Fodor's Expert Review Le Meridien Essex Chicago

Don't judge this place on appearance alone: the nondescript tower is actually one of the city's most family-friendly hotels, and its location—just five minutes by foot from the Museum Campus—is one reason why. It also offers easy access to nearby attractions like the Art Institute. The erstwhile Essex Inn underwent a $30 million renovation in 2019 that capitalized on its mid-century bona fides (the Essex opened in 1961); as of 2021, the hotel is part of Marriott's Le Meridien portfolio.