Hotel Allegro Chicago

171 W. Randolph St., Chicago, Illinois, 60601, USA, Chicago, Illinois, USA
https://www.facebook.com/HotelAllegro/

Why We Like It

Part of the Kimpton brand, this hotel is a dream for pet owners who don't wish to leave Fido at home and prefer to stay in the city, not the 'burbs. It also offers a smart-luxury rate most nights of the year. Operating under a boutique-y vibe, entering the lobby is akin to jumping back nearly 90 years, to a time when Chicago's theater district was just getting its footing (the Chicago Theatre opened in 1921). While there isn't a spa, pool or state-of-the-art gym, this hotel appeals to culture seekers who don't mind getting their exercise outdoors in the form of walking.

Fodor's Expert Review

In the thick of the theater district, Hotel Allegro channels vintage Chicago with its recently refurbished $15-million Art Deco design—including ornate chandeliers, cobalt-blue sofas, and ethereal painted feathers on the ceiling of the private dining room. Service is solid, and the rooms with their muted metallic walls and blue mohair headboards are a treat. Baths are well designed, with gleaming gray marble, plus updated sinks and vanities.

You Should Know The building, staying true to its original architecture, keeps the rooms on the smaller side, at least when compared to other nearby hotels.

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Room

Inspired by cruise-ship designs, the Jazz Age and luxury materials, there are three room categories for the standard room (all 220-square-feet each). "The Great Gatsby"-esque black-and-white wallpaper manages to be muted, not stark, and jewel tones are interspersed with metal hues in the fabrics. In the King Suite room is a soaking tub.

Tip Part of the Kimpton hotel family, pets of any weight require no extra cost to stay at the hotel.

Bathroom

Toiletries from Atelier Bloem are in each of the baths, common across the Kimpton brand, and an offering from the Malin + Goetz guys. The fragrances, inspired by Amsterdam's floral markets (think floral scents), are sold at Barneys New York, proof that no luxury was spared in the baths.

Lobby

The second-floor massive lobby is striking, with mirrored tables, modern art by local artists and an homage to 1920s design. A see-through fireplace keeps the space cozy on cold, wintry days. There's plenty of space to hang with your laptop or catch up with colleagues or friends.

Gym

In addition to a fitness center (with treadmills, an elliptical and strength-training equipment), a yoga mat is in each room, free of charge in case you are short on time or simply want to squeeze some Zen into your morning.

Tip Sunny day? Check out a complimentary bicycle from the hotel and cruise along the lakefront, a mile directly east from the hotel.

Dining

312 Chicago is the hotel's all-day Italian restaurant, with an Italy-born chef at the helm.

Drinking

Bar Allegro, in a corner of the lobby, features blue-green bar stools with chrome accents. Service spills out into the lobby' seating, if needed.

Tip A hosted happy hour from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. on weekdays slashes drink prices to $5 (wine and cocktails).

What's Nearby

Getting Around

Leave the car at home because the hotel is very convenient to buses and L trains, even if you plan to travel south in the Loop to museums and such. Uber and taxi drivers are always in the area, too.

Restaurants

The Michelin-starred Purple Pig (18-minute walk) is Michigan Avenue's hottest restaurant, with cheese and charcuterie plates and other bites. The owner is a James Beard Award-winning chef. Bavette's Steakhouse (8-minute walk) is a great place to enjoy surf or tuft with martinis, in a setting much like the hotel's decor.

Bars

Dueling pianists are pure entertainment over beers at Howl at the Moon (13-minute walk) while Tiki drinks warm up the night at Three Dots and a Dash around the corner.

Quick Facts

HOTEL INFO

Phones: 312-236–0123;800-643–1500