Chicago Athletic Association

Character and identity

Set in a restored 1890s Venetian Gothic landmark across from Millennium Park, this 240-room hotel trades on its bones: carved stone fireplaces, terrazzo floors, leaded glass, and a lobby that feels like a private club preserved in amber. Rooms run the gamut from compact originals built for sporting club members to expansive park-facing layouts, all kitted out with brass-inspired headboards and Faribault wool blankets. Dining comes courtesy of Boka Restaurant Group, with the Drawing Room and Game Room for relaxed vintage settings and rooftop Cindy's pulling crowds for cocktails and Millennium Park views. Front desk staff double as informal architectural docents.

Who's it for

Bottom line

You're booking the building first and the bedroom second. The Venetian Gothic interiors, the Boka-run food and beverage programme, and the park-facing rooftop are the reasons to be here, not a uniform luxury room product. Worth it for design-minded guests who'll use the public spaces; book a Millennium Park-facing room if dimensions matter, and aim for weekdays to keep the crowds down.