Ace Hotel Chicago
"How did it strike you on arrival?Humming, industrial-vibe magnet for Google employees who work across the street, and urban nomads checking in to check out the banging West Loop—and the city's cultural attractions beyond. The good stuff: Tell us about your room.Medium rooms feel like an industrial loft, down to the grid system on one wall, where a Martin Guitar hangs (not in all rooms; though some have turntables, too). Nice built-in plywood credenza along the picture window doubles as a desk with a view. We’re craving some deep, restorative sleep. They got us?The box-spring-free bed on a metal frame resembles a queen-size cot, but sleeps much more comfortably than it looks. Style points for the striped woolen blankets that cover the beds. How about the little things, like mini bar, or shower goodies. Any of that find its way into your suitcase?Ace excels at the small touches, from the Martin guitar or turntable in the room to the works by Art Institute of Chicago students on the walls. Please tell us the bathroom won’t let us down.Breaking with tradition, this bathroom is done in dark blues and blacks that make the piles of cushy white towels stand out. Rudy's toiletries supplied. Maybe the most important topic of all: Wi-Fi. What’s the word?Good Wi-Fi and included. Room service: Worth it?Room service comes from the hotel restaurant City Mouse, from the much acclaimed chef Jason Vincent, but the burger is so much better when you can soak up the hipster vibe in the restaurant. Anything stand out about other services and features? Whether it’s childcare, gyms, spas, even parking—whatever stuck with you.Lovage, the all-day ground-floor café is a morning stop for brioche bun breakfast sandwiches and Stumptown coffee that morphs into cocktails and burgers by afternoon. That same easy, voracious vibe fits the hotel to a tee. Great art all around, including in a dedicated gallery, and even in the gym. The rooftop bar Little Wild offers skyline views nightly live music. What was most memorable—or heartbreaking—about your stay?Heartbreaking: not having time to play all the records supplied with the turntable. Bottom line: worth it, and why?Well worth it for the insider access to a great restaurant, skyline-framing rooftop bar, and exposure to local art." - Elaine Glusac
