Our guess: You’re not possibly keeping up with the startling glut of hotels that recently opened in our fair city.
Why would you be?
Unless, of course, you’re staring down a three-day weekend with zero plans. Or a pair of in-laws with designs on taking over your master suite for the weekend.
That’s why we collected seven new Chicago guesthouses worthy of an unnecessary stay, from a former publishing house-turned-BnB to a slick Gold Coast hotel with quite possibly the most beautiful rooms in the city.
All new. All gorgeous. All the perfect base for a relaxing weekend at home.
Publishing House Bed and Breakfast
West Loop
Smack dab in the middle of the West Loop, the Publishing House occupies a building constructed in 1909 that, once upon a time, was home to the Free Methodist Publishing House. You may remember the building as the Museum of Holography. Today, it’s a gorgeously appointed 11-room bed and breakfast with a commodious communal area and lounge. And that’s all thanks to local interior design firm Siren Betty, who blended choice color palattes with all kinds of handsome vintage curios.
Where to eat: The toast of the neighborhood: Elske. Get soft scrambled eggs with confit chicken thigh and crispy grains.
108 N. May St. (map)
www.publishinghousebnb.com
Ace Hotel
Fulton Market
Headquartered in Portland, Oregon and founded back in 1999, the Ace has become one of the hippest names in the boutique hotel game. The new Chicago outpost — located right across the street from the Google offices in Fulton Market — is the epitome of its allure: highly aesthetic, creative-minded and fun. Rooms feature either a guitar or a turntable and vinyl, not to mention an impressively stocked minibar featuring local provisions.
Where to eat: In the lobby you’ve got City Mouse from the celebrated Giant crew. Be sure to request a seat on the patio.
What to do: Oysters, champagne and burlesque … hmmm, what more can you ask for?
311 N. Morgan St. (map)
www.acehotel.com
Viceroy Chicago
Gold Coast
Operating hotels all across the globe, Viceroy Hotel Group’s first foray in Chicago is marked by an impressive fusing of old and new: an 18-story angular glass tower built atop a base retaining the brick and terracotta facade from the former Cedar Hotel. The hotel’s upscale modern design is the brainchild of TAL Studio, the same interior design team behind moneyed properties like Four Seasons Lanai.
Where to eat: Boka Restaurant Group’s street-level Somerset and rooftop pool bar Devereaux opens in early September. So, you’ll be coming back, either way.
What to do: The Second City’s latest revue The Winner … Of Our Discontent, which may or may not be all too relevant right now.
1118 N. State St. (map)
www.viceroyhotelsandresorts.com
Hotel EMC2
Streeterville
Hotel EMC2 is, in a word, dramatic. Just about everything at this 21-story hotel is visually appealing. As its name suggests, Streeterville’s newest hospitality jewel is all about art and science. A bit on the nose? Yes. But that shouldn’t stop you from enjoying all the curious high-end details and the glass-enclosed rain shower.
Where to eat: Albert (yes, as in Einstein), the hotel’s restaurant, is positively delicious.
What to do: Take in the the 14-foot bust of Jean Baptiste Point du Sable at the roving Floating Museum, which has been floating down the Chicago River all summer and docks at Navy Pier through September.
228 E. Ontario St. (map)
www.hotelemc2.com
The Robey
Wicker Park
You can’t miss this place. Towering over Wicker Park’s six corners, the Northwest Tower — an architectural icon in its own right — is now home to one of the city’s hippest hotels. The Robey also delivers on the vintage art deco American decor and views: the rooftop bar and lounge offers up one of the best in the city. Neighborhing Robey Hall (formerly The Hollander) offers fully private lofts.
Where to eat: You needn’t go but across the street to Publican Anker for one of the best restaurants in the city.
What to do: You like to laugh, right? It may be a mouthful, but A Funny Thing Happened On the Way to the Gynecologic Oncology Unit at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Canceter Center of New York City, a play at the Den Theatre has been getting rave reviews.
2018 W. North Ave. (map)
www.therobey.com
Conrad Chicago
Mag Mile
The Conrad repurposes former corporate offices on Michigan Ave. and Erie for a uniquely Chicago stay. Designed by French firm Pierre-Yves Rochon, the hotel offers spacious skyline suites and all the smart amenities you could ask for, with most rooms featuring a 65-inch TV.
Where to eat: Baptiste & Bottle is an over-the-top experience, best exemplified by its $95 VR scotch cocktail experience. You also don’t wanna miss the splashy Japanese rooftop restaurant Noyane.
What to do: Stroke your chin to colorful large-scale beauties at The Octopus Eats Its Own Leg, the MCA’s retrospective on the work of Japanese artist Takashi Murakami.
101 E. Erie St. (map)
www.conradchicagohotel.com
The Gray Hotel
The Loop
The hotel lives up to its name at least in its common areas. On the design front, you’ll find textured gray touches all throughout the space along with a mix of vintage mid-century furnishing. The understated vibe carries into the rooms with luxurious bedding and views on views.
Where to eat: The hotel has two heavy-hitters: the Mad Men-esque Vol. 39 and the Latin-inspired rooftop restaurant Boleo.
What to do: Say goodbye to summer at the Chicago Jazz Festival.
122 W. Monroe St. (map)
www.grayhotelchicago.com
This article was featured in the InsideHook Chicago newsletter. Sign up now for more from the Windy City.
