Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
“Venetian” style, with mosaics, marble columns, and painted tiles. Also be sure to
ask about the “Kids in Tow” family package when making your reservation. Upon
check-in, kids are presented with a backpack containing a T-shirt and other good-
ies, a coupon for a free in-room movie, and a 50% discount on all kids' meals in
the hotel. Complimentary parking is part of the package, as are the milk and
cookies that will be delivered to your room at turndown time.
The hotel's restaurant, Zest, is the only street-level restaurant on Michigan
Avenue, and it offers a kids' menu. (Try to grab a table by the front windows to
enjoy the never-ending street scene.)
505 N. Michigan Ave. (at Grand Ave.), Chicago, IL 60611.
&
800/327-0200
or 312/944-4100. Fax 312/944-
1320. www.chicago.intercontinental.com. 807 units. $249-$350 double; $500-$3,000 suite; weekend and
promotional rates from $145. Kids under 18 stay free in parent's room. Rollaways available in historic South
tower only for $25/night; cribs free. AE, DC, DISC, MC, V. Valet parking $27-$34 with in/out privileges. Sub-
way/El: Red Line to Grand/State.
Amenities:
Restaurant; 2 lounges; indoor pool; fitness center w/sauna;
concierge; business center; 24-hr. room service; massage; babysitting; laundry service; same-day dry cleaning;
executive rooms. In room: A/C, TV w/pay movies, dataport, minibar, coffeemaker, hair dryer, iron.
Le Méridien
Tucked into the back of Westfield North Bridge mall, Le
Méridien is a fairly recent addition to the competitive high-end Chicago hotel
market, and it seems the general public has yet to discover it. I'd recommend it
for families seeking a luxurious option in the wintertime, thanks to the conven-
ience of having a whole mall just a few steps away. You can get out without even
bundling the kids up—an attractive proposition when it's icy outside. A quick
elevator ride connects you with stores such as Nordstrom and Kenneth Cole or
Chicago's Magnificent Meal food court, where you can grab anything from a
Fluky's hot dog to Italian fare at Tuscany Cafe.
Le Méridien touts its design philosophy as “European with a French accent,”
which, in this case, means marble floors, vaguely 18th-century-inspired furni-
ture, and some whimsical artwork (a large painting of a Napoleonic figure with
the head of a dog hangs in the lobby). A terrace offers outdoor seating, and a
casual bistro is hidden away in the back of the lobby (depending on your per-
spective, it's either pleasantly secluded or isolated). Rooms are on the small side
(especially the least expensive ones on the north side of the hotel). Amenities are
top-of-the-line: Every room offers a cordless phone, high-speed Internet access,
and an in-room safe that allows you to plug in and charge your laptop or cell-
phone while it's locked away.
High rollers will want to book one of the suites overlooking Michigan
Avenue; a few even come with private terraces, something few hotels in this city
can offer. Some say the Grand Terrace Suite is the best hotel room in the city.
The private terrace is twice the size of the room itself and, situated above Michi-
gan Avenue, it offers a jaw-dropping, unobscured, picture-postcard view of the
Magnificent Mile all the way to Oak Street Beach. And even though you are out-
doors and right in the hustle and bustle of a major city, on a busy weekday you
can hardly hear the people and traffic below.
Le Méridien can't quite compete with the Park Hyatt or the Peninsula
(reviewed earlier in this chapter) in the glamour department, but its cozy style
should appeal to travelers looking for something a little more personal.
521 N. Rush St. (at Grand St.), Chicago, IL 60611.
&
800/543-4300
or 312/645-1500. Fax 312/645-1550.
www.chicago.lemeridien.com. 311 units. $129 double; $375-$3,500 suite. Kids under 12 stay free in parent's
room. Free rollaways and cribs. AE, DC, DISC, MC, V. Valet parking $33 with in/out privileges. Subway/El: Red
Line to Chicago/State. Pets accepted.
Amenities:
Restaurant; bar; health club w/spa, Jacuzzi, and steam room;
concierge; business center; 24-hr. room service; in-room massage; babysitting; laundry service; same-day dry
