Chicago Athletic Association

What recent visitors appreciate most about the Chicago Athletic Association hotel is its distinct point of view. The hotel is housed in the building that was once home to the Chicago Athletic Association, and its Venetian Gothic architecture dates back to the 1890s. Staying true to its athletic heritage, the hotel's designers repurposed elements of the original club into the property's vintage look. For instance, a pommel horse is used as a bench and nightstands feature tennis racquet leather grips for legs. Beyond the interesting aesthetics, rooms also offer boxing-style robes, complimentary Wi-Fi access, C.O. Bigelow toiletries and bedside tables with USB flash drive outlets. Aside from the unique interiors, travelers also rave about the rooftop restaurant, Cindy's. Housed within a vaulted glass and steel atrium, the space offers views of Millennium Park (situated across the street from the hotel), the Art Institute of Chicago and Lake Michigan. Equally impressive are the hotel's five other bars and eateries, ranging from an on-site Shake Shack to a more formal farm-to-table restaurant. Reviewers particularly liked the Game Room bar, which is located in the original billiards room of the athletic club and features games like shuffleboard and bocce ball. It should come as no surprise that the hotel also features a 24-hour fitness center with complimentary, trainer-led group runs along Lake Michigan every Saturday at 8 a.m. You can also get your workout in riding around the Windy City on the hotel's complimentary bikes (available seasonally).