Viceroy Chicago
1118 N. State St., Chicago, Illinois 60610, USA
Why We Like It
Skewing towards the tip of the hotel row that stretches from the Gold Coast down to the Loop, the property has a unique location on a bustling street yet within a few blocks of the beach and neighboring upscale residential enclaves for a multi-faceted taste of the city on the go. Despite its well-worn location and destination-worthy restaurants that bring in the locals, rooms are shockingly quiet and sumptuous, with the bonus of skyline views so you can enjoy the city even from the comfort of your room. Not everything is on-site (if you want a spa, you'll have to go elsewhere), but what they offer will make you feel right at home—but just a little bit better.
Fodor's Expert Review
Channeling the old school glamour of Chicago's Gold Coast neighborhood, this luxury hotel chain seamlessly nestles into its historic 1920s era Cedar Hotel digs. It's a fitting addition to State Street's shifting image away from its "Viagra Triangle" reputation, once reserved solely for its aging clientele that's now slowly infiltrating with pocketed Gen Xers with hipper tastes. Dripping with mid-century modern design, the boutique property has a certain timeless glitz, updated with refined, sceney touches courtesy of two Boka Restaurant Group concepts and a rooftop pool/bar.
You Should Know Upscale business travelers will likely feel right at home, but budget-conscious families might want to find something a bit more casual.
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Room
Boasting on-trend mid-century modern design, rooms are incredibly Instagram worthy, with a gorgeous palette of black, gold, white, and splash of turquoise. Plush pillowtop mattresses covered in white linens are backed by an antique Deco-inspired headboard and complemented with a desk and lounge chair that look straight out of Mad Men. But it's not all old school here. Contemporary tech-friendly touches like JBL speaker alarm clocks, bedside charging ports, large smart televisions, and Nespresso coffee makers, keep business travelers plugged in.
You Should Know There are shockingly no bad views in this hotel, but for a glimpse of Lake Michigan (the best way to go), make sure to request a lakeview room. Among the best options on the late night menu: fresh baked cookies delivered to your room. Life doesn't get much better than that.
Bathroom
A long corridor separates the vanity and shower/toilet spaces, along with dimmer switches, which means there's a good two doors of ultra-quiet soundproofing and low lighting for those who need to use the bathroom without waking anyone else. Generously sized marble standing showers are outfitted with rainfall showerheads and Natura Bisse luxury bath products, plus signature white cotton robes for drying off.
You Should Know If you're hoping for a bathtub, you'll need to upgrade to a suite, which features a separate large soaking tub along with the rainfall standing shower.
Lobby
You won't even mind the wait if you get stuck in hanging in the lobby thanks to a a stunning two-floor atrium outfitted with mid-century modern decor like comfy brown velvet tufted couches, wooden backed chairs and beautiful glass protected marble fireplace. The entrance to Somerset is just off the side, however, in case you need to pop in for a drink.
Pool
Hit the 18th floor to enjoy the property's seasonal rooftop wading pool (closed Nov 15-April 15) overlooking the Gold Coast with a menu of elevated bites and drinks from adjoining bar space, Devereaux.
You Should Know Plan your pool time accordingly, the hours are a bit earlier than most hotels due to its prime rooftop bar location, which means you'll have to finish your dip by 6 p.m.
Gym
A 5th floor gym features the latest Technogym equipment, including treadmills with TVs facing floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking panoramic skyline views. Complimentary towels and water are also available.
Dining
Award-winning restaurateurs Boka Group are the folks behind the property's luxury concept, Somerset, located on the first floor. Partner and Michelin-starred chef Lee Wolen oversees the menu, which includes vegetable-focused and wood-grilled dishes, inventive housemade pastas, and creative pastry program that lure in locals alongside hotel guests.
Tip Request the table for two on the second floor for an excellent birdseye view of the action below.
Drinking
Start with drinks the bar at Somerset before heading to the rooftop bar, Devereaux, on the 18th floor. Both menus feature roughly the same twists-on-the-classics cocktails, top-notch wines, and brag worthy craft cocktails, but Devereaux has a literal upper edge with enviable city views.
What's Nearby
Getting Around
The Gold Coast is just slightly north of the action happening in River North, making it easy to get around on foot or by public transit. It's a short 6-minute walk to the Division/Clark Red Line El train stop, with local buses running along nearby State, Dearborn and Clark streets. But the quickest way is usually through a ride-sharing app like Lyft or Uber, or the concierge can help hail a cab out front on State Street.
Restaurants
Just off of Chicago's notorious "Viagra Triangle," the property is within 1-block of upscale venerable steakhouses like Gibson's Steakhouse, Tavern on Rush and Morton's The Steakhouse, plus emerging hotspots like Maple & Ash, Nico Osteria and Jellyfish.
Bars
A couple blocks north on Division Street, you'll find a row of well-worn dive bars like the Hang-Uppe, The Lodge Tavern and Mother's Too. But if you want something a little nicer, walk 1-block to Sparrow for retro Cuban-inspired cocktails or LuxBar for more modern crafted drinks with a view of Rush Street.
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Quick Facts
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