Chasity M.
Yelp
Ah, the FieldHouse Jones. The perfect place for a taste of comfy city living and sporty fun while visiting Chi Town.
For starters, this was my first time visiting Chicago so it was very important for me to find a place in a safe area that was close to nearby landmarks, food and fun. Being that I was traveling alone and also during my birthday, I was looking for someplace affordable while still having character. Not a super swanky hotel in a touristy area. FieldHouse Jones was a great fit.
For starters, this is a small hotel. If an AirBnB and hotel could have a lovechild, Fieldhouse Jones would be that. There are two floors of rooms; the first and second floor consists of the actual rooms and the basement has the kitchen, game room and secret speakeasy, the Janitor's Closet.
Sports decor is everywhere! On the walls of the hallways, inside your room and even in the lobby. It adds a certain quirkiness you can't really get at other hotels, which makes this place such a gem.
I went with "The Trailblazer" room, which consists of one full bed, flat screen TV, desk with chair and a little nightstand. This is the perfect room for the lone traveler but a little tight for two, in my opinion. I enjoyed that the room wasn't huge and being able to see the train pass by was pretty cool. Not sure which rooms other reviewers stayed in who said they could not hear the train, but I most definitely could. It wasn't really annoying, but something you should keep in mind.
The bathroom was my favorite part of the room, super cute and I loved the walk-in shower. The large rectangle mirror has great selfie lighting. (There is also a full-body mirror in the actual room) They provide you with a few little bath products daily and also fresh towels. Despite what the reviews said on Yelp, they in fact do make up your bed everyday. (unless you place the card on your doorknob opting out) There is no closet, but there are a few hooks made on the wall which are convenient for holding coats, scarves, etc. Also, there is a huge block near the window for placing shoes or other stuff on top of it. I found it convenient because it keeps your junk out of the area near the bedroom.
As for munchies and sips, Fieldhouse Jones has a coffee shop on the first floor with a few bites on the menu. There is a cool seating/work area, which seems to tickle the fancy of many a freelancer and work-from-home employee as it was a busy space for nearly 4 out of 5 of the days I stayed here. Televisions are also in this area and draw in many people as well; a Super Bowl watch party of sorts was going on during my stay. One thing I will say, this area brings in many people who aren't necessarily checked into the hotel. No biggie to me, but you can tell it poses an issue with folks roaming around as signs in the kitchen had to be put up saying "this area is for guests only" by the second day I was there.
Oh yeah, the kitchen! Since my room, for example, had no kitchen area or microwave, there is a community kitchen inside the basement with fridges, microwaves, stoves, an ice/water machine and cabinets full of plates, cups and utensils for community usage. Super convenient! One night I bought a bottle of wine and having wine glasses handy inside my hotel felt much better than drinking wine out of a plastic cup at 11PM like a hoodrat inside my bed. Wouldn't you agree? Unless you 'like' to do hoodrat things, this is a no judgement zone...
Next to the kitchen are cool games you can play to pass the time, but my favorite part of Fieldhouse Jones is the Janitor's Closet. Yes, the one with mops. But also boozy drinks.
The Janitor's Closet is one of the most creative concepts for a bar I have ever seen and the fact that it is a speakeasy is even better! Beware, this spot only has 15 seats, so reserve your spot on Resy before popping on in. Aside from the themed space, the drink menu has sips that are inspired by janitorial work and the city itself. So much thought has been put into this place and I love the vintage feel of it. Lights are dim, drinks are strong and the decor is so chic you'll want to snap a photo of every Pine-Sol box and broom you see. The cocktails are crafted perfectly with quality spirits. I just loved this place all around!
I give the Fieldhouse Jones five stars for safety, creativity and a nice and clean stay. If you're looking for a spot to lay your head while visiting Chicago for work or play, you may have just found it here.