Omni Chicago Hotel Rating: 4.0 Pearls

Magnificent Mile, Chicago, Illinois

The Omni walks the line between mid-range and luxury. Its lobby, for example, has the wood-paneled walls and marble tile floors you would expect from a luxury hotel -- but the generic furniture you'd expect from a mid-range chain. The rest of the property follows suit. The two-room suites draw both business travelers and families with their sheer size, but the decor is bland. The bright fitness center has modern equipment, and the small lap pool and Jacuzzi are perfectly adequate (though the InterContinental's pool area is more impressive.) Across the board, it's nice, but unexceptional. But the location right on the Magnificent Mile is as good as it gets.

View on a Larger Map

Right along the Magnificent Mile, an iconic stretch of North Michigan Avenue known for its upscale shopping, the Omni Chicago Hotel is within walking distance to many attractions. It's just four blocks from the Museum of Contemporary Art and the Hancock Observatory, and five blocks from Water Tower Place shopping.

• 5-minute walk to Magnificent Mile shopping including American Girl Place
• 6-minute walk to the Museum of Contemporary Art
• 7-minute walk to the Old Chicago Water Tower District and Water Tower Place
• 8-minute walk to the John Hancock Building
• 5-minute drive to Millennium Park
• 7-minute drive to Navy Pier
• 8-minute drive to the Willis Tower
• 10-minute drive to Lincoln Park and Zoo
• 11-minute drive to the Shedd Aquarium
• 25-minute drive to Midway International Airport
• 35-minute drive to O’Hare International Airport

A view from a Premium Suite

The Omni's big suites start at 400 square feet, and are all two rooms -- a draw for families who want a separate sleeping area for the kids, as well as business travelers who want a separate area to do work. Furniture includes arm chairs or sofas and glass coffee tables, but generic carpets and fabrics make the overall effect a little bland. Most rooms also feature sleeper sofas.

• Separate bedroom and living room
• 37-inch flat-screen TV in living room and 25-inch TV in bedroom
• Marble bathrooms with makeup mirror and hair dryer
• Stocked mini-bar
• Wet bar
• Robes
• Weekday newspaper delivery
• In-room safe
• CD player/clock radio with iPod plug in
• Coffeemaker
• Iron and ironing board
• Fridge upon request

The fitness center

• Indoor swimming pool and Jacuzzi
• Two outdoor, rooftop sundecks
• Fitness center with elliptical machines, treadmills, strength machines, free weights, personal TVs and flat-screen TVs
• Free Wi-Fi in lobby, daily fee for in-room Wi-Fi unless you join the hotel's loyalty program (which is free)
• Get Fit Kit in-room exercise kit available
• ATM in lobby
• 24-hour: business center and 24-hour concierge service
• Pricey valet parking (typical for Chicago) with in-and-out privileges
• Pets under 25 lbs allowed for a one-time non-refundable fee
• Omni Sensational Kids program: Games and books to borrow; backpack upon check-in; children’s menu; first-aid kit and outlet covers
• Courtesy town car drop-off service for up to four people within a 3-mile radius; select hours
• Nine meeting rooms including two ballrooms totaling 7,000 square feet of space

• 676 Restaurant & Bar is an American bistro serving three meals a day.
• Café 676 is a sidewalk restaurant serving snacks, sandwiches, sweets, and smoothies; open seasonally
• 676 Lounge serves light fare and cocktails
• Poolside service (limited menu)
• 24-hour room service