Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
show. Most employees seem to hail from exotic French-speaking locales such as
Morocco, giving the hotel an international flair that you won't find in most of
Chicago's hotels. Foreign-language magazines are scattered on tables throughout
the lobby.
Of the 415 rooms, 55 are suites that offer pullout sofas and striking views of
the lake and city. (To comfortably fit a crib in the room, you'll want a suite.) Up
to two children can stay in a room for no extra charge—try a suite or a standard
room with two double beds. And speaking of beds, they're outfitted with fabu-
lously fluffy and inviting duvets. Closets are spacious, and the bathtub is stocked
with candles and fresh flowers. Babysitting services are available upon request,
and little guests receive their own Sofitel teddy bear.
20 E. Chestnut St. (at Wabash St.), Chicago, IL 60611.
&
800/SOFITEL
or 312/324-4000. Fax 312/324-4026.
www.sofitel.com. 415 units. $199-$459 double; $459-$599 suite. Kids under 18 stay free in parent's room.
No rollaways; cribs free. AE, DC, DISC, MC, V. Valet parking $35. Subway/El: Red Line to Chicago/State. Small
pets accepted.
Amenities:
Restaurant (French cafe); bar; fitness center; concierge; business center; 24-hr.
room service; babysitting; laundry service; same-day dry cleaning. In room: A/C, TV w/pay movies, fax, mini-
bar, coffeemaker, hair dryer, iron, high-speed Internet access.
EXPENSIVE
Doubletree Guest Suites
This full-service all-suite hotel is a very good
choice for families seeking something with a little less starch. Best of all is its
location: just off the Mag Mile and next door to the Hancock Building and
Water Tower Place.
Suites might not be huge, but they're warm, inviting, and immaculate to
boot. All feature a separate living room (with pullout sofa) and bedroom. The
price depends on bed size, floor (some have spectacular lake views), and fur-
nishings. The hotel doesn't feel that different from other Doubletree properties,
but that consistency might be just what some people are looking for.
The homespun service and little touches are what count here: fresh flowers in
the lobby and freshly baked chocolate-chip cookies presented to guests on
check-in. The hotel's high spot—literally—is the fitness center on the 30th
floor, with a pool that's surrounded by stunning views of Navy Pier and the
Magnificent Mile; kids are welcome at both. (Stop by on a summer Wed or Sat
evening for a great view of the fireworks at Navy Pier). The hotel also is home
to Mrs. Park's Tavern, a family-friendly place featuring creative American fare.
The restaurant has a kids' menu and sidewalk seating that offers prime people-
watching in the shadow of the John Hancock building.
198 E. Delaware Place, Chicago, IL 60611.
&
800/222-TREE
or 312/664-1100. Fax 312/664-8627. www.
doubletreehotels.com. 345 units. $109-$309 double. Kids under 18 stay free in parent's room. No rollaways
(sofa beds in every suite); cribs free. AE, DC, DISC, MC, V. Valet parking $34 with in/out privileges. Subway/El:
Red Line to Chicago/State.
Amenities:
Restaurant; lounge; indoor pool; fitness room; hot tub; sauna;
concierge; business center; 24-hr. room service; babysitting; laundry room; dry cleaning. In room: A/C, TV
w/pay movies, dataport, minibar, fridge, coffeemaker, hair dryer, iron.
The Drake
If ever the term “grande dame” fit a hotel, it fits The Drake.
Fronting East Lake Shore Drive with a prominent rooftop marquee that has a
signature on the city's skyline, the landmark building opened in 1920 and soon
became one of the city's finest hotels. Although it's owned by Hilton, longtime
Chicagoans still think of The Drake with possessive pride; it's our version of
New York's Plaza or Paris's Ritz.
For all its old-time glamour, the hotel seems a bit of a dowager when com-
pared to gleaming newer upscale hotels such as the Park Hyatt or Peninsula
(both reviewed earlier in this chapter), but this, of course, is part of The Drake's
