The Alise Chicago
1 W. Washington St., Chicago, IL 60602, USA
Why We Like It
To be this close to shopping, theatres, the lakefront and museums is worth the room alone but the historic charm will also appeal to any architecture enthusiasts. The restaurant (Atwood) serves delicious food and amazing drinks and is a destination even for locals. Rates are competitive with other hotels in the area, if not less, and staff are very warm and friendly.
Fodor's Expert Review
This former Kimpton property--in 2016 it joined Pineapple Hospitality--is tucked into the distinguished Reliance Building historic skyscraper, designed by the architecture firm Burnham & Root in the 1890s. Some of Chicago's best shopping and, of course, performing-arts theatres, are within a few blocks. With its white subway-tile columns and red bar stools, Atwood on the hotel's street level is the kind of restaurant that invites lingering, from brunch-y breakfasts to cocktails at night.
Tip Check the hotel's site for direct-booking promos that put cash back in your pocket, like the book-in-advance offer that gifts you with a $25 e-gift card to one of your favorite retailers.
Recommended Fodor’s Video
Room
There are three room categories--Deluxe Queen, Deluxe Two Queen and Deluxe King--plus two suites, including the highly sought-after Millennium Park View King Suite with a King bed and pull-out sofa bed. Unlimited in-room bottled water at no charge is an appreciated amenity. iHome docking stations let you listen to the music you want. A Keurig machine is also in the room to brew coffee and tea into the hotel's signature yellow pineapple-logo mugs. Work desks feature Art Deco detailing. White and platinum-silver detailing help make the view outside the window wall pop.
You Should Know Now that it's no longer a Kimpton property, a fee applies to bring your dog.
Bathroom
This isn't your typical blah bathroom--an emerald-green accent wall behind the mirror and framed photos of Chicago's architectural highlights serve as decor. A granite counter-top vanity is also in the bath. Yellow-and-white pin-striped robes are also available.
Lobby
Although small, the lobby is functional, with Atwood (the hotel's restaurant) off to one side and a stunningly beautiful original elevator to the rooms, with Art Deco detailing for one of the most gorgeous elevator rides you'll ever take.
Gym
A fitness center on property helps you stay faithful to your workout.
Tip Not a fan of indoor workouts? You can check out a beach cruiser from the front desk to pedal your way along Lake Michigan's lakefront or through the Loop.
Dining
Service at the light-filled, high-ceilinged Atwood begins with breakfast items like bacon waffles. Lunch and dinner might mean mussels, Amish chicken or savory apple pancakes. Seating in Atwood is a mix of tufted-leather black banquettes and black-and-white table sets, emulating a 19th Century cafe.
Drinking
At night, retro-inspired red-leather seats at the wrap-around bar are filled with happy-hour guests as well as locals. Six Atwood signature cocktails--like Ice and Gold--are joined by a menu of 50 cocktails spanning 200 years.
What's Nearby
Getting Around
You'll see more pedestrians than motorists in this part of Chicago, where shops on North State Street a half-block to the East and shows at the Chicago Theatre two blocks north draw tons of tourists. Three L stops are within three blocks of the hotel: the Washington, Monroe and Randolph/Wabash stops. Lyft and Uber drivers are always around. You really don't need a car here and can save money on the steep parking fee.
Restaurants
Goddess and the Baker (5-minute walk) is a beloved cafe to locals, offering both healthy and indulgent options all day long--plus pastries and booze. Tavern at the Park (7-minute walk) overlooks nearby Millennium Park and offers a crowd-pleasing menu of gastropub fare.
Bars
Inside Chicago Athletic Association (6-minute walk), a nearby hotel, is a rooftop bar called Cindy's with views of Millennium Park. The bartenders use botanical ingredients to make cocktails and the craft-beer selection is pretty strong, too. Monk's Pub is a long-standing watering hole with about 15 beers on tap--many local. Look around while you're there: German and English antiques fill the spot.
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Quick Facts
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