7. The Blackstone, Autograph Collection
Travelers have a favorite word for The Blackstone, Autograph Collection: comfortable. With its long history (the hotel dates back to 1910), this South Loop property could easily garner a stuffy atmosphere, but recent guests attest that The Blackstone, Autograph Collection maintains its landmark status while embracing a luxuriously modern ambiance. The hotel offers 335 well-appointed guest rooms and suites, each boasting modern decor, minifridges, coffee makers and, on the upper floors, Lake Michigan and Magnificent Mile vistas. Recent visitors also rave about the hotel’s convenient setting across the street from Chicago’s Grant Park. On the other hand, travelers were disappointed they had to pay for in-room internet access, and some noted room walls were thin, making it was easy to hear hallway conversations and the passing L train. When it comes to dining, the on-site restaurant, Mercat a la Planxa, serves tapas and Catalan-inspired cocktails.
8. Hotel Lincoln
Nestled along the southwestern edge of Chicago’s Lincoln Park, this Joie de Vivre hotel serves as a convenient home base for visitors to the Windy City looking for just a touch of peace and quiet. Recent guests say the Hotel Lincoln’s well-equipped rooms offer a restful night’s sleep. Some warn that the standard accommodations are on the smaller side, though. Rooms represent what the hotel calls “classic urban Midwestern charm of Chicago,” featuring in-room amenities like HD TVs, iHome docking stations, coffee makers and complimentary Wi-Fi access. Meanwhile, on-site perks include a fitness center and complimentary seasonal bike rentals. Recent visitors commend the Hotel Lincoln’s employees as some of the most personable and helpful they’ve encountered. Plus the property is home to a few restaurants that earn a thumbs-up from guests and locals alike. The Kennison dishes out expertly crafted contemporary American cuisine, while The J. Parker (on the hotel’s rooftop) provides panoramic park and lake views along with a smattering of cocktails and lighter bites.