Hilton Chicago Rating: 4.0 Pearls

South Loop, Chicago, Illinois

Hilton Chicago

The Hilton Chicago was built in 1927, and while some parts of the hotel still feel old-world, other parts look like they belong to a massive chain (which, of course, they do). The public spaces — like the huge, grand lobby with dual staircases and the ballroom with stunning chandeliers — are impressive for the most part, but the carpets look like they're from the 1980s, not the 1920s (and they probably are, since the public spaces were majorly restored in 1985). The rooms have high-tech amenities, but the faux old-world decor isn't quite luxurious. This may soon change, however. In 2012, the hotel launched a three year, $150 million renovation of all guestrooms and most public spaces, with the goal to fuse the hotel's old-world vibe with modern decor and amenities. The hotel completed phase one of the renovation in May 2012, introducing a new restauarnt and lounge ot the lobby, as well as a grab-and-go marketplace and additional meeting spaces. Over 450 rooms have also been renovated, receiving streamlined, modern decor.

In the meantime, the hotel remains a good choice in South Loop for guests who appreciate a hotel with a storied past. Numerous presidents have been guests, and the hotel had a major role in the film version of 'The Fugitive starring Harrison Ford (the last 20 minutes of the movie were filmed here).

View on a Larger Map

The Hilton Chicago is located in Chicago's South Loop neighborhood, across the street from Grant Park and within walking distance of the Art Institute of Chicago and the Buckingham Fountain. But you'll need to drive or take the subway to see most of the city's other popular tourist sites.

• 6-minute walk to the Harrison-Red Metro Station and a 10-minute walk to the Roosevelt Metro with the Green, Orange, and Red lines
• 11-minute walk to the Art Institute of Chicago
• 12-minute walk to Buckingham Fountain
• 4-minute drive to Museum Campus, which includes the Field Museum and Shedd Aquarium
• 6-minute drive to Millennium Park
• 6-minute drive to Lincoln Park, home to the Chicago History Museum and 35-acre Lincoln Park Zoo
• 6-minute drive to the Loop, Chicago's business center
• 7-minute drive to McCormick Place
• 8-minute drive to the Magnificent Mile
• 15-minute drive to Wrigley Field, a classic baseball field home to the Chicago Cubs

Standard Double Room

Rooms — which are undergoing top-to-bottom renovations over four phases beginning in 2012 — are currently decorated in shades of brown, with gold accents. The design feels relatively sophisticated, for a chain, but definitely not as unique or grand as the public spaces. It would look more luxurious if the wood furniture were of higher quality.

So far, over 450 rooms have been renovated. These spaces offer more streamlined, modern decor without the heavy green and gold drapes and worn furniture of the older rooms. The rooms feature velvets, silks, lacquered wood furniture, leather chairs, bronze accents, rich woods and fine linens. Bathrooms also were included in the renovations and, while still small, are less ornate and offer a more subtle take on luxury with dark woods and white tiling.

• 27-inch or larger flat-screen TV with HBO, CNN, and ESPN
• Marble bathroom with shower/tub combo, Crabtree & Evelyn bath products, and hairdryer
• Mini-bar
• Cuisinart coffee maker
• Alarm clock with MP3 plug-in
• Free USA Today delivery Monday to Friday
• In-room computer concierge
• Iron and ironing board

The pool

• Wi-Fi fees apply
• Self and valet parking are pricey
• Concierge available most of the day; 24-hour front desk staff
• Airy, attractive indoor pool and Jacuzzi area with lounge chairs, tables, and green plants
• Fitness center open daily, fees apply
• Jogging track
• Pets under 75 pounds allowed for a fee; beds and bowls available
• FedEx Kinko's business center, available 24 hours with guest room key
• Lots of meeting space, including a grand ballroom with giant chandeliers as well as an area off the lobby opened in 2012
• Barber's shop and beauty salon
• Gift shop and a convenience store

• Kitty O'Sheas: Irish pub with food, drinks and entertainment
• 720 South Bar & Grill, opened in 2012, is a restaurant and lounge in the lobby serving contemporary American cuisine
• SNAX, a grab-and-go marketplace opened in 2012, is located in the lobby and features a technology lounge area.
• Room service available almost 24-hours