Arrival/Check-In: After an early-morning flight from Philadelphia to Chicago, I was eager to check in at The James Chicago and freshen up a bit. The light-filled lobby was welcoming, and my colleague and I were both checked into our rooms — ready early — within just a few minutes. The lobby is long, with couches, chairs and ottomans to the right of the main entrance, joined by a tucked-away business center. To the left of the entrance are additional seating and the restaurant and bar.
Every time I strolled through the lobby on the way to the elevators, I was taken with the luggage art installation by Joel Ross. In a motel between Texas and Chicago, the artist paid for a one-night stay and brought in 50 vintage suitcases, dismantling the entire room from bedsprings to light bulbs. The suitcases, filled with the motel room contents, are now the focal point that drew me in every time. Art is showcased throughout the hotel and described in detail on the website.
Guest Quarters: My king loft room was spacious, especially generous for a city hotel. The room opened into a living room area with a couch, chair, small end table and two large ottomans doubling as a coffee table. Across from these was a rotating flat-screen TV on a dresser, which could also be seen from the other sitting area in the room. Here were a corner booth and table, which I used as my desk. It was next to a private media room; an additional king-sized bed can be made up as a second bed or used to sprawl out and relax in-room while working or watching TV.
The bathroom and closet were to the left of the main doorway. The bathroom afforded plenty of space to get ready and good lighting; toiletries were in large, secured bottles in the shower. To the right of the door was a wet bar which featured the in-room bartender, all the supplies needed to create custom cocktails inroom. (Instant coffee with a kettle was provided, but not a full coffeemaker.)
The bedroom area was tucked away in a private corner a step up from the living area. Two nightstands flanked the king-sized bed, and another flat-screen TV was mounted in the corner. A curtain of metal chains separated this area from the living room, and a large, full-length mirror leaned against the wall immediately between.
Services/Amenities: After checking in and settling in, I enjoyed lunch at the on-site David Burke’s Primehouse, named No. 1 Steakhouse in Chicago by Chicago magazine. My Caesar salad was prepared fresh tableside, and the menu features unique selections like bacon lollipops and pretzel-crusted crab cakes. The restaurant also serves breakfast and dinner and provides in-room dining. JIMMY is the hotel’s speakeasy-style, intimate cocktail lounge, serving custom cocktails that change seasonally. I stopped in one evening of my stay after a long day of meetings, around 9 p.m., and the lounge was quite busy.
I utilized the 2,500-square-foot fitness center, located one floor down from the lobby and next to the hotel spa. Danny Errico, founder of Equinox Fitness Clubs, designed the gym. With a variety of different, state-of-the-art machines, I varied my workouts; I particularly liked the separate mat/stretching area, which was more ample than in most hotel fitness centers.
The Experience: I can’t think of one thing wrong with my stay at The James Chicago. Its location was within walking distance of many Chicago highlights; my guestroom was large, comfortable and loaded with amenities; and the on-site facilities were superb.
GT CHECKLIST
[checklist]
[item check=yes]Doorman/valet[/item]
[item check=yes]Less than 10 minutes for check-in[/item]
[item]Separate tub and shower[/item]
[item check=yes]Large vanity[/item]
[item check=yes]High-quality towels[/item]
[item check=yes]Powerful, unattached hair dryer[/item]
[item check=yes]High-quality bed linens[/item]
[item check=yes]Large, flat-screen television[/item]
[item]Large desk with convenient outlets[/item]
[item check=yes]Large, complimentary laptop safe[/item]
[item check=yes]Complimentary in-room WiFi[/item]
[item check=yes]Complimentary bottled water[/item]
[item check=yes]Stocked minibar[/item]
[item check=yes]Ample lighting[/item]
[item]In-room coffeemaker[/item]
[item check=yes]Iron and ironing board[/item]
[item check=yes]On-site restaurant[/item]
[item check=yes]24-hour room service[/item]
[item check=yes]24-hour state-of-the-art fitness center[/item]
[item check=yes]Turn-down service[/item]
[/checklist]
The James Chicago
55 E. Ontario St.
Chicago, IL 60611
tel 312 337 1000
jameshotels.com
Read This Next
Lotte Hotel Seoul
2014 / February 2014
Jun 1, 2016All Reads on This Topic
Read Them All
Introducing
FX Excursions
FX Excursions offers the chance for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in destinations around the world.
#globility
Insta FeedDaily
Mar 22, 2023Austrian Airlines to Bring Back Flying Chefs
Austrian Airlines plans to bring back its Flying Chefs program this summer, returning after a three-year break due to the COVID-19 pandemic. In partnership with its caterer DO & CO, chefs employed by the catering company will offer a complete gourmet experience to passengers traveling in Austrian’s business class on long-haul flights.
Sponsored Content
Exclusive Savings: Cruise Along the Danube River with Global Traveler
Exclusive Sailing with Global Traveler
Daily
Mar 22, 2023Bucket List Blooms: Best Places to Witness Spring Blooms
With spring on our doorstep, the world prepares to see bursts of color, from bold bluebells to vibrant cherry blossoms. While every destination welcomes spring, these places not only see beautiful flowers blossom but also celebrate these blooms with festivals and floral-themed offers from local hotels.
eFlyer Reviews
Mar 22, 2023Pendry Washington DC – The Wharf Review
Among the handful of hotels in the area, Pendry Washington DC – The Wharf is the newest. I was excited to check in for a little staycation — and even more excited when I checked into my room just in time to see the sun set over the boats docked in the Potomac River.
eFlyer News
Mar 22, 2023Meadow Homes, New Boutique Vacation Rental Platform in New England, Launches
A new upscale vacation rental platform invites travelers to enjoy boutique properties across New England. Meadow Homes debuts with more than 20 properties in the countryside of upstate New York, New Hampshire, Massachusetts and Vermont, with a keen focus on large, private homes close to popular lake and ski destinations.
Daily
Mar 22, 2023Sofitel Rome Villa Borghese Offers Unique Photography, Romantic Proposal Experiences
Through tailored experiences, guests at Sofitel Rome Villa Borghese embark on a photo tour around Rome led by Ryan Neeven, the @DoorsofItaly founder, to not only see historical sites, culinary highlights and modern marvels, but also to learn how to professionally capture them.
Sponsored Content
Share Your Travel Preferences with Global Traveler in a Short Survey & Win
Learning more about our readers’ travel habits and preferences ensures Global Traveler delivers the content you desire. As the travel industry has adapted and changed over the last few years, it’s more important than ever to connect. To best meet your short- and long-term travel content needs, please help us!
Daily
Mar 21, 2023Salem, Massachusetts, Announces 2023 Festival Schedule
The town of Salem, Massachusetts, may get a lot of attention come October and Halloween, but this year-round destination offers a full schedule of festivals perfect for any season.
ShareThis