ACME Hotel Chicago, Outset Collection by Hilton

Acme Hotel Company

"What catches your attention here? What's the vibe?Industrial chic with quirky indulgences. Walk over checkered flooring, past a blinking crosswalk post into a lobby with vaulted ceilings. Curtains partition the common spaces from the lounge, and a check-in that evokes a chapel's nave. What's the backstory?Although the property has lodging lineage that dates back to the 1920s, it wasn't until 2013 that ACME came in, overlaying hipster embellishments atop the historic foundation. But don't let the throwback vibe fool you, this place has been thoroughly retrofitted for today's gearheads. You'll enjoy super-speed connectivity across every square foot and you can even use a loaner Apple Watch during your stay. Tell us all about the accommodations. Any tips on what to book?Standard rooms are compact but efficient. Light furnishings, modest and modish, surround a Serta Suite Plush bed that's easy to sink into it. From its comfortable embrace, you spy a spectacular view of the surrounding River North neighborhood, where steel and concrete facades stretch toward the sky. An Amazon Echo occupies the end table, ready to receive commands. The bathroom is similarly condensed, but attempts to distract from spacial limitations by upping its cool factor; marble vanity, vessel sink, pipe-fittings doubling as towel racks. If you plan on spending a good amount of time in the room, it's worth upgrading to the suite for added breathing room. Is there a charge for Wi-Fi?No charge for Wi-Fi, and the speeds are fast and furious. Drinking and dining—what are we looking at?ACME caters more to the boozehounds than the epicureans. Three separate bars on the property each deliver their own distinct and alluring vibe. In the lobby, the Berkshire Room specializes in deftly executed classics. Upstairs is the Bodega Bar, slinging upscale arrangements in a cozy, living room like atmosphere. But if you're looking to drink up in truly unique fashion, bring a group of friends up to the Bunny Slope—a cheeky re-imagining of an '80s-era après-ski, built around a working hot tub and fireplace. And the service?   Service at the ACME is competent but hardly indicative of world-class hospitality. A casual aloofness is perhaps part of the charm, to some. But this isn't a place that's trying to win you over with warmth. They do know their city as well as anyone, though, so seek counsel from anyone here and they'll get you to where you want to be. What type of travelers will you find here?Technocrats with tattoos and tight-fitting clothes. What about the neighborhood? Does the hotel fit in, make itself part of the scene?River North is one of Chicago's hippest hoods, dense with bars, boutiques, and restaurants. ACME blends seamlessly into its surroundings. Its shared spaces evoke an informal urban aesthetic and form the basis of a dependable destination for locals and visitors alike. Is there anything you'd change?More expansive dining options would surely satisfy the masses. Any other hotel features worth noting?Acme's infamous 'Hair of the Dog Package' includes two bottles of Gatorade, two packets of aspirin, and a gift certificate to MBurger—a local fast casual favorite. The $25 upcharge at check-in is positioned as the perfect hangover prep. Bottom line: Why are we booking here?Great location, playful vibe, and a breadth of bar options make ACME as a worthwhile stay for those in need of ample nightlife." - Brad Japhe