Hotel at a Glance: Top-Secret Boutique Hotel in Downtown Chicago

This approachable boutique hotel, is in Chicago’s River North, one of the city’s trendiest neighborhoods - lined with boutiques, galleries, bars, lounges, and Top Chef–run restaurants. It’s a fitting locale for this boutique hotel that celebrates art, music, design, and their guests’ penchant for originality. The hotel opened in May 2012, following an extensive renovation that outfitted the building with the latest technology, including FREE ultra-fast Wi-Fi. Its decor is just as cutting edge—low-sitting, bold-colored furniture and one-off artwork create a modern, minimalist aesthetic with a big emphasis on inspiring creative thought. Discovery is key here with artful treasures to be found from the masterful mural in the lobby, graffiti-laden stairwells, and the much lauded “ladies in the light well”. Other design touches reinforce the hotel’s hipness: bright-red LED lips serve as a nightlight on bathroom mirrors, and guests create their own “Do Not Disturb” message on chalkboards affixed to doors. Some rooms also feature guitars for guests to rock to their hearts’ content. The rooms feature space-saving layouts with tucked-away ottomans and open closets, as well as Bowers & Wilkins Zeppelin wireless audio systems, Amazon Echo or Alexa, complimentary high-speed WiFi, and FREE Morning Joe delivery service each morning. Suites are twice the size and include two TVs, separate seating areas with boffo views of the skyline, wet bar, mini fridge, and microwave. We might mention, your pooch is welcome too! On the street level, the classic and contemporary, award-winning Berkshire Room, named after the hotel that once occupied the building, serves craft cocktails as well as savory snacks. The property has been ranked in the Top 10 of Condé Nast Traveler’s Readers’ Choice Awards for Top Hotels in Chicago, and In Travel & Leisure’s top 10 Best Hotels for several consecutive years.

Chicago’s River North: World-Class Art Galleries, Restaurants, and Nightlife near Downtown

World-class art galleries, restaurants, and nightlife near downtown borders the Loop at the Chicago River. The River North community is where the skyscrapers of downtown give way to the award-winning restaurants, trendy nightspots, boutique shops, and in-the-know residents. Once an industrial area, today River North is home to architectural gems as well as eateries to suit every appetite and budget. Chicago’s Riverwalk borders the neighborhood on the south and features an array of lively bars, restaurants, live entertainment, lots of outdoor seating, and some of the best views of the city. You can also score a kayak rental, or architectural boat tour here. The neighborhood boasts a formidable culinary presence ranging from inventive Spanish cuisine at Jaleo by world renown chef, José Andrés to budget-friendly classics like Al’s Beef. It also comprises the country’s largest concentration of art galleries outside of Manhattan. The River North Gallery District runs along Chicago Avenue, Superior, and Huron Streets, occupying century-old red-brick warehouses that have been converted into lofts and exhibition spaces. You can easily walk to adjacent neighborhoods like the Mag Mile, Gold Coast, Streeterville, and the loop or travel beyond using Chicago’s public transportation system; check out our guide to Chicago public transportation for tips on navigating the city like a local.

Other Details

Room Details

Standard King Room

• One king bed
• Standard occupancy: 2
• Maximum occupancy: 2

Double-Queen Room

• Two queen beds
• Standard occupancy: 2
• Maximum occupancy: 4
• Adding occupants above standard: $20 per night for each additional guest 14 or older; kids 13 or younger stay free

City-View King Suite

• One king bed and one sofa bed
• Standard occupancy: 2
• Maximum occupancy: 4
• Adding occupants above standard: $20 per night for each additional guest 14 or older; kids 13 or younger stay free

Hotel Policies

• Check in: 3 p.m.
• Check out: 11 a.m.
• Parking: on-site parking not available; pay garage adjacent to hotel.
• Smoking policy: no smoking inside the property.
• Pet policy: Dogs are welcome. Please contact hotel for additional details.
• Accessibility: please contact property for handicap-accessibility requests or options.
• Room upgrades: not available