Hotel review: Walking into the Chicago Athletic Association Hotel is like entering a scene straight out of Harry Potter, minus the children and wand-waving
Walking into the lobby of the Chicago Athletic Association is like walking into a scene straight out of Harry Potter, minus the children and wand-waving.
The original 1893 lobby is breathtaking, with hand-carved details and beautiful wood everywhere. Huge stone fireplaces are tucked into corners, and old Chicago artifacts hide in plain sight.
Best of all, the lobby serves as one of the property's many bars, so you can hang out and have an excellent cocktail.
I've found the staff at CAA to be professional and eager to assist, but occasionally things get muddled at check-in. If you arrive early, don't expect to be able to get into your room, as there are often communications difficulties between housekeeping staff and the front desk.
The standard guest rooms at CAA are small but well-appointed, with an athletic theme meant to match the hotel's history. But not to worry, by athletic theme, I don't mean sweaty gym socks and low-calorie snacks; but rather, soft leather pommel horses at the end of the beds, bathrobes that look made for boxers, and a subtle masculine vibe that pervades the decor.
This is a hotel that feels high-end without smacking you over the head with "luxury" trimmings, and even small rooms feel carefully thought out and worth the price. Rooms are still relatively new, so nothing has every seemed overly worn.
The standard King Room I've stayed in most often was exceptionally cozy — and no, that doesn't mean tiny. I was worried upon first glance that the old-fashioned brass bed frame, meant to match the theme, would be horribly squeaky and uncomfortable, but I've always slept well.
However, if you're committed to having a view, you'll have to upgrade, as nearly all standard rooms have interior or light well views, and natural light can be lacking.
Rooms are quiet unless you're on the third floor (closest to street level), or the floor right below the rooftop bar. But even in these locations, sleep was never difficult for me.
With more than a dozen room types, including many different suites, it's possible to stay here multiple times and always have a different experience.
A two-bed junior suite (which I've gotten for as little as $300 a night) has a full living room, entry foyer, huge bathroom, and two large beds.
Compare room types and prices for Chicago Athletic Association on Booking.com
If you're looking for luxury (and willing to pay for it), the Founders Suites are each unique, made from the original club bedrooms. They've got multiple levels, and feel like apartments with windows that open onto the park, fireplaces, and original tile floors.
Bathrooms are a mixed bag, though the products (custom-created by C.O. Bigelow) are delicious.
While the bathrooms themselves are beautifully-tiled, some have walk-in showers that, while comfortable, are not perfectly designed and flood the room.
During one recent stay with a large group of friends, by the third shower, the floors were noticeably wet. Upgraded rooms with bathtubs help solve this problem and are, of course, also quite relaxing.
There can be an unfortunate lack of storage in rooms without built-in closets or large wardrobes. I've never viewed it as a deal-breaker, but if you are a traveler with a large haul or on an extended stay, you might feel frustrated.
I, like many Chicago locals, would put Chicago Athletic Association's on-site dining and drinking up against any other leading venue in Chicago.
The lobby bar is the perfect place for a cocktail and a book, while the busy Game Room bar (which serves a full menu) has vintage pool tables, shuffleboard, and a full indoor sand bocce court.
Cindy's, the expansive hotel rooftop, is always jammed, but hotel guests get a cut-the-line pass. Pro-tip, go in colder weather. It's open year-round with large fireplaces outside, and servers will bring blankets and hot drinks for an awesome winter moment.
The main restaurant is the Cherry Circle Room, one of my favorite spots in Chicago. It's a restored version of the original club dining room and feels like you're having an epic dinner in a 1930s movie. A huge bar winds around the room, and the cocktails, designed by famed Chicago bartender Paul McGee, are pitch-perfect.
For something more casual, there's also Shake Shack in the lobby, and they've partnered with the hotel to offer room service.
For a really special experience, ask for tickets to the Milk Room, an eight-seat bar in a hidden nook off the lobby. This is one of the most over-the-top cocktail experiences in the world, as the single bartender crafts drinks made with impossible to get spirits — think pre-embargo Cuban rum, bourbon from the 1950s and liqueurs from the 1930s, all mixed into wonderfully balanced cocktails. You'll pay for it (cocktails run as much as $50) but the experience, along with the time with the engaging and knowledgeable bartenders, is worth the price.
Surprisingly for its identity as an athletic club, Chicago Athletic Association does not have an on-site spa or a particularly impressive fitness facility. But the location across from Millennium Park in the heart of the loop cannot be beaten.
Speaking of what's nearby, the Magnificent Mile is an easy walk to the north, and the museum campus, a quick walk to the south.
And as previously mentioned, Millennium Park is across the street. The El train is steps from the hotel entrance, and the brand new Riverwalk is only about five blocks out, which is a fantastic place to spend a nice day.
I'm not the only one who loves this place; Chicago Athletic Association has a 8.9 rating on Booking.com, and a 4.5 out of 5 stars on Trip Advisor, ranked 55 out of 205 hotels in Chicago.
The only negative feedback matches my experience, which is that check-in can sometimes be slightly delayed, and hotel staff is occasionally a bit under-trained, in addition to rooms lacking amenities such as dressers of coffee makers.
Otherwise, guests similarly praised the eclectic atmosphere, wonderful food and drink, and excellent location.
Read reviews, compare prices, and book the Chicago Athletic Association on Trip Advisor
Who stays here: Tourists, couples, business travelers and locals looking for a great staycation that's different from standard hotel offerings.
We like: The vintage charm found throughout the property that never compromises quality.
We love (don't miss this feature!): The incredible variety of on-site drinking venues; you could not go to any other Chicago bar during your entire trip and come out ahead.
We think you should know: The hotel charges a $25 per night "Founders Fee," but unlike many other resort fees, this actually gets you useful stuff, like skip the line passes to the Art Institute, discounts at cultural institutions, bike borrowing, and the chance to use the historic, restored basketball court.
We'd do this differently next time: Inexplicably for a hotel with such great dining, their in-room dining (and especially in-room drinking) is mediocre. That's because the restaurant group running their great spots doesn't operate in-room dining. Skip it; order a cocktail or two in the lobby and bring it upstairs with you.
If you're looking for a charming, quirky, and relaxing spot that's dripping in Chicago architecture and history, at a comparable price to other well-appointed Chicago hotels, you should strongly consider the Chicago Athletic Association.
It's perfectly located to explore downtown but is also great for a quiet moment in front of the fire with a martini. I would know, it's why I keep going back.
Book Chicago Athletic Association Hotel starting at $135 per night
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