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 | The Palmer House Hilton: 125 Years of Splendor...
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 Huge Christmas Tree in
Palmer House Lobby 2005 by deecat
Don't even ask how many years ago I stayed at the wonderful Palmer House (before Hilton owned it)! I was a senior in high school & attended a Newspaper Convention in Chicago. Can you believe that we stayed at the magnificent Palmer House?
When my daughter Jill was married here in Chicago, my dear friends, Marilyn & Bruce Hart, stayed at the Palmer House Hilton. They loved it, bringing back my own memories.
It's such a part of Chicago, & for all 125+ years, people from all over the world have come here to stay when they visited Chicago. Why? Because of the Beaux Arts ceiling in the Lobby, the mythological statues all around, the famous EMPIRE ROOM, & because of its location near Chicago's business & financial district. It's also within walking distance of The Art Institute; Symphony Center; Goodman, Chicago, & Shubert Theatres; Grant Park & the Lakefront.
My friends said that the rooms were smaller than most luxury hotel rooms, but they were still more than satisfied.
It's a huge hotel with over 1500 deluxe rooms & almost 90 suites. The Penthouse Suite has 11 rooms!
The Palmer House Hilton has what they call "an Executive Level", which my friends belong to, & so they enjoyed the following:
a. complimentary Continental breakfast
b. complimentary hors d'oeuvres at cocktail time
c. private elevator to a private registration area, lobby, & lounge
Restaurants & Bars:
a. The French Quarter (American Cuisine)
b. Windsor's Lobby Bar & Cafe
c. The Big Downtown (new) Bar/Restaurant
d. Jacques for caffeine lovers who eat on the
run such things as pastries, muffins, or
bagels
There is also a Fitness Club with Nautilus equipment & other exercise gear plus massage therapy, sauna, whirlpool, & steam room. Oh, yes, there is an indoor pool.
Just a few days ago (July of 2004), Allan & I visited for old time's sake...the Lobby is wonderful with all the restoration of the ceiling by a Florentine artisan who also worked on the Sistine Chapel. A staff member let us into the famed EMPIRE ROOM, which has also been restored and is used for special parties. I'm so pleased, as you, too, will be when you experience this 1971 Landmark Hotel.
Note: Price is per person. Here in the USA, prices are quoted per room; however, the choice here is per person so calculate accordingly.
CLICK ON PHOTO FOR PANORAMIC VIEW Theme: HotelPrice: US$40-80 » Currency ConverterComparison: about averageAddress: 17 E Monroe St, Chicago, IL 60603Phone: 1 (312) 726-7500Other Contact: Fax: (312)263-2556
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| The Talbott Hotel: Boutique Hotel in Gold Coast Area
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"Chicago is not only a real city. . . and one of the world's great cities, but at the same time it's a city that's knowable, manageable, and workable. You can figure it out. It has a sense of cohesiveness..." Lucy Salenger, Chicago Office of Film and Entertainment, 1981
When my sister came to stay in Chicago for a little over a week, she and I spent five of those days in Chicago at the Talbott Hotel. It's the perfect place for two unescorted women to stay because of its location and its safety. It is located just off North Michigan Avenue near the Water Tower and John Hancock Building.
There are 149 rooms and suites, and all denote understated elegance. A nightly turn down and a morning newspaper are just two of the delightful services offered at the Talbott.
The hotel was built in 1927 but has recently been renovated and is luxurious. We stayed in a large room with two Queen-sized beds,two end tables, a comfortable reading chair, and great wardrobe chest with plenty of space for storage. In addition, there was a nice-sized closet. There was an iron and ironing board, an in-room safe (which we used each day), cable TV, radio, clock, two phones (one in the bathroom.) Speaking of the bathroom; it was absolutely wonderful as was the complimentary bath soaps, shampoos, and lotions.
It is a 4-Star Hotel.
Check-in time is 3:00 PM
Check-out is 12:00 PM
It's a true European-style hotel where the staff remembers your name and is always there to help you. From 6:00am until 10:00 pm, room service is available.
A Victorian Sitting Room serves as the lobby with two fire places. Basil's is just off the lobby with its Antique Bar and small seating area. In the summer there is a lovely outdoor eating space. The menu is light and perfect for snacks or lunch.
We stayed under a special deal where the breakfast came with the room, and Basil's is where we ate each morning.
The Talbott Hotel is a wonderful place to stay in Chicago. Theme: HotelPrice: US$40-80 » Currency ConverterComparison: about averageAddress: 20 E Delaware Pl, Chicago, IL 60611
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| Allerton Crowne Plaza Chicago: A Designated Landmark Hotel....
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 Allerton Crown Plaza
Chicago by deecat
A recent renovation has greatly improved the Allerton Hotel (now the Allerton Crowne Plaza Chicago Hotel.) It is now updated, refreshed, and elegant once again. Allerton's location always made it a good spot to stay; now, its location is just one of many positives about it.
The staff speaks Arabic, Chinese, Spanish, Czech, Polish, German, Croatian, French and English!
Many of the rooms are wired for high speed internet as are all of the public areas. Those that are not, are equipped with telephones and Data ports. They have a Complimentary Onsite Fitness Facility, Day Care Services, and a Pet Policy. With a $100 deposit ($25 non refundable), if your pet does not exceed 20 pounds, you can take your pet with you to stay in the room.
The Taps on Two (hotel restaurant) is a Traditional Italian Restaurant, but American dishes are also available. They have a Starbucks Coffee Kiosk on the second floor, which also has fruit and pastries.
There is a Taps Lounge on the second floor.
The City of Chicago has designated this hotel a Landmark. It has an ambience that is difficult to define. Its service is more European than American, and the decor and furnishings are quite elegant. There are 443 rooms, but it actually feels more like an intimate, small hotel.
Like most downtown or Miracle Mile Hotels, Parking is expensive. Daily Parking Fee is
$36.00 per day with unlimited in/out priveleges.
They offer two double beds, queen beds, king beds, Junior-Suites and One-Bedroom suites. There is Cable and Satellite TV, a CD Player, Coffee Maker, Electronic Door Locks, Free Morning Newspaper Delivered to the Room, Iron/Ironing Board, Work Desk with Lamp, and Mini Bar.
For a perfect location, elegant surroundings, and wonderful service, select the Allerton Crowne Plaza Chicago Hotel the next time you visit the city. Theme: HotelPrice: US$120-180 » Currency ConverterComparison: more expensive than averageAddress: 701 N Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60611Phone: (312)440-1500Other Contact: Toll free: (800)621-8311
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| Best Western River North Hotel: Want to Save Money Without Lowering Quality?
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 Room in River North Best
Western Chicago by deecat
One of the most annoying expenses when staying in a Chicago city hotel is paying the daily fee for parking. The price ranges from a low of $25.00 and a high of $40.00 (most charge $35.00.) One way to remedy that annoyance is to stay at the well locatedRiver North Best Western.
It is close to Michigan Avenue, Navy Pier, and the Sears Tower. None of the major attractions is over two miles except the Museum of Science and Industry. In addition it is about 50 feet from CTA Public Bus Transportation and four blocks from the subway.On the corner of LaSalle and Ohio, the hotel has150 guest rooms and suites. A standard room is priced at $109.00 Sunday through Thursday and $119 for Friday and Saturday. Those are very reasonable rates for its quality and location.
Check In is three in the afternoon.
Check out is at noon.
I remember that it is located near many interesting choices for eating. We ate at The Cheesecake Factory, but Maggianois is only a block away (delicious Italian.)
Indeed, if you want a nice place for a small amount (for in-city convenience), select Best Western's River North Hotel in Chicago.
he River North also has an indoor pool, Sundeck (with fabulous views of Chicago's skyline), and fitness center as well as a full-service restaurant.
You receive complimentary coffee and seasonal fruit in the lobby along with a newspaper. For those interested, there is cable television with HBO, dataports, and you can have movies (for a fee) or Nintendo games.
There is in-room coffee. If I recall, there is an in-room safe as well.
Oh, yes, and children seventeen and under are free with a paying adult, which bodes well for families.
An added bonus is the restaurant called Pizzeria Ora. Its speciality is Chicago style deep dish pizza; however, it offers pastas, sandwiches, salads, and other entrees. Theme: HotelPrice: US$40-80 » Currency ConverterComparison: less expensive than averageAddress: 125 W Ohio St, Chicago, IL 60610Phone: 1-(312)467-0800Other Contact: Gscz;1-312-467-1665
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| Sheraton Chicago Hotel and Towers: Unrivaled Views!
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 Sheraton Chicago Hotel
And Towers by deecat
I took this photo of the Sheraton Chicago Hotel and Towers from across the Chicago River at the southeast corner of the Michigan Avenue Bridge & Wacker Drive. It's an imposing structure overlooking the Chicago River. The amazing thing about the hotel is that every room and suite has a view of either the Chicago River, Lake Michigan, or the city skyline (which are all magnificent!)
It's a huge hotel with about 1200 rooms, and 33 of those are suites.
For their guest's convenience, the hotel rooms include:
King or two double beds
Coffee Makers
Large Desk
Comfortable Furniture
27" Cable TV with CNN and Showtime
Pay-per-view is also available
video games
Dataport
AM/FM alarm clock
Lighted mirror (great)
Luxurious bathrooms
in-room safes
The Hotel Facilities Include:
SIX RESTAURANTS & LOUNGES
a. Shula's Steak House
b. Riverside Cafe
c. Esplanade Express Snack Bar
d. Spectators Sports Bar
E. Waves Lobby Bar
There is 24-hour room service
Fitness Facility
Indoor Pool
Sauna
Message Therapy
Sun Deck
I can honestly say that it is a full-service hotel.
Besides the incredible views, the spectacular service is impressive. The staff seems to go out of their way to please you. Your comfort is their mission.
For a romantic weekend in the city, a business trip to Chicago, or a family excursion, the Sheraton Chicago Hotel and Towers is a great choice if you value quality and service.
Note: the price is per person (US hotels never state prices per person, but that is what our choice is here) Theme: HotelPrice: US$40-80 » Currency ConverterComparison: about averageAddress: 301 E North Water St, Chicago, IL 60611Phone: 1 (312) 464-1000Other Contact: Fax: (312) 464-9140
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| Marriott Chicago Downtown Magnificent Mile: A Great Place To Stay With Children...
Tip Rating: Satisfaction: | |
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 Jill & Friend in Marriott
Lobby by deecat
When our daughter Jill was growing up, we would always stay at the Chicago Marriott Downtown Hotel. Many times, we would let her invite a friend along when we would have an "adventure" weekend in the city. The Marriott is great for staying with children because the staff is quite accommodating; the rooms are large; the location is perfect for walking everywhere.
The hotel is located in the Magnificent Mile and literally "soars" 46 stories upward. It is very large with 1,192 rooms and five restaurants and lounges. It consistently earns honors such as AAA Diamonds, Mobil Travel Guide Stars, and three Michelin Stars.
When we stayed there, we would always walk to Uno's for Pizza.
The children loved the indoor pool (small, but nice). We always asked for one of the high floors so the views of Michigan Avenue and the rest of the city were spectacular.
The furniture is stylish with warm, rich tones. The lobby is massive; yet, it still has an intimate feel because of the furniture arrangement. The photo is of Jill and her friend in that lobby with a stained glass window behind them.
There are so many choices for eating/drinking in this hotel. I remember that we always came on a special "deal" which included breakfast and dinner.
JW's Steakhouse is an elegant choice for dinner. Ventoso is Italian and is more informal and good for breakfast and lunch, but they also serve dinner.
The Lobby Bar is good for driniks and conversation.
4th Edition is not my choice because it is really for cigar smokers.
The Bean is the lobby coffee bar for specialty coffees.
There is Valet parking available for $34.00 per day.
he rooms have high-speed internet access, cable/satellite TV, complimentary in-room coffee, hairdryers, in-room safe, and a free USA Today Mon.-Fri.
Check-in: 4:00 PM
Check-Out: 12:00 PM Theme: HotelPrice: US$40-80 » Currency ConverterComparison: less expensive than averageAddress: 540 N Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60611Phone: (312)-836-0100 or 1-900-228-9290Other Contact: FAX: 1 312-836-6139
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| Four Seasons Ritz-Carlton: If You Can Afford It, Stay At...
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 The Greenhouse at The
Ritz-Carlton by deecat
The only reason we ever stayed at The Ritz-Carlton Chicago is because they offered a special half price the month of my birthday one year. So, for my birthday, my husband made the arrangements to stay there. It was an incredible experience. The hotel is set atop Water Tower Place above North Michigan Avenue. It is known as one of Chicago's finest hotels (A Four Seasons Hotel). The service is renown; the guest rooms are luxurious; the food at the contemporary French Restaurant is legendary.
The hotel has 435 guest rooms (91 suites and oversized rooms). Because the hotel is literally attached to Watertower Place, you can walk from the hotel into the famous shopping place.
The Dining Room denotes luxury and elegance. Chef Sarah Stegner offers a personalized 8-course tasting menu. This restaurant has won numerous awards and rightfully so. It is closed on Mondays. It is most famous for the Sunday Brunch which defies description.
Note: Elegant attire is required and jackets are highly recommended.
The Cafe is a causual place for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. It is most famous for its delicious desserts (so, save room!)
The Greenhouse really looks like a greenhouse with a wide expanse of windows for a view of Chicago.
It is perfect for a light lunch, Afternoon Tea, a cocktail and appetizers.
If you cannot stay at the hotel, at least try the food at one of these fine restaurants.
There is a Spa at the Carlton Club with a pool, a fitness center, steamroom, sauna, massage and other therapies.
Services include: Valet parking, express check-in/out, 24-hour In-Room Dining, complimentary overnight shoeshine.
Rooms have: Video or DVD player, twice-daily housekeeping service, CD player, Down pillows (non-allergenic pillows available which I had to ask for!), thick terrycloth bathrobes, hair dryer, iron and ironing board, complimentary local newspaper, high-speed e-mail & Internet access, and wake-up call.)
This is a once-in-a-lifetime kind of place! Theme: HotelPrice: US$120-180 » Currency ConverterComparison: more expensive than averageAddress: 160 E Pearson St, Chicago, IL 60611Phone: (312)266-1000
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| Whitehall Hotel: For European Flavor Here in Chicago, Stay At...
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 Dee at the Whitehall by deecat
When my friend Marilyn told me about her new marriage, I thought and thought of what I could give her and Bruce as a gift. My husband Allan came up with the idea of treating them to two nights in Chicago. We booked them at the Whitehall Hotel because of its fabulous location and European flavor.
One of the two nights, we stayed there too, on another floor
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The hotel was built in 1927 and was renovated in 2002. It was refurbished as a European style, luxury boutique. It is located just off Michigan Avenue in the heart of the "Gold Coast" just one block from Water Tower Place. The Whitehall Hotel was selected as "one of the 8 great small hotels in the USA" according to Fortune Magazine. There are only 221 room on 20 floors. The rooms and suites are quite spacious and decorated in an elegant, understated style.
The service is wonderful; the personnel is friendly; and the accommodations are lovely.
The rooms have either a king-sized bed or two double beds (a few have one double bed). Hair Dryers, iron/ironing Board, Modem/Data Port Connection, and Cable TV in every room.
Hotel parking is $30.50 per day.
Check In Time 3:00 PM
Check Out Time 12:00 PM
The hotel has a fitness facility, a Lounge, and a Restaurant.
For an elegant experience, choose the Whitehall Hotel. Theme: HotelPrice: US$80-120 » Currency ConverterComparison: about averageAddress: 105 E Delaware Pl, Chicago, IL 60611Phone: 1-800-261-8159
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| Wyndham Chicago: Great Hotel For Wedding Guests
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 Wyndham Hotel by deecat
July10, 2004, , my daughter Jill was married here in Chicago, and after much investigating and visiting of hotels, we selected Wyndham Chicago for the hotel for guests and the wedding party. Why? We selected the Wyndham because of its location, the spaciousness of the rooms and suites, and because of the special price we were given for Jill's special day.
Jill and her new husband, Eric stayed two nights in a suite. Allan and I also stayed in a suite. We have reserved rooms for guests as well.
The Wyndham Chicago is located in the heart of Chicago's Magnificent Mile, just one block off of Michicgan Avenue. It is close to wonderful restaurants, high-end shopping, great museums, the new Theater District, Navy Pier, and a few blocks from Lake Michigan. Compared to other hotels of its caliber, its rooms are quite large and all have a panoramic view of downtown Chicago. In addition, it has a fitness center and an indoor pool. Also, there is a well-regarded restaurant called "Caliterra Bar & Grille".
For all these reasons and because the personnel are so friendly and helpful, we selected the Wyndham Chicago as our Wedding Event Hotel. Likewise, you should select it whenever you visit Chicago. Our suite was gigantic and beautifully appointed. But, it is the SERVICE that sets the Wyndham Hotel on top of the places to stay. Every single staff member went out of his/her way to make us feel welcome.
The rooms are wonderful, and the suites are fabulous. Both are quite spacious with large windows overlooking the city. The hotel has 417 rooms (327 are non-smoking rooms! Thank Goodness); there are 49 suites.
The bathrooms are luxurious with Golden Door Bath Care amenities. A truly unique feature is the computer keyboard that accompanies each TV. For $10.99, you have access to the Net for 24 hours!
Coffee/Tea are complimentary in each room; Monday-Friday the USA Today Newspaper is delivered to the room; Valet parking with in/out privileges is available for a daily fee; Power converters for International Guests;high-speed Internet access and cordless multi-line phones are standard features; Hair Dryer, Iron/Ironing Board, Mini Bar, and VCR are in each room.
The Caliterra Bar & Grille serves great food--influenced by Tuscan and Northern California cuisines, Executive Chef Rick Gresh has received "rave" reviews.
Wyndham Chicago is a perfect hotel in a perfect location. Theme: HotelPrice: US$120-180 » Currency ConverterComparison: about averageAddress: 633 N Saint Clair St, Chicago, IL 60611Phone: (312)573-0300
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| Millennium Knickerbocker Hotel Chicago: One of Oldest Hotels is One of the Best...
Tip Rating: Satisfaction: | |
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 Sign for Crystal Ballroom at
Knickerbocker Hotel by deecat, 2 more photos
For the feel of elegance from another era, choose the Millennium Knickerbocker Hotel Chicago. The rooms are smaller than some of the more contemporary hotels; however, these rooms and suites are beautiful, intimate, and sophisticated. The success of this hotel is based on luxury and service.
There are 305 guestrooms, The Crystal Ballroom with its 28-foot-high gilded domed ceiling (palatial, indeed), the Martini Bar, and the NIX Restaurant.
From the moment the doorman opens the door, you know this is something special.
The hotel has a history that permeates the rooms.
The location is excellent and within walking distance of Chicago's finest shopping on Michigan Avenue.
I would suggest asking for the Classic rooms, which are more spacious than the Deluxe rooms. And, they have just recently received a completely new decor, most with chinoiseries armoires. Some even have walk-in marble showers. They also have canopied beds and mini-bars. Of the 305 rooms in the hotel, 109 are Classic Rooms.
All rooms feature:
In-room movies, HBO
Hair dryers
Iron & Irnoning Boards
Terrycloth robes
complimentary newspapers
The Martini Bar is fantastic. They serve 44 different Martinis plus fine wines, beers, and other cocktails. There is nightly entertainment
Wed.-Sat.
The NIX Restaurant has American cuisine in a bistro setting.
This is an unique hotel. Try it for a special celebration. Theme: HotelPrice: US$80-120 » Currency ConverterComparison: about averageAddress: 163 E Walton St, Chicago, IL 60611Phone: (312)751-8100
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- Holiday Inn Hotel & Suites Downtown
506 West Harrison, Chicago, IL - Park Hyatt Chicago
800 N Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL - Hostelling International Chicago Summer Hostel
24 E. Congress Pkwy. South Loop, Chicago, IL - Holiday Inn Chicago O'Hare
5615 N Cumberland Avenue (formerly Clarion Hotel Barcelo - O'Hare Arpt), Chicago, IL - The Ardmore House
1248 W. Ardmore Avenue, Chicago, IL - Hyatt Regency McCormick Place
2233 South Martin Luther King Drive, Chicago, IL - Allerton Crowne Plaza Chicago
701 North Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL - Hotel Burnham - a Kimpton Boutique Hotel
1 West Washington, Chicago, IL - The Avenue Hotel Chicago
160 E Huron, Chicago, IL - Wooded Isle Suites
5750 S. Stony Island Ave., Chicago, IL - Oakwood at River Oaks North
3200 River Oaks Blvd, Chicago, IL - Best Western River North Hotel
125 West Ohio Street, Chicago, IL - Fairfield Inn and Suites by Marriott Chicago Downtown
216 East Ontario Street, Chicago, IL - Cass Hotel
640 N Wabash Ave, Chicago, IL - Super 8 Chicago
7300 North Sheridan Road, Chicago, IL
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