Staycation in the City: Chicago Hotels

We're planning an end-of-summer weekend staycation outside of our own apartment, and we've been browsing the AT archives for Chicago hotel ideas. Skipping plane fare means a little more to spend on hotels, so we're looking into nicer options that have stylish rooms. (Being AT fans, a well-decorated room is important to us!) Click below for a few of the ideas we've rounded up...

The Dana Hotel and Spa (shown at top) is new to the city and replaces an old Chicago hotel in River North. It's close to the Gold Coast, and rooms are modern with floor-to-ceiling glass windows and/or balconies.

The James Hotel in River North is one that gets mentioned a lot on AT. Modern spaces range from standard guest rooms to "studios" and "lofts."

One place we'd love to try is the Ruby Room Spa in Wicker Park. They require a minimum 2-day stay and ask that you schedule spa services with them. The rooms have no TV, no phones, and no standard reception services. They don't offer a normal hotel experience, but rather focus on the idea of retreat and relaxation.

We've stayed at the W Hotel in the City Center before and enjoyed it. The rooms were nicely decorated, the restaurant was great, and the service staff was very helpful. There's also a Lakeshore Drive location.

Other suggestions for a good weekend "staycation" hotel in Chicago? Let us know in the comments.

Comments (3)

I stayed at the Lakeshore Drive W, and it was definitely stylish -- but the bathroom had a shuttered window that connected to the room and very dim lighting. Not the place to be if you were overserved the night before or want to put on makeup.

The Ruby Room needs their Hippy-shiek b.s. checked and checked hard. They hire artists to do work for them- use it to brand and further their business then refuse to pay. I cannot stand these peace preaching New Agers who rip off the creative community. They are leaches in what used to be a wonderful artistic neighborhood. If you require proof, I can name names, feel free to contact me.

Have you tried any of the Hampton Inn's yet. Its a great hotel and I work for them too ;-) We're really nice and since you seem like you want to stay in a very nice place I think you'd really like us. Any way we're having a 10% off promotion right now so thats even m ore added incentive. Here's the link come check us out.

http://hamptoninn.hilton.com/en/hp/promotions/hx_summerpromo08/index.jhtml;jsessionid=SXEZ4FIZDCG4OCSGBJF2VCQ?it=specials,dreams&cid=om,hx,dreams,specials