REVIEW

Chicago's Essex Inn

This 15-floor hotel has a sleek, metal-and-glass lobby and a swimming pool enclosed in a glass atrium—you can see Grant Park while treading water.

By Chauncey Hollingsworth, Thursday, Jul 31, 2008, 5:16 PM

Chicago's Essex Inn

• 800 S. Michigan Ave.
  South Loop, Chicago, United States 60605
  312/939-2800
  
• Chicago's Essex Inn website

About this Hotel

Price From $99

'Hood South Loop, close to the renowned Art Institute of Chicago and to Millennium Park, with its famous band shell designed by Frank Gehry. Here, skyscrapers preside over wide, landscaped boulevards.

First Impression Urban posh at an affordable price. This 15-floor hotel has a sleek, metal-and-glass lobby and a swimming pool enclosed in a glass atrium—you can see Grant Park while treading water.

The Rooms Standard fare for business hotels.

Plus East-facing rooms have king-of-the-world views.

Minus You may wonder, Is this really Chicago? So many conventions are held in the neighborhood that you're more likely to bump into an out-of-towner than a local.

Free Wi-Fi? No. $6 a day.

Credit Cards Accepted Visa, MC, AmEx, Discover.

Details Doubles from $99.