Chicago, Illinois
21c Museum Hotel Chicago
Artful Elegance
What it is
A newly opened 297-room retreat with its own contemporary art museum.
What it isn't
Equipped with its own restaurant. Although in the heart of Chicago, you won’t miss it.
What we think
Chicago is inarguably the art capital of the Midwest, thanks in part to The Art Institute of Chicago—and this hotel. This outpost of creative kid-favorite 21C brand has a museum right on the premises (and a totally free, 10,000 square foot one open 365 days a year at that). Designer Deborah Berke turned each room into a restful reprieve, with floor to ceiling channeled headboards, brass and blonde wood accents, and, of course, original art gracing each space. We love that amenities are truly luxe: expect Mailin + Goetz toiletries in the bathrooms lined in subway tile, sitting areas, and wellness kits that have become a must for globetrotters with disinfecting wipes and hand sanitizer. For the ultimate Chicago crash pad, book an 828-square-foot 21C suite—they have separate dining areas (with tulip tables, natch) and megawatt 16th or 17th floor views.
You're here because
The hotel has its own garage for self-parking, which you always find easier than phoning up the valet every time you need your wheels.
The Moment
You’ll admit it: you don’t typically love a hotel gift shop. But this one is different: stocked with a curated stash of treasure more typically found at, say, MoMA: including the hotel’s trademark ceramic penguins. Wouldn’t that be a laugh going through security at the airport?
Location
Just off the Magnificent Mile, within a few blocks walk of the Museum of Contemporary Art—designed by Midcentury German starchitect Josef Paul Kleihues.