Athletic Association Hotel, Chicago

Great staff, beautiful building

Had to hike through the game room/restaurant with our suitcases to get to our room. Super awkward.

Small, tired rooms? Not the end of the world.

Soft trickle from the shower in an ancient hotel? Whatever.

The staff was so great, understanding, and accommodating. Zero complaints about the people who work there. They made the stay great, and I felt very welcomed and taken care of.

I think it’s good to be aware not every room looks like what you see on the website. Our room had a very small window in the corner of the room. The room was extremely hot, and we could not control the temp bc the whole building had the heat on. Opening that one window was the saving grace. Also, not having the windows really changes the vibe/look of the room to more of a motel situation. The shower - no matter what you do- will drain water through the glass and the floor gets soaked every time. I’m not exaggerating- it’s a LOT of water. Then you have to dry it and a full sized towel is completely soaked. One of the elevators was broken. The one that works squeaks and is unsettling. All guests I encountered were annoyed with the elevator (things break. It happens. But still).

It is iconic and just amazing

Valet hard to find on arrival
Easy once I checked in. But stressful coming into hotel (and I’m a Chicago guy for a decade and it was tough). Maybe have a text or email that explains “if you plan on valet read here”
Staff was super amazing and not stressed but not sure if they understood how it is from our perspective

Fun vibe, friendly and helpful staff.

Nothing.

Perfect location. Fun, guided age atmosphere.

View was of an alley

Incredible roof top views. Our room was nice, and we didn't check out the hotel proper until the last day. Go to the roof, then visit each floor looking at the attractions mentioned on the elevator directory for many of the floors. Ever seen a 150 year old gym?

Nothing

Very unique historical building. Great location for access to downtown as well as Millennium Park. Excellent restaurants close at hand.

Somewhat slow elevators

The hotel is as beautiful inside as it is outside. The wood paneling, carved arches and alcove overhangs, and the lead glass windows are spectacular. There are fireplaces with inglenooks, Persian rugs on the floor, and window seats along the windows in the lobby. Our kingsize bed was comfortable and we enjoyed having a couch. two settees, and a chaise lounge.The huge bathroom was appreciated as were the slippers provided. Watching the snow storm from the cosy inside was a real treat.

Would have liked tissue paper in the bathroom, a long shoe horn, ceramic cups instead of paper cups for tea and coffee, a light in the coffee/tea bar, and a reading lamp next to one of the settees or the couch.

Room wasn’t great this time unlike previous stays

My room

Room was clean. Location was near all of our destinations. Only redeeming quality was the rooftop bar

Check-in started at 3. Our room wasn't available until 4. We had tickets to a show at 5 and barely had time to change and clean up. We paid for a "park view" room that was completely obstructed. TV was left crooked on the wall. Duvet cover was upside down so tag was in my face first night (I shouldn't have to remake the bed). Road noise (honking, sirens, etc. was extremely loud at all hours). Couldn't get waited on in the Game Room despite sitting right at the bar. We splurged on this property as it looked like it would be a luxury stay. Would never stay here again.

Beautiful hotel. Photos don’t do it justice. Super helpful and friendly staff, clean rooms, comfy beds, lots to do in the hotel, and fantastic location! Could not ask for more.

The staff was amazing and so accommodating

Everything was great

Historic property with many enjoyable details. Bed was great. AC worked well. Privacy was very good. Design of unit (Jr. King Suite) was spacious, well laid out. Nice location across from Millennium Park. Drawing Room was both a fun place to dine or hang out.

The one TV that faced bed did not allow for one person to sleep while another person watched TV from either the living or the dining area.

The food was good.

Menu was limited and pricey. Service was slow.

The location is great for tourist spots such as the aquarium, the art institute, skydeck and 360.

Overall we were pretty underwhelmed by the service (which was generally great in Chicago), the lack of room service on day 1 and the staff’s lack of interest. We wouldn’t choose to stay here again.

The phone in room wasn't working, had to call central reservations to be given property phone, kept calling from my cell phone until someone answered me just to be able to order my in room dining!!!
Room 1013

Beautiful room and hotel - Loved the history and character. Staff very friendly. Excellent location.

No drawer space in the room. Unexpected destination fees on check out. It was explained that these fees contributed to the extra services (10% off Fairgrounds, the complimentary welcome drink)??

Beautiful historic Chicago building artfully restored as a hotel. Staff was friendly, helpful and accommodating. Breakfast was very good.

We were given a handicapped accessible room and the adaptation In the bathroom made it a little less desirable for us

all of the above

nothing

I always love this hotel. The atmosphere of the study is unmatched, the Cherry Circle Room feels like a hidden gem- and probably one of my favorite spots in the city.

Only thing- there seemed to be a discrepancy from what the front desk explained regarding the complementary drink voucher vs the bar staff at Cherry Circle Room. I had understood it was redeemable at either bar, however bar staff said it was for the other bar, but would still honor it there.

Great location and a fantastic bar and restaurant area. We used the gym everyday and will be back next time for the Shake Shack delivery to the room!

location was perfect for us, near trains and sights and shopping and restaurants

The only disappointment was the shower (not enough heat or pressure) and the food at the rooftop restaurant was not great

Location was great
Such a historical building with great amenities including game room
Restaurants and 2 bars
Very nice room as well

Thermostat was difficult to control

Location was great- right across the street from art museum. Historic building with great hang out space.

Lighting was awful in guest rooms. Too hot and dry in the room. No counter space in bathroom for toiletries.

The staff at check-in was very friendly, and every part of the hotel was beautiful. We loved the view from our room! We also had a wonderful meal at Cindy's, and enjoyed visiting the balcony.

a lot of options in the hotel for everything!

Room size was small, but very clean

Great location and staff. Nice rooftop bar/restaurant.

Rooms was little small and the lobby a bit dark.

Gorgeous accommodations and great location

A bit pricey, but you get what you pay for

It was a beautiful hotel, right in the center of everything. I was there for the marathon and it was in the perfect location. Really enjoyed my time there.

The building is a masterpiece and well maintained. The rooms are wonderfully comfortable with good beds. The staff are excellent, very friendly and accommodating to guest's needs.

Many private events in the hotel keep significant areas of the hotel off limits to paying guests. While it's natural that private events are held in hotels, on each stay at the Athletic Association we have not been able to enjoy the Game Room in the evenings (usually about half of the time), and Cindy's was usually at least half closed. It would be nice to maintain these areas for the paying guests.

Location was great. Staff was great, very helpful. Food was very good. We came for a wedding and all facilities, services and food were excellent.

Room and furniture in the room was a bit shopworn. The shower flooded the bathroom floor. The room wifi was okay but limited the number of devices on at one time, which made it difficult to manage who could be on at one time (there were four of us sharing the room). The lobby internet was abysmal, more like dial-up.