ACME Hotel Company

Originally opened as the Berkshire Hotel in 1924, the building became an infamous mob hangout, something the hotel's bar purposely recalls with its dim-lit period decor. More recently a cheap chain hotel, the ACME itself is now an artsy rock and roll themed boutique with graffiti wall murals, elevators covered in album covers, and a fitness center with liberal amounts of chain link fence. Classic rock music plays in the common areas, much of which are covered by a decidedly punk, blue plaid carpet. In the old building's central lightwell, which many rooms have a view of, local artists suspended sculptures of bare, "painted Ladies."

Centrally located in River North, the ACME hotel is surrounded by trendy bars and eateries. Once a warehouse district populated by artists and writers, the neighborhood is best known now for its high concentration of condos, restaurants, art galleries, and boutique shopping. The iconic stretch of North Michigan Avenue, lined with upscale shopping and famous landmarks, and known as the Magnificent Mile, is two blocks away. Chicago's business district core is across the river, less than a 5-minute drive away. Midway International Airport is about a 30-minute drive southwest, and O'Hare International is 40 minutes to an hour, through more congested traffic to the northwest.

Rooms are furnished like an industrial loft building with hardwood floors, dark slate accents, and black hand prints on canvas headboards. They also have a lighter side with light lime green walls and bright orange scoop chairs. Giant Pop art zippers cover walls and small porcelain flying pigs adorn shelves. Most of the small rooms don't have closets, favoring an exposed wall-hanging approach instead, but they fit in cozy sitting areas, and some have work desks with roller chairs. Doubles and suites have wet bars with microwaves, and all have mini-fridges as well as automated minibars (careful what you touch, you'll be charged). Tech amenities include iPod docks, 46-inch flat-screen TVs with plug-and-play cables for connecting PCs or Macs, and suites are outfitted with Bowers and Wilkins Zeppelin wireless audio systems. Bathrooms are a little cramped and basic, but have great rainfall showers and boutique Lather toiletries.

Upstairs from the hotel's tiny lobby, the Einstein room makes up for the lack of lounge space below with space to spread out, a selection of board games, and a Foosball table. It can also double as a flexible meeting room that can host up to 40 people. The downstairs fitness center has a sauna, hot tub, and an Everlast punching bag. The atmospheric Berkshire Room kept the original diamond pattern, tiled floors from 1924 and is a favorite neighborhood hangout specializing in craft cocktails and modern small plates. The hotel is also home to a West Town Bakery that's all about organic ingredients, breakfast sandwiches, and all manner of pastries. The hotel staff have a free, handy "knock and drop" service, in which they deliver from the bakery to guest's doors (also hassle free, no tip needed). They also do this on request every morning with a thermos of hot coffee, dropped off at a time of your choosing.