Courtyard Marriott Downtown/Magnificent Mile

165 E. Ontario St., Chicago, IL 60611, USA
Pedro Lastra | Unsplash

Why We Like It

With rooms that are among the most spacious in downtown Chicago--and fresh off a renovation in spring of 2017--this hotel also boasts an indoor pool and a restaurant that is worth trying at least once during your stay. The location puts you in close proximity (as in, a quick walk) from museums, cultural attractions, dining, bars, theaters and the lakefront.

Fodor's Expert Review

Fully renovated in March 2017, this modern hotel in the Streeterville section of downtown Chicago has a convenient location and a bustling lobby that visitors will love. The modest accommodations, with their art deco–inspired decor; white linens; and splashes of green, blue and yellow; are also appealing. The double queen room sleeps five with a sofa bed, so it's great for families. Copper Fox Gastropub, the hotel's restaurant, offers urban-American cuisine for breakfast, lunch and dinner, in a lively space with an attractive bar, while the indoor pool is a huge perk for families.

You Should Know Pets are not allowed at all, even with a fee or deposit.

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Room

Blonde-wood furnishings; pops of green, yellow and blue; heather-gray accents; and a spacious layout are a nice perk at this price point for both the rooms and suites (there are 306 total). Fresh off a recent renovation, the vibe in each is bright and airy. Comfy quilted-top mattresses are draped with crisp white linens. A coffeemaker is also in each room. To spread out even further--whether you're an extended-stay business traveler or sharing the room with a few people--the Executive King Rooms, which are suite-sized, could be perfect. Desks with task chairs are included as are small fridges, pull-out sofas and microwaves.

Tip For the best view, request a room above the 10th floor.

Bathroom

Also recently renovated, the baths are modernized with fresh updates that include granite vanity tops and ample ledge space around the tub. New shower/tub combos were added with the March 2017 renovation.

Lobby

With its high ceilings and floor-to-ceiling windows, natural light flows into the lobby with ease. Staff behind two tall desks (each with two check-in areas) ensure guests have everything they need. Seating is a mix of velvety-soft high-back armchairs and benches in deep, dark grays.

Pool

The hotel's indoor pool is what draws a lot of the guests. Coupled with the fitness center, it's a convenient perk for guests who like to work out and also relax during their stay.

Gym

The hotel's fitness center--open 24/7--is stocked with dozens of state-of-the-art machines plus free weights. Floor-to-ceiling windows on all sides offer a stunning view of surrounding high-rises.

Dining

A Starbucks in the hotel offers a grab-and-go concept, whether it's a latte, yogurt parfait or pastry. For heartier fare, head to the new Copper Fox Gastropub, which debuted with the hotel's 2017 renovation. Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, this is a great place to dine in a group thanks to shareable plates such as deviled eggs, meat and cheese board and pork belly and grits. Main dishes--plus salads and sandwiches--range from light (fish tacos) to heavy (prime skirt steak). Seating is mostly at small, intimate tables for four; some have stylish, walled-in banquettes at one side of the table.

Tip Happy hour at Copper Fox Gastropub is from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Drinking

Cocktails at Copper Fox Gastropub are a treat, with a trio of signature mules (folding in artisan ingredients like house-made jam and basil) plus seven hand-crafted cocktails that riff on classic cocktails, such as "One Flew South" and "The Unfashioned." The wine list skews upscale, with French Champagne, Oregon Pinot Noirs, California Chardonnays and more. Five Chicago craft beers celebrate the city's growing craft-brewery scene.

What's Nearby

Getting Around

You don't need a car while staying at this property. (Plus, you can save $53 a night, what the hotel charges for overnight parking.) Due to its Magnificent Mile location, world-class shopping is just outside the hotel's front door and the lakefront is about five blocks east, for scenic strolls. Most theaters are within a 20-minute walk, too. Uber and Lyft drivers are always in the area and the hotel is located mid-way (10-minute walk) between the Grand and Chicago L stops.

Restaurants

Shake Shack came to Chicago with great acclaim within the last few years, offering up burgers, fries and custard shakes; the River North location is very close to the hotel (4-minute walk). Stan's Donuts (3-minute) is a must for indulgent breakfast fare: just be prepared to wait in line.

Bars

Timothy O'Toole's (3-minute walk) is your classic Irish pub and a great place to reset tired feet while sipping a pint or tune into the game. Want to bowl? Pinstripes' Streeterville location (11-minute walk) is an ideal spot for accomplishing a lot all at once: bowling (if in a group), noshing and imbibing, in a stylish environment.

Quick Facts

HOTEL INFO

Phones: 312-573–0800;800-321–2211