Millennium Knickerbocker Hotel Chicago Rating: 4.0 Pearls

Gold Coast, Chicago, Illinois

Millennium Knickerbocker Hotel Chicago

The Knickerbocker has gone through several incarnations since it opened in 1927: In the 1930s, it housed a casino frequented by Al Capone and, in the 1970s, it became the Playboy Hotel, owned by Hugh Hefner. After completing a multi-million dollar renovation in 2008, the hotel has reinvented itself once again, with new furniture, bedding, fresh coats of paint, and refurbished public spaces.

The elegant two-story lobby honors the hotel's historic past, and is decorated with marble, wood moldings and warm colors. Chandeliers hang from ornate ceilings, and plants line the entrance.

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The Millennium Knickerbocker Hotel is located in northern Streeterville, half a block from the Magnificent Mile, an iconic stretch of North Michigan Avenue famous for its upscale shopping. But it's not all about department stores out here. Art galleries, landmarks -- such as the Water Tower, the John Hancock Observatory, the Pumping Station and Wrigley Building -- and top-notch restaurants are within easy walking distance. The closest subway station is seven blocks away.

• 3-minute walk to the John Hancock Observatory
• 4-minute walk to the Water Tower Place
• 7-minute drive to the Navy Pier
• 7-minute drive to the Chicago City Hall
• 7-minute drive to The Loop
• 6-minute drive to Old Town
• 5-minute drive to Millennium Park
• 6-minute drive to the Theatre District
• 6-minute drive or 19-minute subway ride to the Art Institute of Chicago
• 11-minute drive or 45-minute subway ride to Kenwood neighborhood
• 13-minute drive or 26-minute subway ride to the Wrigley Field
• 13-minute drive or 45-minute subway ride to the Museum of Science and Industry
• 20-minute drive to Midway International Airport
• 30-minute drive to O’Hare International Airport

Standard King Room

Stylish, contemporary rooms are outfitted in shades of gold and pink, and feel higher-end than those at the nearby Sutton Place. But some feel a little cramped.

• 40-inch flat-screen TV
• Frette bedding
• Shower/tub combo or large standing shower with rain shower head
• Minibar
• Coffeemaker
• Wi-Fi access for a fee
• Bathrobes and slippers
• Safe
• Iron and ironing board

The fitness center

• 24-hour fitness center
• 24-hour business center
• Daily fee for valet parking
• Daily fee for in-room Wi-Fi (free in lobby)
• In-room spa services
• Events space: 18,000 square feet of meeting space, including a ballroom with a built-in illuminated dance floor
• Non-smoking property

• Martini Bar has a menu with over 50 martinis and wines and serves light fare; live entertainment is offered most nights.
• Nix Restaurant, open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, serves American cuisine and has an outdoor seating area. The Nix Coffee Bar offers beverages and food to go.
• Room service provided by Nix Restaurant