Arrival/Check-In: After an early-morning flight from Philadelphia to Chicago, I was eager to check in at The James Chicago and freshen up. The light-filled lobby felt welcoming, and both my colleague and I were checked into our rooms quickly and ready well before typical check-in time. The lobby stretches long with seating on the right side—couches, chairs and ottomans—alongside a tucked-away business center. To the left of the main entrance are additional seats and the hotel’s restaurant and bar.
One feature that caught my eye each time I passed through the lobby was a luggage art installation by Joel Ross. The artist commissioned a motel room between Texas and Chicago for one night and brought in 50 vintage suitcases, dismantling the room down to bedsprings and light bulbs. The suitcases, each filled with items from the motel room, became a compelling focal point. Art is displayed throughout the property and is described in detail on the hotel’s website.
Guest Quarters: My king loft room felt surprisingly spacious for a city hotel. The suite opened to a living area with a couch, chair, a small end table and two large ottomans that served as a coffee table. Opposite that seating was a rotating flat-screen TV on a dresser, which was visible from the other sitting area. That secondary seating included a corner booth and table I used as a desk. Adjacent to this was a private media area; the room can be configured with an additional king-sized bed for guests or used as a comfortable spot to relax while working or watching TV.
The bathroom and closet were to the left of the entry. The bathroom offered ample space and good lighting for getting ready; toiletries were provided in large, secured dispensers in the shower. To the right of the entrance was a wet bar stocked with supplies for making cocktails in-room—an in-room bartender option is offered. Instant coffee and a kettle were provided, though there was no full coffeemaker.
The sleeping area occupied a private corner raised a step above the living space. The king bed was flanked by two nightstands, and a flat-screen TV was mounted in the corner. A metal chain curtain separated the bedroom from the living area, and a large full-length mirror leaned against the wall between the two spaces, creating a sense of privacy while maintaining an open loft feeling.
Services/Amenities: For lunch I dined at the on-site David Burke’s Primehouse, which has been recognized as one of Chicago’s top steakhouses. My Caesar salad was prepared fresh at the table, and the menu includes distinctive items such as bacon lollipops and pretzel-crusted crab cakes. The restaurant serves breakfast and dinner and also provides in-room dining. JIMMY, the hotel’s speakeasy-style cocktail lounge, offers an intimate atmosphere and seasonally changing custom cocktails. I stopped by around 9 p.m. after a day of meetings and found the lounge lively.
I made use of the 2,500-square-foot fitness center located a floor below the lobby and adjacent to the hotel spa. Designed by Danny Errico of Equinox Fitness Clubs, the gym is equipped with a range of modern machines and includes a generous mat/stretching area that felt larger and more functional than what you typically find in hotel fitness centers.
The Experience: Overall, my stay at The James Chicago was excellent. The hotel’s location put many of Chicago’s highlights within walking distance. My guestroom was roomy, comfortable and well-appointed, and the on-site restaurants, bar and fitness facilities were all top-notch. The attentive service and thoughtful amenities made for a very satisfying stay.
GT CHECKLIST
Doorman/valet: yes
Less than 10 minutes for check-in: yes
Separate tub and shower: no
Large vanity: yes
High-quality towels: yes
Powerful, unattached hair dryer: yes
High-quality bed linens: yes
Large, flat-screen television: yes
Large desk with convenient outlets: no
Large, complimentary laptop safe: yes
Complimentary in-room WiFi: yes
Complimentary bottled water: yes
Stocked minibar: yes
Ample lighting: yes
In-room coffeemaker: no
Iron and ironing board: yes
On-site restaurant: yes
24-hour room service: yes
24-hour state-of-the-art fitness center: yes
Turn-down service: yes
The James Chicago
55 E. Ontario St.
Chicago, IL 60611
tel 312 337 1000
jameshotels.com