Hilton or IHG Brand? - Chicago
Jul 21st, 2015, 01:29 PM
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Hilton or IHG Brand? - Chicago
I'm using points for a weekend stay in Aug. Want a 4* hotel - I've looked at The Drake, The Hilton/Chicago, Hilton/Chicago Mag Mile Suites, Palmer House, The Wit (think it's too young?) Intercontinental (#1 choice but only 1 of 2 nights available), Crowne Plaza Downtown, Hotel Indigo - Downtown Golf Coast. We're in our late 40s - we want to stroll, eat some good food, see the sites, lake, window shop on Mag Mile, etc. Nice to haves would be a bar, indoor pool & view but not essential. TripAdvisor has mixed reviews on all. Any advice? Thanks.
Jul 21st, 2015, 04:31 PM
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The Mag Mile is part of River North. The I-con is near the south end, the Drake and Hilton Mag Mile are at the north end.
Eliminate the Crowne Plaza. It's in the West Loop and not convenient to anything except to Greektown. The Hilton Chicago is at the extreme south end of The Loop. It's close to the Museum Campus so ideal if you plan to visit, but about a mile farther from the Mag Mile.
The Indigo is in The Gold Coast, about a mile north the I-con. It's a more residential area than River North/Mag Mile and a bit quieter but still convenient to transit and walkable.
The Palmer House and Wit are in the center of The Loop on State Street. The Loop has a greater concentration of offices than River North, so gets more quiet in the evenings.
The Hilton Chicago, Drake, I-con and Palmer House are older, so some rooms can be small but the public areas are grand. The Wit is the newest.
Eliminate the Crowne Plaza. It's in the West Loop and not convenient to anything except to Greektown. The Hilton Chicago is at the extreme south end of The Loop. It's close to the Museum Campus so ideal if you plan to visit, but about a mile farther from the Mag Mile.
The Indigo is in The Gold Coast, about a mile north the I-con. It's a more residential area than River North/Mag Mile and a bit quieter but still convenient to transit and walkable.
The Palmer House and Wit are in the center of The Loop on State Street. The Loop has a greater concentration of offices than River North, so gets more quiet in the evenings.
The Hilton Chicago, Drake, I-con and Palmer House are older, so some rooms can be small but the public areas are grand. The Wit is the newest.
Aug 19th, 2015, 09:22 AM
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I stayed at the Intercontinental. I was able to use points/free night to get mobility room. I did put in for an upgrade - high floor and upgraded room. $16/each. Upon check in they did upgrade me and put us on 33rd floor. The room was quiet and large but nothing special. Good views - could see some of the air show from the lounge on 32. Location was great - all of our restaurants/tours were within 12 min walk from there. We did visit The Drake to see the grand lobby and have a drink in the bar. Thanks for your feedback.
Aug 19th, 2015, 11:35 AM
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Of those, I would probably stay at the Inter C. That way you have easy access both north and south (and east/west). I haven't stayed there in a number of years (so make sure you are comfortable with recent reviews). Our room was small (but cheaper than the bigger rooms). If you do stay there, go online and learn about its former incarnation as a club (health maybe) and there is an informal tour you can take of they symbolism within. Definitely explore the property.
