Emily Evans

The James Chicago

  • Where:
  • Why:Staycation
  • When:September 2017
  • Who:Me and my one & only.
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The James Chicago The James.

The James.

The James Chicago Macarons made in-house, yes please!

Macarons made in-house, yes please!

The James Chicago Sleek but very comfortable.

Sleek but very comfortable.

The James Chicago Fully stocked.

Fully stocked.

The James Chicago Perfect nook for a work session or a cocktail.

Perfect nook for a work session or a cocktail.

The James Chicago When on staycation...

When on staycation...

The James Chicago Outdoor patio at Primehouse.

Outdoor patio at Primehouse.

The James Chicago Newly remodeled lobby.

Newly remodeled lobby.

The James Chicago Perfect spot for the complimentary happy hour.

Perfect spot for the complimentary happy hour.

The James Chicago Oh sweet Chicago summer.

Oh sweet Chicago summer.

Highs & Lows

  • The rooms are large, beautiful, and comfortable. Not to mention a 2pm check-in and check-out time.

  • Fresh muffins and coffee in the lobby every morning plus complimentary wine and cheese during happy hour.

  • The lobby was just redone a few months back and provides a great backdrop for planning the day’s activities or catching up on emails.

  • The food at Primehouse is not the most exciting...given all of the great food Chicago has to offer, you may want to venture outside of the hotel for your culinary experiences.

The Barometer

  • Design

  • Website

  • Environmental Consciousness

  • Night's Sleep

  • Service

  • Amenities

  • Takeable Treats

  • Refer a Friend

  • Overall Value

  • Life Changing

Total: 45/50

Important Bits

  • Type

    Good-sized boutique hotel.

  • Vibe

    Minimalist Scandanvian catering to professionals traveling for work or leisure.

  • Location

    Right off Michigan Avenue in the heart of downtown Chicago.

  • Rooms

    297

  • Music

    None noticeable.

  • Year Opened

    2006

  • Designed By

    Deborah Berke Partners

  • Health & Wellness

    No pool but there is a nice gym and PUBLIC bikes available for exploring the city

  • Restaurant

    Primehouse, a typical Chicago steakhouse with a small patio when the weather allows.

  • Bar

    Yes, Primehouse has a bar and is located on the first floor of the hotel.

  • Minibar

    Mini bar is fully stocked with the essentials for a good cocktail not to mention the daily treats in the lobby.

  • Children

    Bring them! While I didn’t see any children during my visit, the hotel boasts a host of activities and amenities for kids under the “Lil’ James” section of their website.

  • Price

    Affordable luxury.

  • Website

    Visit website

Check out the rotating exhibition at the Art Institute

Check out the rotating exhibition at the Art Institute

Art Institute of Chicago, South Michigan Avenue, Chicago, IL, United States

Venture to out to one of the many unique Chicago neighborhoods.

Venture to out to one of the many unique Chicago neighborhoods.

Logan Square, Chicago, IL, United States

Make use of the free PUBLIC bikes at the hotel

Make use of the free PUBLIC bikes at the hotel

Lakefront Trail, Chicago, IL, United States

The James Chicago

The James Chicago

The James Chicago, East Ontario Street, Chicago, IL, United States

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