Chicago Athletic Association

In chicago for a course..

I was late in booking accomodation in chicago and was shocked to find the first hits in expedia being the expensive luxury hotels. I stayed in some other hotels out of the city for the first couple of nights (another story...) then found that the Chicago Athletic Association had available rooms for the remainder of my stay. The first thing I will say is that it is soooo old skool! Walking into the lobby is like stepping into a bygone era, with the faces of the association’s presidents of the last 100 years staring down at you from one of the walls. However, I found that part of the charm of the place and was impressed with the cleanliness, facilities, price and location. I would recommend staying here, only negative I can think of was that my room was a bit dark and gloomy, but that’s probably part of being downtown anyways..

Traveler's tip on local attractions

Across the road from the millenium park area, the lake and close to navy pier and arts centre

Great place!

The Chicago Athletic Association is right in the heart of it all! While the room was small, it was clean, and the hotel itself is fabulous. If I have one complaint, it’s that the elevators are really small and a little slow and old. Other than that, it’s a great place. There is a boxing ring, which is really unique. Along with a full length pool, gym, basketball court, and indoor golf driving range.

Traveler's tip on local attractions

Make sure to cross the street to see Millenium Park--it’s worth the short walk.

Very good, especially at the price.

This is a very well-preserved gothic style building, and my room was exceptional, especially considering the price. Located right on Michicago Avenue, the location is excellent for downtown sightseeing and shopping. Also has a very nice dining room with excellent food.

Old hotel with great location

The location of the hotel was wonderful. It is straight across the street from Millennium Park, adjacent to the Art Institute, and a few block from the theater district. The hotel is old and we didn’t have hot water for showering any of the mornings. Not the greatest soundproofing either.

Traveler's tip on local attractions

Buy a Go Chicago pass. It included: 23 different admissions to musiums, tours, the Navy Pier fun zone, river and shoreline cruises, the Shedd Aquarium and the Adler Planetarium. It saved us a lot of money

The best part is it’s across the Millennium Park

It is conveniently located on Michigan Ave. directly across the Millennium Park and close to the Cultural Center which is a great place to get introduced to the city. This once gracious old hotel can use some sprucing up in the dark lobby area, the elevators need new carpeting desperately. The room and bath were pretty clean and has basic amenities, although there was no flat bed sheet underneath the comforter which I’m sure doesn’t get washed after every use.

Traveler's tip on local attractions

For a first time visitor to Chicago, the Cultural Center provides helpful information such as where to go, free transportation to the sights, discounted bus and train passes, etc. It saved me time and money when I only had a day to tour the city for the first time.

Older, but perfectly fine

It is a typical older downtown building, so if you are okay with everything not being brand new, this would be fine. The service was good, and the location is great.

It’s ok for what we paid

A little old, but still in good condition