I’ve always made it a point to stay in hotels that are a destination within themselves and discovering the Chicago Athletic Association Hotel during my search for hotels in Chicago surely did not disappoint. Established in 1890, the hotel was once a sports club founded by prominent figures such as AG Spalding, Cyrus McCormick and Marshall Field where it was a men’s only club until it 1972 when women were allowed to apply for a membership. It remained an elite club until its closure in 2007 and later re-opened as the new gem of a hotel around town in 2015.
The 241 room hotel is located right on Michigan Avenue with one of the most spectacular views in the city that over looks Millennium Park and the famous “bean” aka Cloud Gate.
Rooms
The hotel rooms at the Chicago Athletic Association will steal your vintage loving heart with retro style furniture, CB Bigelow amenities with scents unique to the hotel, black and white marble (and super Instagrammable) bathrooms, comfortable beds and personalized touches.
Hotel
The grand entrance of the 12 S Michigan Ave building is indeed, grand.
The gorgeous lobby located on the second floor features art work from local artists.
The lobby doubles as the coziest room welcoming guests and visitors alike to relax, read a book or catch up on emails. A menu is also available offering drinks and snacks.
This stunning and unique James Beard award-winning space serves modern dishes based on original club menus found during the building’s restoration.
24 hour fitness facilities, with personal training or private group sessions available upon request.
Stunning meeting rooms are also available for special events
Dining
Cindy’s
Cindy’s Rooftop features one of the most gorgeous views in Chicago, it’s no wonder this popular rooftop almost always has a line to get in. But don’t worry, it goes by fast and once you get up there, you’ll realize that the wait was worth it. Not only a rooftop, Cindy’s is also the place to be for weekend brunch, lunch and/or dinner as they serve up some of the most delicious dishes and creative you’ll find in the city.
My favorite drink on the menu: the Grey Garden made with tito’s, dolin blanc, crème de violette, emperor’s jasmine pearl tea and lemon.
Milk Room
Tokens are available for free coffee and various drinks served at this iconic speakeasy by day and offers rare and vintage cocktails by night.
Cherry Circle Room
This stunning and unique James Beard award-winning space has served guests since the membership days at the athletic club.
Game Room
I wish I knew about the Game Room when I lived in Chicago as it’s truly an adult’s playground! The drinks are strong, the food is great and the competition is fierce. The hotel welcomes both guests and non-guests to enjoy this incredible space and to bond with friends over a beer or two.
Pop-up bars
The hotel is known for creating different pop-up bar experiences every few months, hosted in the space that once housed the building’s swimming pool. I loved learning about the creative take on fun pop-up bar ideas like this dive bar they’ve created from scratch!
Shake Shack
One of the best perks of staying here? The Shake Shack located in the same building delivers right to your room – life made.
A stay at the swanky Chicago Athletic Association will transport you to another world and if you have an old soul like myself, you surely won’t regret it.
All content provided on this blog is for informational purposes only. The owner of this blog makes no representations as to the accuracy or completeness of any information on this site or found by following any link on this site.I was invited as guest by Chicago Athletic Association. As always, all opinions are my own.
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Very chic and classy hotel. It does look like it used to be a men’s club (or at least it looks like it because you mentioned it in the introduction). Nevertheless, the hotel is absolutely awesome!
Its very informative, interactive and quality content. I wish you all good luck for your coming blogs and posts. Keep sharing! Well done!