Anonymous wrote:Last summer I splurged on a room at the Drake for my family. My kids were bummed that I picked the only hotel in Chicago without a pool.

The Drake is a wonderful property, but I don’t love the location for tourists.

Chicago Athletic Club. Most beautiful hotel in Chicago. Make reservations at their rooftop restaurant well in advance

London House
Chicago Athletic Association (that's the name of the hotel)

Just checked the Palmer House and it’s blocked out for two of the four nights we’ll be there! Looks gorgeous though

^no set budget but don’t want to break the bank

Thanks for these suggestions!

Anonymous wrote:How old are your kids? Do they want a hotel with a swimming pool? What’s your budget?

OP here - it will just be me and DH. Kids will be with the other set of grandparents (no kids event).

+ Palmer House (a Hilton) if you like historical property/charm in central downtown location. There is a large fitness gym. Not sure if there was a pool. If you don’t stay, you can walk through or have a drink/Parker House brownie in lobby.

Last summer I splurged on a room at the Drake for my family. My kids were bummed that I picked the only hotel in Chicago without a pool.

We love The Langham - great hotel, great location.

If the right season, the architectural boat tour on the river is the best thing

Also very fun to rent bikes and bike along Lakeshore drive

Second city comedy shows

The Art Institute

Have lived here most of my life.

The Blackstone is nice and near Millennium Park.

The Talbot is smaller and located near shopping in the Gold Coast.

I'd recommend, however, something in the West Loop/Fulton. Maybe the Hoxton? The best restaurants/shopping are in this area (still not far from the lake/Millenium Park/Mich ave) but it's a little cooler and less touristy in my opinion.

The Palmer house

I lived in Chicago for years and my favorite hotel there is the Palmer House. I always stay there. The lobby is gorgeous. The rooms can be small and uniquely shaped, but that comes with being a historic hotel. Great location in the loop. Very affordable for the location.

How old are your kids? Do they want a hotel with a swimming pool? What’s your budget?

Going for a family function but will spend most of the weekend exploring; neither my DH nor I have been (well, I went once, as a kid).

Want to be centrally located in a pretty nice hotel. Don’t want to spend $$$$, but recognize downtown hotels will be somewhat pricey.

Any other must see/do’s welcome. TIA!