Web Analytics

Tourist Meets Traveler Review of The Hilton Chicago

Tourist Meets Traveler Review of The Hilton Chicago

There is something about Chicago that makes me so comfortable in the city. It is rich with culture and home to the Cubs, the Blackhawks, Da Bears, Da Bulls and the White Sox. New York and L.A. tend to steal the big city spotlight, but there is something about the Windy City that has heart.

*The Art Institute of Chicago holds the largest collection of Impressionist paintings outside the Louvre in Paris.

*Harold Washington Library (The Chicago Public Library) is the world’s largest public library with a collection of more than 2 million books.

*Chicago’s Shedd Aquarium is the world’s second largest aquarium in the world. It holds 5 million gallons of water to support 20,000 aquatic animals.

During my recent trip there, I was able to experience just a taste of what the city has to offer. Check out Chicago’s Family Friendly Eats and Treats: Glazed and Infused, Lulu Belles Pancake House and Medieval Times Chicago: The Travel Moms Review.

In what I hope is the first of many reviews for Chicago’s offerings, I decided to start with one of the iconic hotels the city has to offer, The Hilton Chicago.

It has a grandeur and appeal that just emanates what the city is about. History and ornate decoupage mix with contemporary makeovers that nod to the old to create a gateway to growing trends. You could probably wonder around the hotel for hours taking in all it has to offer. The towering building sits on Michigan avenue in the South Loop boasting a title of third-largest hotel in Chicago. In 2012 it began a re-invention with $150 million renovation.

Tourist Meets Traveler Review of The Hilton Chicago

The main reason I call it iconic is due to its appearance in pop culture. It has been featured in tv and films like: ‘Little Fockers,’ ‘The Express,”Road to Perdition,’ ‘Unconditional Love,’ ‘Love and Action in Chicago,’ ‘U.S. Marshals,’ ‘My Best Friend’s Wedding,’ ‘E.R.‘ and ‘The Fugitive.’

The Room: My family of 5 stayed in a 2 double bed room with a “crib” that turned out to be a pretty decent Pack ‘N Play. It was equipped with 2 separate bathrooms. One was larger, but both offered a shower/tub, toilet and vanity. It actually worked out better as we are in the midst of potty training and seems to time her need to go with when her brother or sister is in the shower or using the facilities.

An over-sized chair took up space along with a huge (and empty) tv stand that looked as though it formerly housed a mini-fridge. The decor was a bit dated, but so thoughtful when it was designed that it wasn’t a turnoff. We were offered an upgrade to the newer rooms and we accepted. However, I think the desk attendant forgot to make the upgrade as we stayed in a room identical to the one he had stayed in 3 years ago while I was on a business trip. As you can see in my images in the gallery below, the renovated room show on the website is different than what we stayed in.

A desk with a touch screen desktop was offered. Net access was extra, but the interactive feature offered free games! My kids took turns (after 3 arguments and 1 threat of unplugging said desktop) playing Candy Crush and a cake decorating game. It kept boredom away and also shared details on the area around us with suggestions of restaurants and attractions.

The Pool: When traveling with a family, a pool is must have. It can be tricky to find an indoor pool in the business friendly town. The Hilton delivered with two hot tubs and a pool with space for kids to play and space for those looking to swim laps. It was lovely, but the gym was superior and called my name. My kids did meet some “friends” in there. They splashed and played together and agreed to try and meet later the next day.

Overall, the location is fantastic and just across the street from the park. About a block or two over you can find the iconic ‘Cloud Gate‘ locals lovingly nicknamed ‘The Bean‘ in Millennium Park. The rooms offer more than you typically find in terms of space. It may cater to more of a business trip clientele, but it has family friendly perks.