11/01/07

Not the Taj Mahal, but it will do

by avzak2001

Husband and I decided to stay in downtown for the weekend in Aug. For the price that I receive it was not bad. The location is pretty good----About one or two blocks away from Michigan Ave. Actually close to a lot of restaurants and bars. Checking in was no problem. Room was small, but workable. Had a table, hutch, small bathroom. The down side of having two beds in one room: the bed closer to the window was right next to the air conditioner, so we had no choice but to sleep on the other bed. We actually did a walking tour (planet food) and left around 9am and didn't come back until around 4pm and they still had not cleaned our room, so i didn't feel bad for not leaving a cleaning tip. But overall, it was clean and would stay here again

• Pros: Close to Michigan Ave and lots of restaurants and bars
• Cons: Gone 8 hours and cleaning crew didn't even get to our room

A contemporary boutique hotel that still leaves room in your wallet for shopping on nearby Mag Mile.

by Valerie Moloney

In Short
Guests shouldn't be fooled by the worn exterior of this 1920s building: This is a boutique hotel with sex appeal to spare. A lobby seduces with zebra ottomans, mocha banquettes and orchids, a fresh theme carried to the rooms, simply decorated in grey and taupe with white linens, bucket seating, upholstered headboards. The 22nd-floor is where to be if you're craving skyline views. Aptly called Sky Suites, these rooms boast walk-in spa showers, flatscreen TVs and the skyline, Lake Michigan and Michigan Ave all within sight.

Photo courtesy of Inn of Chicago