The Kinzie Hotel’s one-bedroom suites have curved windows and great views of the city. And don’t miss the hotel’s lobby, below, which features Tam Tam lights by Marset and Nios lounge chairs by Arcadia.Photos by ROGER PAPERNO<137>14047233300<137>
Recently renovated and relaunched, the Kinzie Hotel is a warm home away from home in the concrete jungle and glass towers of Chicago. High-end design touches mark the Kinzie as a contemporary American boutique hotel but they also introduce guests to its namesake, Quebec-born John Kinzie, who became one of Chicago's first settlers. The hotel is built into the first six floors of a larger nondescript office tower but the lobby feels welcoming thanks to local art and an enthusiastic service team.
LOCATION, LOCATION
On the corner of a quiet street, on the upper edge of the North Loop, the Kinzie is a few city blocks from the famous Marina City towers and Trump International Hotel and Tower. Head east and you'll quickly find yourself in the middle of one of America's shopping meccas, Michigan Avenue.
DESIGN
There are subtle nods to historical Chicago and its namesake throughout the hotel. The rooms are adorned with a wallpaper map of the city predating the Great Chicago Fire of 1871 and bedside light scones – with their arched arm and wide diffusers – evoke historical Chi-city street lamps. And don't rush through the lobby without spending a little admiring a gorgeous array of Tam Tam lights by Marset and Nios lounge chairs by Arcadia.
IF I COULD CHANGE ONE THING
While you may appreciate the hotel's strategic location near the sights, shops and transit, the rooms were less thoughtfully arranged. One night, while enjoying a glass of wine in our room before dinner we turned to the window and looked directly at the guests unpacking or relaxing – wait a minute, are they undressing? – in a neighbouring room. Next time, I'll upgrade to a one-bedroom suite, which feature curved windows, a seating area and views sans neighbours.
WHOM YOU'LL MEET
The hotel attracts young hip couples sporting sunglasses, leather jackets and matching suitcases alongside young families waiting for the valet to bring their minivan around for dinner out. Mornings are when you're more likely to run into your fellow guests, as they roll out of their rooms for the free continental breakfast in their sweats and flip flops. No worries there's no judgment, just coffee to be consumed.
BEST AMENITY
The hotel hosts a happy hour with complimentary hors d'oeuvres and libations every evening. This is your chance to share stories with other guests about great finds on Michigan Avenue, the latest exhibition at the Chicago Art Institute or great restaurants to try.
EAT IN OR EAT OUT?
It's hard not to recommend a night out in Chicago. The dining scene here is extensive, and there's no excuse for not walking west on Kinzie Street to Gilt Bar where the room is bustling, service is attentive, cocktails are classically mixed and poured, and everything on the menu is delicious. Also worth pursuing are the grits and popcorn at Graham Elliot Bistro. Or, if you're enjoying the reinvented historical vibe of the Kinzie Hotel, let that be the theme of your trip and head over to the Gold Coast area to the Pump Room – make sure to call ahead and see if you can score the booth that Sinatra sat in every night. No booth? Just order the fresh pappardelle and enjoy the people watching anyway.
Kinzie Hotel, 20 W Kinzie St., Chicago, kinziehotel.com. 215 rooms from $179 (U.S.).
The writer was a guest of the hotel.