Thompson Chicago
21 E. Bellevue Pl., Chicago, Illinois 60611, USA
Why We Like It
When business travel can feel too buttoned up, this property helps professionals let loose in style. Though the property lacks some of the full-service features of other luxury hotels (spa, pool), it makes up with character in the form of exceptional dining, central proximity to nightlife and attractions, and a hip, low-key vibe perfect for those who want to mix work and pleasure while still getting a good night's sleep.
Fodor's Expert Review
Luxury hotel with a bite. Contemporary property geared towards the affluent business crowd. Expect to see a lot of jeans with blazers on former rockers now working the 9-to-5 life.
Tip Find a secret stairwell between the second and fourth floors featuring murals from local artists at the Hyde Park Art Center. Art collectors can also request a tour of the center, where they have a catalog of artists available to commission custom works.
Recommended Fodor’s Video
Room
Modeled after traditional menswear, rooms feature masculine modernist decor such as drapes and blankets using grayscale tweed from wool blazers, blue velvet pillows and dark wood furniture accented with metal and leather. You know. Man stuff. Or something.
Tip If you have friends, make it a party by booking one of the six bi-level penthouse suites featuring private terraces with prime lake and city views, 1 1/2 bathrooms and a pool table that doubles as a dining room table.
Bathroom
Sleek, minimalist design extends to the bathrooms with handsome white porcelain fixtures and black tiled waterfall showers. Dry off with branded white terrycloth robes and luxe musky products from D.S. & Durga.
Tip Upgrade to a junior suite or king corner, which both feature deep bathtubs along with standing showers.
Lobby
An eclectic mix of modern art and literature with the occasional air plant thrown in, the property's lobby offers a comfortable enclave worth hanging around before drinks or dinner. Music geeks will appreciate the hip playlist featuring classic R&B, soft electronic and up-and-coming indie bands. The lobby opens into the bar at Nico Osteria, where you'll find complementary Intelligentsia coffee from 6 a.m. to 10 a.m., along with grab-and-go fresh pastries and parfaits for sale.
Dining
An eclectic mix of modern art and literature with the occasional air plant thrown in, the property's lobby offers a comfortable enclave worth hanging around before drinks or dinner. Music geeks will appreciate the hip playlist featuring classic R&B, soft electronic and up-and-coming indie bands. The lobby opens into the bar at Nico Osteria, where you'll find complementary Intelligentsia coffee from 6 a.m. to 10 a.m., along with grab-and-go fresh pastries and parfaits for sale.
What's Nearby
Getting Around
Given its proximity to the bustling Rush Street, it's easy to hail a taxi. But if you opt for public transit, the 36 Devon/Clark bus picks up on State Street one block away and it's about a 7-minute walk to the Clark/Division red line stop.
Restaurants
You can't get much closer to the vibrant nightlife of Rush Street than this property located on the corner of Mariano Park. Here you'll find high-end restaurants like Gibsons Bar & Steakhouse, Tavern on Rush and Maple & Ash. Feeling more surf than turf? Head to Hugo's Frog Bar & Fish House (1-minute walk) or McCormick & Schmick's Seafood & Steaks (4-minute walk).
Bars
Nico Osteria has one of the neighborhood's best bars, but directly across the street is a solid contender at American pub, LuxBar. Looking to get lit? Just north on State Street is late-night legend, Hange Uppe, along with nightclubs Primary Nightclub and Detention Nightclub (4-minute walk).
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Quick Facts
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