Chicago Hotel Advice / Recommendations

[down_to_business]

I will be visiting Chicago for a few days and would appreciate advice on hotel. I am strongly leaning towards Hotel Palomar or Hotel Monaco, both of which I can get for a decent rate under $200 a night ( I think Monaco is a few $ a night cheaper than Palomar) but I have spent days stressing over which would be the better choice.

 

Any advice of which of the two would be better, or if you think I am making a bad choice altogether and should be looking at some other hotel in that general area would be appreciated. My requirements are as follows: 2 beds, in the same general area, and under $200 a night.

 

Many thanks.

[Steven_Draker]

I've been to both the Monaco and the Palomar hotels in Chicago. The Monaco is a much older property and needs to be refreshed (that was my impression from a couple of years back when I visited). If the difference in price isn't too big I'll definitely stay at the Palomar, a much nicer property in a brand new building that opened in 2010. In addition the Kimpton hotel chain supports various gay causes and I wouldn't hesitate in giving them my business.

 

On the web: http://www.hotel-online.com/News/PR2010_1st/Mar10_PalomarChicago.html

 

Another funky hotel would be The Wit http://www.thewithotel.com (for future reference)

[Bosguy]

I am visiting Chicago in 10 days and I chose the Kimpton chain because of their pro gay involvement, their pet friendly policies, and superior customer service. I chose the Allegro because its modern decor, location for me, and the amazing pricing they were offering.

 

Bill

[+ sf westcoaster]

I stay at a Kimpton when ever possible. Of the two you listed I would recommend that you stay at the Palomar - better location and newer.

[leigh.bess.toad]

DTB -- I too am a huge fan of the Kimpton chain. First off, right now, for the next 11 or so hours (until noon EST Thursday), you can get the Allegro for a really great deal. There is a web site called SniqueAway.com. It is run by the people from TripAdvisor.com so it's a reputable service. They usually offer a couple of limited time deals on top class hotels every day and the sale runs for 5-7 days. The sale on the Allegro rooms started a few days (and that's the great deal that Bosguy got -- you're welcome Bill ).

 

Now if you decide not to stay at the Allegro or decide to stay at one of the other Kimpton hotels, there are a couple things to do. Always book it at kimptonhotels.com. That is because you will want to enter the rate code RRC. RRC is Kimpton's Red Ribbon Campaign. It is aimed solely at the LGBT community. You get 15% off the rack rate of the rooms (which is even better than AAA or AARP, which I think is amazing). In addition to the discount, they also make a $10/night donation to a local AIDS charity. I know in DC it's the Whitman Walker Clinic who have been at the front of the AIDS fight since it was first discovered. This commitment to the LGBT community is really amazing and for that reason alone, I think they deserve the community's support when at all possible.

 

The other thing you will need to do is make sure you are a Kimpton InTouch member. It's their frequent guest program. Obviously it's free. But one of the nice perks they have is that all InTouch members get free wireless internet, as opposed to a charge of about $10/night for non-InTouch members.

 

I have stayed at and recommend the Kimptons to anyone, but especially people from the LGBT community for all they do.

 

If you have any other questions I can answer, feel free to PM me.

 

Good luck and have a great trip to Chicago.

[raulgmanzo]

I agree with Westcoaster and Steven that generally the Palomar is nicer than the Monaco.

But I will say that at least some of the Monacos rooms have been redone well. But yeah the rooms I've seen at the Palomar were really nice.

 

Palomar and Monaco are less than a third of a mile apart and the walk between or within a couple miles of either is safe and pleasant so differences in location are not too important. Palomar being in River North / Magnificent Mile is the better location for dining, nightlife and Michigan avenue shopping. But the Monaco 3 blocks south across the river in the Loop is a better location for access to almost every train line, business, government, millenium park, the symphony, opera, architectural and gobs of public sculpture.

 

Whichever one you stay in be sure to walk towards the other one because the walk accross the river day and night is IMHO beautiful and very Chicago. Especially if your walk gets interrupted by a bridge opening to let a boat pass. Speaking of boats an architecture boat tour is highly recommended.