Pros

  • Great central location in Chicago near the Magnificent Mile
  • Crisp and modern rooms with flat-screen TVs and comfortable beds
  • Impressively stocked minibars (wide selection of drinks and snacks)
  • Well-equipped fitness center and business center
  • Excellent restaurant, David Burke's Primehouse, and bar
  • Free car service within central business district
  • Art exhibits held in the hotel
  • Pets are welcome
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Cons

  • Not all rooms have tubs and some bathrooms are quite small
  • Most rooms have no view
  • Pricey parking
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Bottom Line

The James is one of Chicago's top luxury hotels, and is located in River North, a block from the Magnificent Mile. The public spaces are modern and sometimes quirky, while the 297 rooms are crisp and clean. They're minimally decorated without being stark, and some have clever design to maximize space, as well as big flat-screen TVs, impressively stocked minibars, and comfortable beds. Bathrooms are modern and minimalist too, but not all have tubs and some are on the small side. In addition to a well-equipped fitness room, the James also has two art galleries along with art and sculpture present throughout the lobby. The hotel is also home to the excellent restaurant, David Burke's Primehouse, and the Primehouse Bar. Appealing hotel extras include a free car service, which can come in handy as parking is quite pricey.

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Oyster Hotel Review

The James Chicago

Location

Centrally located near the Magnificent Mile

The James is just a few minutes' walk from The Magnificent Mile, otherwise known as Michigan Avenue (or Chicago's Fifth Avenue). It is within walking distance of many cultural hot spots in Chicago and just four blocks from Grand Red subway station.

The Magnificent Mile, an iconic stretch of North Michigan Avenue, is the heart of Chicago's upscale shopping district. World-class hotels and boutiques cram both sides of this broad avenue, sandwiched between posh Streeterville and River North. But it is not all about department stores here. Galleries, landmarks -- such as the Water Tower, the John Hancock Observatory, the Pumping Station, and Wrigley Building -- and top-notch restaurants abound.

  • 26-minute drive to Chicago O'Hare International Airport
  • 5 minute walk to various shops and restaurants on Michigan Avenue
  • 7-minute walk to Wrigley Building
  • 9-minute walk to the Museum of Contemporary Art
  • 11-minute walk to John Hancock Observatory
  • 5-minute drive to the Art Institute of Chicago
  • 6-minute drive to Grant Park
  • 6-minute drive to The Loop business district
  • 10-minute drive to Lincoln Park
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Physical Activities

Personal trainers and customized guided runs through the city highlights, plus a name-brand fitness center

  • 24-hour, 2,500-square-foot fitness center by the founder of high-end fitness centers Equinox, Danny Errico, with cardio and strength equipment
  • Jim Karas personal trainers available at the gym
  • Customized guided 4.5-mile running tours through the city
  • Private, in-room yoga lessons with a Lululemon trainer for Apartment Suites or Penthouse Lofts guests
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Services

Everything from 24-hour concierges to in-room bartenders and free car service

  • 24-hour concierge
  • 24-hour room service provided by David Burke’s Primehouse
  • Warm towel with lemongrass upon checking in
  • 24-hour business center with video conferencing facilities and remote printing
  • Twice-daily housekeeping with turndown service
  • Valet parking for a nightly fee
  • Adult and child-size bikes available on request
  • Free car service to offices, shopping and attractions in the central business district; available upon request and based on availability
  • Free Wi-Fi throughout the hotel
  • In-room bartender service available; private, in-room mixology lessons upon request
See More Services

Oyster Hotel Review

The James Chicago

Location

Centrally located near the Magnificent Mile

The James is just a few minutes' walk from The Magnificent Mile, otherwise known as Michigan Avenue (or Chicago's Fifth Avenue). It is within walking distance of many cultural hot spots in Chicago and just four blocks from Grand Red subway station.

The Magnificent Mile, an iconic stretch of North Michigan Avenue, is the heart of Chicago's upscale shopping district. World-class hotels and boutiques cram both sides of this broad avenue, sandwiched between posh Streeterville and River North. But it is not all about department stores here. Galleries, landmarks -- such as the Water Tower, the John Hancock Observatory, the Pumping Station, and Wrigley Building -- and top-notch restaurants abound.

  • 26-minute drive to Chicago O'Hare International Airport
  • 5 minute walk to various shops and restaurants on Michigan Avenue
  • 7-minute walk to Wrigley Building
  • 9-minute walk to the Museum of Contemporary Art
  • 11-minute walk to John Hancock Observatory
  • 5-minute drive to the Art Institute of Chicago
  • 6-minute drive to Grant Park
  • 6-minute drive to The Loop business district
  • 10-minute drive to Lincoln Park
See More Location

Physical Activities

Personal trainers and customized guided runs through the city highlights, plus a name-brand fitness center

  • 24-hour, 2,500-square-foot fitness center by the founder of high-end fitness centers Equinox, Danny Errico, with cardio and strength equipment
  • Jim Karas personal trainers available at the gym
  • Customized guided 4.5-mile running tours through the city
  • Private, in-room yoga lessons with a Lululemon trainer for Apartment Suites or Penthouse Lofts guests
See More Physical Activities

Services

Everything from 24-hour concierges to in-room bartenders and free car service

  • 24-hour concierge
  • 24-hour room service provided by David Burke’s Primehouse
  • Warm towel with lemongrass upon checking in
  • 24-hour business center with video conferencing facilities and remote printing
  • Twice-daily housekeeping with turndown service
  • Valet parking for a nightly fee
  • Adult and child-size bikes available on request
  • Free car service to offices, shopping and attractions in the central business district; available upon request and based on availability
  • Free Wi-Fi throughout the hotel
  • In-room bartender service available; private, in-room mixology lessons upon request
See More Services

Best Rates

Amenities

  • Air Conditioner

  • Airport Transportation

  • Basic Television

  • Beach

  • Business Center

  • Cable

  • Concierge

  • Cribs

  • Dry Cleaning

  • Fitness Center

  • Internet

  • Kids Allowed

  • Laundry

  • Meeting / Conference Rooms

  • Mini Bar (with liquor)

  • Pets Allowed

  • Room Service

  • Separate Bedroom / Living Room Space

  • Spa

  • Supervised Kids Activities

  • Tennis Court

Disclaimer: This content was accurate at the time the hotel was reviewed. Please check our partner sites when booking to verify that details are still correct.