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Ace Hotel Chicago

by Katie Hammel
Guest room
Photo: Guest room / Courtesy of Ace Hotel Chicago
by Katie Hammel
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Ace Hotel Chicago Lobby
Photo: Ace Hotel Chicago Lobby / Courtesy of Ace Hotel Chicago/Spencer Lowell
by Katie Hammel
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Ace Hotel Chicago
Photo: Ace Hotel Chicago / Courtesy of Ace Hotel Chicago
by Katie Hammel
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Waydown Rooftop Bar
Photo: Waydown Rooftop Bar / Courtesy of Ace Hotel Chicago
by Katie Hammel
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Housed in a former cheesemaking factory, the pet-friendly, 159-room Ace Hotel is  located in an up-and-coming neighborhood on the city’s west side, best known for the plethora of top dining options. Chicago opened in 2017 and offers cool, mid-century modern rooms. On-site, you'll find a rooftop bar, a restaurant, and a gym. As with other Ace properties, this property features a hip and artsy vibe, plus fun extras designed to help millennial-aged guests mix and mingle. 

What You Need to Know

The Look 

It's All in the Details

The sleek, industrial-style glass lobby is softened by an abundance of greenery, locally made art, and plenty of natural light. There are six room categories, all equally simple yet stylish with metal bed frames, exposed columns, built-in plywood desks, and original artwork from students at the Art Institute of Chicago. Other amenities include flat-screen TVs, a fully-stocked minibar featuring locally made treats, and — in some rooms — turntables with a large selection of records. 

The Vibe

The hotel’s hip style is echoed by guests mingling in the lobby and rooftop bar. Here, the demographic skews young and hip. Throughout the property, you'll find couples, friend groups, and professionals traveling on business (Google’s Chicago campus is right across the street). 

Who Will Love It

From the local artwork to the Midwestern-made minibar snacks, the hotel does an excellent job of incorporating a sense of place to its rooms and amenities. The end result is a space that feels authentically cool and decidedly unstuffy. For travelers on the hunt for a hip hotel that feels effortlessly so, look no further. 

Who Might Not

Those who tend to skew more traditional when it comes to design may not love the hotel’s style. Also, while the surrounding neighborhood is a foodie hotspot, it doesn’t offer much of anything else.

Best Amenity 

The property excels at creating communal spaces where guests will want to linger, from the seventh-floor rooftop bar to the airy lobby (which doubles as a free co-working space for locals) to the on-site restaurant, City Mouse, where comfort food is taken to the next level (think red wine spaghetti with beef tongue or a corned wagyu beef sandwich). 

Money Matters

What’s Included

There’s free wifi throughout the hotel. 

Fees and Extra Costs You Should Know About

Valet parking costs $57 per night, and there is no self-parking. Bring your four-legged friend with you for a one-time fee of $50. 

How to Get a Deal

Room rates start as low as $209 per night in the winter. Peak season rates (June through October) can cost over $400 per night. In general, weekday rates tend to be cheaper, and select dates have a two-night minimum. Check the hotel's offers page for seasonal discounts and promotions. 

Getting There

In the Neighborhood

The property is located in Chicago’s West Loop, a formerly industrial area that’s now home to some of the city’s hottest restaurants like Girl and the Goat, Avec, and The Aviary. It’s also short walk to Little Italy/University Village, a quick ride on the L train (the city's mass train system) to The Loop, Chicago's official downtown. The hotel is less than 15 minutes via public transit to popular attractions like the Willis Tower, Art Institute, and Grant Park.  

Nearest Airport

Chicago’s O’Hare International Airport is only 16 miles from the hotel, but in rush hour traffic, the drive takes about an hour and costs around $40 for a taxi or rideshare. Alternatively, take the Blue Line train from the airport to Grand Station, which takes about 40 minutes and costs just $2.50. From there it’s a 10-minute walk to the hotel. Midway International Airport is even closer (11 miles) but getting to the hotel requires you to take two trains (Orange Line to the Green Line), which takes about an hour. 

Nearest Public Transit

The Morgan Lake L stop is about a three-minute walk from the hotel. Take the Green or Pink lines to the Loop, and, from there, you can get just about anywhere within the city by train or bus. 

The Bottom Line

The effortlessly hip Ace Hotel Chicago fits perfectly into the formerly industrial neighborhood around it.

It's All in the Details