Whitehall Hotel

Frommer's Review

Staying here is like visiting a wealthy, sophisticated aunt's town house: elegant but understated, welcoming but not effusive. Before the Four Seasons and Ritz-Carlton entered the picture, the patrician Whitehall reigned as Chicago's most exclusive luxury hotel, with rock stars and Hollywood royalty dropping by when in town. Although those glory days have passed, the independently owned Whitehall still attracts a devoted clientele who relish its subdued ambience and highly personalized service.

Since this is an older property, the hallways are quite narrow and the bathrooms are small. But the rooms are spacious and bright, with immaculate furniture. Rooms on the north side of the building come with a wonderful straight-on view of the Hancock Building, with Lake Michigan sparkling in the background. "Pinnacle Level" rooms are the same size as standard rooms, but come with extra amenities, including four-poster beds (with luxury linens), irons and ironing boards, and umbrellas; Pinnacle guests also receive complimentary breakfasts.

The hotel's restaurant, Fornetto Mei, offers an eclectic Pan-Italian menu; the covered, heated sun porch attracts outdoor diners year-round. And don't miss the hotel's dimly lit, clubby bar, which hasn't changed since the hotel opened in 1928 (ask the staff to point out Katharine Hepburn's favorite seat).

Facilities:
Restaurant (Italian); lounge; exercise room (and access to nearby health club for $20/day); concierge; business center (for upper floors); 24-hr. room service; babysitting; laundry service; dry cleaning

Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.

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