater to families: Chicago Carry-Out offers
full breakfasts and sandwiches, and Charming Wok offers inexpensive Chinese
fare from 11am to 11pm.
Value
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