A boutique hotel right off the Magnificent Mile, The James Chicago is a top choice when traveling to my favorite city. After not stopping in for several years, I was interested to see how the hotel changed and what level of service and accommodations I could now expect.

I arrived after an early-morning flight from Harrisburg, Pa., and was expecting the front desk to tell me I would have to wait for my room. However, I was quickly checked in, with only a few moments to examine the newly remodeled lobby. Narrow and long, it’s filled with eclectic and contemporary furnishings and light fixtures, with signs posted promising more changes to come. Opposite the lobby is Primehouse with its small bar, patio and dining room.

Past the lobby, guests are greeted with a descending staircase to the gym and spa and a mirrored wall leading to the elevators. I had a corner guestroom, offering the hotel’s most common layout. A bathroom covered in dark tile faced the door, and the spacious bedroom included a pantry with drinks and a small seating area near the window with a bench and lounge chair. A separate work and dining nook was tucked away by itself in a corner, surrounded by three walls, opening up to peek out at the sitting area. A comfortable booth-like arrangement offered seating for two, a hanging orb light and small table.

A relatively new feature at the hotel is the addition of tablets in each room, outfitted with the hotel’s app. Guests can use it to order room service, request items including towels and ice, schedule housekeeping or turndown service and more. I found this helpful, as I’m usually running too late in the morning for normal room service, or I’m back too early in the evening for normal turndown times.

While I had eaten at Primehouse when it was under the David Burke name, I’d yet to try this new rendition, so I reserved a table for two for brunch during my stay. I was impressed with both the food and the attentive service. My husband and I enjoyed huevos con frijoles alongside orders of classic American breakfast fare.

The Spa by ASHA is a small space below the lobby. When I arrived for my massage, my treatment specialist greeted me at the door. Unlike some other spas, the entire experience was private and quiet, with little to no disturbance from other patrons.

On a closing note, while The James Chicago will always be one of my favorites, I also have a few hopes for the hotel’s future plans — primarily that its lobby renovations extend to some of the guestrooms, which, while still nice, could easily be improved with minimal updates.

The James Chicago

55 E. Ontario St.
Chicago, IL 60611
tel 312 337 1000