Chicago hotel deals abound
Try a December trip to Sinatra’s kind of town
One of the best things about Chicago is that you can get incredible hotel accommodations in the best neighbourhoods, even during this pre-holiday season, for prices that are maybe half what you’d pay for similar lodging in New York. Here are some examples of places currently available online for December from between $150 and $200 Cdn a night.
RADISSON BLU AQUA HOTEL
“Blu” is the upscale end of the Radisson chain, previously only in Europe and Asia but now breaking into the North American market with this snazzy Chicago entry.
Near Millennium Park, the Loop and the Magnificent Mile, it’s got “location, location” written all over it. The rooms are great, too. Spacious and stylish with lots of high- end touches. Awesome workout facilities and a first-rate restaurant seal the deal. Rooms Dec. 14/15 from $145/night. 221 N. Columbus Drive; 1-800-309-1391; radissonblu.com/aquahotel-chicago.
MILENORTH, A CHICAGO HOTEL
It’s at the top end of the “Mile” which means great shopping, dining and theatre all nearby. It’s a real charmer of a hotel bursting with perks like free wireless, CD players, refrigerators and ergonomic chairs at the working desks. It has 213 rooms but with the cosy feel of a boutique operation. Rooms Dec.14/ 15 from $180. 166 E. Superior St.; 312-787-6000; milenorthhotel.com.
HOTEL ALLEGRO
This is a Kimpton property, which means that God is in the details and you’ll notice it as soon as you walk into the elegant lobby, complete with a double-sided fireplace and grand piano. It’s in the Loop, near shopping, museums and lots of the city’s best theatres. Flat-screen TVs, 24-hour fitness centre and zebraprint bathrobes, just to keep you in a fun spirit. Rooms Dec. 14/15 from $188. 171 W. Randolph St.; 1-800643-1500; allegrochicago.com.
DANA HOTEL AND SPA
Right on “The Mile,” this hotel’s proudest boast is a full-service spa, complete with steam room, but it also has a 24 hour business centre, free WiFi, iPod docking stations and super-deluxe bathrooms. 216 rooms makes it a nice mid-size place to unwind and chill after some serious shopping. Rooms Dec. 14/15 from $166. 660 N. State St.; 312-202-6000; danahotelandspa.com.