Chicago Athletic Association

Once home to an elite private men’s club, the Chicago Athletic Association’s home, designed in the Venetian Gothic style by Henry Ives Cobb, dusted off its trophy cases and reopened as a boutique gem. But that’s not all that went into this 1890s landmark’s renovation. Cooper Hewitt National Design Award-winners Roman and Williams designed interiors that pay homage to the building’s past, and preserved details like ornate millwork, tiled floors, stained glass and cast-iron exteriors, while adding some updates worth cheering for.

Now you can visit a rooftop deck that offers sweeping views of Michigan Avenue and Millennium Park, or check out the dining options – the 11-story structure’s restaurants include outposts of Chicago’s Land & Sea Dept. and burger joint Shake Shack. But if you’d rather engage with the property’s past, take a tour, organised in partnership with the Chicago Architecture Foundation, to hear how five-time Olympic gold medallist Johnny Weissmuller swam in the CAA’s hallowed halls and Muddy Waters’ melodies once wafted up from the exclusive supper club. Or just visit the new game room, offering chess, bocce ball or billiards, and channel the building’s original athletic spirit yourself.

Accommodation

The club that once named Olympic gold medalists among its members now boasts 241 guest rooms that channel American athletic nostalgia in every corner. Accommodation starts at 250 square feet apiece and include pommel-horse-inspired benches and wooden gym ladders used for storage, plus wrought-iron beds, wood cabinetry, subway-tiled bathrooms and leather accents that will throw you back to another era.

Amenities:

- Wi-Fi access
- Carrara marble bathrooms with premium fixtures
- Shower with a rainfall showerhead
- Custom C.O. Bigelow bath products
- 42-inch flatscreen TV
- Custom SFERRA linens
- Faribault Woolen Mill Co. blankets
- Gourmet minibar stocked with locally sourced favourites
- 24-hour in-room dining
- Signature boxing-style bathrobe
- Bedside power center with USB outlets

Dining

Savour a stunning view of Chicago from Cindy’s, the hotel’s rooftop restaurant and open-air terrace, or immerse yourself in the building’s iconic past while savouring farm-to-table fare in the Cherry Circle Room, where Chicago’s Land and Sea Dept. has opened a fully re-imagined version of the historic restaurant space that long serviced the building. Of course, there’s also an outpost of Shake Shack, the famed New York burger joint that also serves legendary hot dogs and frozen custard.

In the evening, you'll want to try the speakeasy-inspired Game Room lounge, where you can sip specialty cocktails while you play bocce, billiards and shuffleboard, as well as Milk Room, a prohibition-era whiskey bar. For your caffeine needs, Fairgrounds coffee shop serves up artisan blends and specialty teas, including cold brews, sparkling teas, matcha whipped to order, kombuchas and artisanal drinks.

Location

Located across the street from Millennium Park and nearby Michigan Avenue shopping, the Financial District – which you might know as the Loop – and the Chicago Institute of Art, the hotel places you mere steps from the city's top dining, arts, shopping and nightlife destinations. Hit the House of Blues for live music and Southern cuisine, check out Chicago Theatre for a pop concert, or ride the elevator to the Willis Tower lookout.

Entry requirements

The passport, visa and health requirements (including those related to COVID-19) at the time of booking can be viewed on the Foreign and Commonwealth Office website for UK citizens, and on the Department of Foreign Affairs website for IE citizens. It is your responsibility to ensure that you and all members of your party are in possession of all necessary travel and health documents, and in compliance with any other immigration/entry requirements, before you travel.