River North Chicago, Illinois
Renovated
2015
Price
$$
Rated for
Design Social HeritageOutside the door
The house
FreehandBohemian Art Deco waystation
A communal hub bridging boutique hotel and upscale hostel, designed with layered textiles and vintage Midwestern craft.
“The designers imbued the interior with a layered feel, using a combination of textiles, leather and wood to create a cosy, lived-in atmosphere.”
What it’s good at
Notable
Broken Shaker serves botanical cocktails alongside daytime specialty coffee at Café Integral.
What they say
Also in Condé Nast Traveler and Wallpaper*.
Backpackers get a serious upgrade at this hotel near the Magnificent Mile, where thrift is a virtue and good design doesn't have to be expensive.
Right in the middle
Well-located: walkable to some things, a short ride to more.
Set in River North, the front door is two blocks from Michigan Avenue shopping and a quick walk to the subway.
The rooms
Private rooms and custom four-bed bunks feature mid-century furnishings, woven wall hangings, and deep-green glazed bathroom tiles.
The gym
- Gym
- 24-hour fitness center with cardio equipment and free weights.
Dogs stay too.
Bar
Broken Shaker
Bartenders mix botanical cocktails beneath a painted octopus mural, alongside street-food snacks and regular DJ sets.
At the table
Café Integral brews single-origin Nicaraguan coffee and serves morning pastries from glass cloches on the lobby counter.
How it began
Roman and Williams revived this 1927 Art Deco tower, once the Tokyo Hotel, opening it in 2015 as an inventive communal stay.
Good to know
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Chicago
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Our shorthand
How we rate hotels.
The medals
Gold
Extremely rare. Sets the global standard.
Silver
Brilliant execution. And we’re picky.
Bronze
They did this well. You’ll notice.
Listed
A defining trait. Makes the hotel what it is.
The eight vibes
Design
Built around a vision. Even the door handles have a designer.
Luxe
Cared for at every turn. The bath is drawn before you ask.
Local
It could only be here. You wake up knowing where you are.
Social
Where the city goes out. The bar is full and the night is young.
Heritage
A building with a story. Once a palace, a monastery, a station.
Wellness
You leave feeling new. Rest, sweat, soak and sleep like a stone.
Classic
The city grew up with it. Same rituals, same regulars, same bar.
Resort
A world of its own. Something to do from breakfast to nightcap.
The scene
Lively
Where things happen: restaurants, shops, people.
Central
Well-located: walkable to some things, a short ride to more.
Quiet
Away from the crowds. Getting around takes intention.
Secluded
A place apart: the property is the destination.