The Tremont Chicago Hotel

“Good quirky history off the Magnificent Mile”

I took a ride-share from my lodging in the downtown area up to this hotel on Michigan Avenue, which was only a short walk from the Red Line. Knowing where public transit is matters a lot to me, and there were also many bus lines within a few blocks. Thanks to Maps, I saw how conveniently located and connected this spot was. I remember the Magnificent Mile as the home of the Omni Hotel, where guests of Oprah’s show used to stay. But it’s much more than that. Michigan Avenue feels like a high-end shopping street in New York but with more space. A wide boulevard with luxury stores, like Burberry with its onyx cage pattern, and busy with both tourists and locals. There was a 24-hour drugstore about three blocks away. The area was always active, and the Tremont is near many Chicago landmarks and attractions. The room was cozy, and as a member of the hotel’s loyalty program, I was on one of the special floors. The Tremont is an older building that recently had a major renovation of all its rooms and lobby. It was clear that care was put into the hotel, but as an older building, some quirks remain. The queen bed took up most of the room, but there was enough space for two people to move around. Still, there were minor oddities, like a plastic cover for TV wires that looked poorly installed. You’ll accept these quirks, especially given the rate I paid. The bathroom felt dated. The heat lamp and light fixture in the bath area looked untouched by the renovation. But there was a tub, and I enjoyed a long, hot soak to relax after my first night of drinking again. The bathroom was split into two areas, with a sink alcove and a separate door for the tub and toilet, which would be useful if sharing a room. I liked the hotel’s style, with modern decor in an older building, and I felt at home in my room. I had two windows: one faced north over a parking lot, and the other faced east with a view of the Mag Mile and the John Hancock Center. I was thrilled by that view, but overall, the pros outweighed the cons. I spent time in the lobby, which felt warm and had a mix of rustic and current styles with colors like burgundy, pale blue, and orange against greys and wood, giving a masculine yet modern feel. I could have stayed there all day. The sleeping area got the most attention in the renovation, but some quirks remained. Also, nearby church bells rang on Sunday morning around nine-thirty and eleven, so earplugs might help. Even so, I’m loyal to the hotel brand, and the location, value, design, and convenience worked for me. I took buses everywhere, including up to Andersonville, which was easier than the train. I enjoyed my stay. January in Chicago is affordable; my prepaid rate was $93.99. Weather can be unpredictable, but this time it was a pleasant mid-forties weekend. No matter the weather, museums, restaurants, and bars are open and you’ll have fun.

A visitor · Over a year ago