What it is

An 1893 Venetian Gothic icon, now an ultra chic hotel designed by Roman & Williams with seven restaurants (including a rooftop atrium and James Beard award winner).

What it isn't

Stocked with a spa. But with a 24-hour gym with personal trainers and a Topgolf Swing Suite on the premises, you won’t even notice.

What we think

Used by generations as a private club, the Chicago Athletic Association is now open to all as a jaw-dropping hotel…and yet it’s more exquisite than ever. Guest rooms are as stylish as they come, and plushly tricked out with Sferra bed linens, Faribault Woolen Mill blankets, carrara marble bathrooms, C.O. Bigelow toiletries, and—true to its roots—robes that look like what beefy boxers wear ringside. We love the vintage and custom furniture in all rooms (beginning with the 248 square foot Queen Bed rooms), but to really feel like you own this onetime private members club, book one of the Holy Cow Suites. Our pick: the 867 square foot Founders Suite, which has century-old carved woodwork, stained glass windows that overlook Michigan Avenue, two (two!) fireplaces, and dreamy ornamental ceilings over your king bed.

You're here because

The hotel is *actually * pet friendly. You’re allowed up to two fluffballs per room, of any size.

The Moment

From your low slung table under the glass atrium ceiling at Cindy’s, the hotel’s rooftop restaurant, you feel like you’ve chanced upon the hippest bar in Chicagoland…within footsteps of your bed. Today’s tipple? A pink and perfect coupe of Grandma’s Candy, with notes of both manzanilla sherry and miso.

Restaurants & Bars

Cindy’s - Rooftop restaurant with views of Millennium Park and Lake Michigan, serving local cuisine and drinks

Cherry Circle Room - Featuring throwback cocktails and tableside presentations of the finest meats.

Game Room - A billiards room that transforms into a lively bar and playground with a cocktail culture and games

Drawing Room - Serving a rustic yet refined menu with regional classics

Milk Room - An eight-seat microbar that specializes in rare vintage spirits and curated whiskies.

Fairgrounds Coffee + Tea - Cold brews and a variety of artisanal beverages are ready to order.

Location

Across the street from Millennium Park, a block from the Art Institute of Chicago—where you can ogle some 300,000 works, including Grant Wood’s “American Gothic” and Edward Hopper’s “Nighthawks.”