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With echoes of billiard balls, poker chips, and clinking glasses frozen within its walls, this 1890’s Venetian Gothic landmark in the Chicago Loop springs back to life as an incomparable historic downtown Chicago hotel—where the spirit of play reigns supreme. After all, this is the city where the can-and-will-do attitude of Ernie “Let’s Play Two!” Banks lives on, where the father of Chicago blues, Muddy Waters, shook all night long at the Checkerboard Lounge, and Sir Duke tickled the ivories at The Blue Note. And this is the club whose historic members swam with five-time Olympic gold medalist Johnny Weissmuller—a.k.a. the original Hollywood Tarzan—and watched their fellow member Pudge Heffelfinger own so much end zone, he became football’s first pro. Today, Chicago Athletic Association is both a stunning hotel offering outstanding guest rooms and a historic monument to the big-shouldered, switch hitting spirit that defines our city with a downtown location in the Chicago Loop.
Chicago Athletic Association Hotel
12 S Michigan Avenue
Chicago, Illinois
60603
Nearest Airport: MDW
Had the best time on our visit to Chicago and staying at this hotel. Food and drink along with are dining experience was exquisite. Loved are room & the atmosphere of the whole hotel. Game room was fun! Perfect hotel to stay at and be close by shopping and events. Would I recommend this hotel? Absolutely!
Denise R - Rock Island, Illinois
This was our second stay at the CAA. It is truly in the most ideal location, unique, and has an incredible history. It is a fantastic property, and we will be back! We splurged this time by reserving a room with a view of Millennium Park. The view did not disappoint, but we were given an ADA room, which meant a roll-in shower, only one sink with limited counter space, low hooks, and no towel racks. We noticed the dim lighting in the bathroom this time—first-world issues, I know. A few items of note: *The lobby area was consistently full of folks working or studying for hours, limiting hotel guests' seats. The lobby is a magical place where you will want to linger, so being unable to find a seat as a hotel guest is frustrating. *On our last night, a Wednesday, there were no seats in the Game Room and only one game available. Three corporate events were being held, with all but one small area roped off. We did ask to sit on a couch in an empty area at 8:30-ish p.m. but were told, in no uncertain terms, that we could not as it was reserved until 9:30 p.m. This was another disappointment, especially with our teenage son in tow. *Finally, be aware of your food and drink receipts. A (new to us) 4% surcharge can be removed if you ask, but we flustered and frustrated a few servers by asking them to remove it, as they had no idea how to. (I will follow up on this separately, as the food service company is separate from the hotel management company.) We will be back, as the positive outweighs the negative!
BedaBoston - Boston
Excellent in every way. The hotel itself is amazing and the junior suites are larger then expected. The rooftop bar/restaurant is great. Make sure u make a reservation because it is popular with the instagram crowd. The location is excellent and u have a view of the lake from the rooftop bar.
163glenne - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
We loved staying at the Chicago Athletic Association. Hotel had great vibes. Very centrally located. We loved all the activities and the game room. Aaliyah at the front desk took good care of us. Cindy’s was a beautiful restaurant and had good views (the food was ok). We would definitely stay here again.
AndreaEhouse - Sacramento, California
I cannot begin to explain how amazing my daughter’s wedding weekend was. She and her fiance (now husband) were blown away by the entire event. Shout out to Darcey for all her insight and help. shout out to the staff at the reception. they killed it. they were so helpful during set up. our florist @chestnutstreetflowers in winnetka said she has never experienced such cooperation from the staff at any wedding she has done. THE FOOD! everyone was raving about it. from housekeeping (Natalia!) to room service to the front desk staff (they took such care of mother of groom and bride. recognizing us when we would walk up with a question) to the wait staff to the brunch at the game room to security who took care of our daughters dress because we left it there 😳 to the bell men it was a 5 star, top notch experience. I cannot say enough.
Tory R
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