Our fourth annual roundup of getaway packages (and these are just the city listings; the suburban hotels will appear next week) begins with the following observation: Thanks to the burgeoning popularity of ”executive floor” or ”concierge level” accommodations, getaway packages have more variety than ever.
For some time hotels have offered VIP areas for guests looking for especially attentive service. Lately it seems that everyone is getting into the act.
Concierge levels offer many little extras that can add up to a much nicer stay. There`s usually a separate lobby, for faster, smoother check-in and check-out. There`s a separate concierge (hence the name) to arrange theater tickets, tennis court time and the like. Rooms are more nicely appointed, perhaps with better furniture and more attractive artwork. There are bathrobes in the closet, a full complement of toiletries in the extra-roomy bath. And there`s usually a private lounge that serves complimentary continental breakfast, tea and hors d`oeuvres in the afternoon and, in some places, free cocktails in the evening. Service is particularly prompt and attentive. Such accommodations cost more, but that`s not usually a big concern of the expense- account crowd that frequents these places.
Like all hotel rooms, concierge-level rooms get lonely on weekends, and hotel operators offer inducements to get people to visit them. Those in the mood for some discount luxury might well consider a concierge-level package.
Concierge-level packages also cost more, to be sure, but they include a lot of extras, such as dinner and brunch in the hotel`s fine-dining restaurant, that bring the effective price down considerably. In fact, in terms of total dollars saved, luxury packages probably outpace most standard packages. It`s worth looking into.
But if you`re not interested in luxury, fear not; our getaway listings cover everything from bare-bones room discounts to all-inclusive packages that provide recreation, drinks, dinner, theater tickets, nightcaps and breakfast. The list probably doesn`t cover every hotel in Chicago (although, after four years of growth, it`s getting close), but there`s more than enough information here to make you a fairly shrewd shopper when it comes to selecting a package. A few hints to make this task easier:
– Don`t automatically head for the cheapest price. Some places seem cheap, but the extras will kick the bill into the stratosphere. Some places charge you to use the pool and health club-a barbaric practice, but one that exists. A $25 dinner credit is less than generous if the cheapest dinner for two exceeds $75. To evaluate a package, balance price with features.
– Don`t assume that ”dinner for two” means two full dinners selected from anything on the menu. That`s the way it works at some restaurants, such as the Chicago Hilton and Towers, Hotel Nikko and the Ritz-Carlton, among others, but some hotels restrict menu selections in ways that may or may not be adequate. Get the reservation clerk to spell out the details when you phone.
– If you`re taking a one-night getaway, make it a Saturday night. You can check in earlier Saturday and usually can request a later checkout without hassle; also, many Saturday-night packages include Sunday brunch, which is a nice way to wrap up your stay.
– Lots of hotel rooms include ”honor bars”-mini-refrigerators stocked with pop, wine, snacks, cookies and candies. It`s very convenient to be able to reach for a snack instead of calling room service, but honor bar prices are expensive-$9 for a half-bottle of wine, $1.50 for a can of pop, $2.75 for cookies. Approach with caution.
– Reservations are a must. All packages are subject to availability (and some availability is extremely limited), and many require advance reservations (a couple require deposits). Make sure, when calling for reservations, that the clerk spells out everything that the package includes. Our experience has been that not all reservation clerks are completely familiar with the packages their hotels offer. Similarly, when checking in, ask the clerk to go over the details of your package. (The better places do this as a matter of course.)
– Some hotel packages include tax and gratuities in the price; most do not. It`s worth noting, because the hotel tax in Chicago is a whopping 12.1 percent; a $200 package that includes tax is cheaper than a $179 package that does not.
– Unless otherwise indicated, rates quoted are per room, per night, double occupancy, available Friday, Saturday or Sunday. Unless otherwise indicated, prices do not include the 12.1 percent hotel tax.
– If a hotel package doesn`t include parking, find out where the nearest parking facility is and how much it costs.
– Once you reach your room-before you unpack, turn on the TV or anything else-look for the fire exit. Count the doorways between the exit and your room, so that you can locate the fire exit while crawling on hands and knees with your eyes closed-because, should you need to use the fire exit, those are the conditions you`ll be operating under.
– Happy hunting.
The Allerton Hotel, 701 N. Michigan Ave., 440-1500. This venerable hotel boasts an art deco lobby, terrific location and the lowest weekend prices on Michigan Avenue. On weekends, rooms are $59 per night; suites are just $69.
Ambassador East, 1301 N. State Pkwy., 787-7200. A Gold Coast hotel that`s home to the Pump Room restaurant. No relation to the next-door Ambassador West. Beginning Sunday, the Shopper`s Package, $125, includes room, breakfast in the Pump Room and a canvas shopping bag. There are two suite packages: $150 buys a one-room executive suite, champagne and chocolates on arrival and Saturday breakfast or Sunday brunch in the Pump Room; $185 buys the same amenities in a two-room parlor suite.
Ambassador West, 1300 N. State Pkwy., 787-7900. A long-standing feature of this hotel is its free happy hour-complimentary cocktails are served nightly from 5 to 7. Beginning Sunday, a one-night stay is $95, including continental breakfast. The Gold Coast package, two nights for $225, includes room, wine and cheese basket, full breakfast both mornings and Sunday newspaper. The Ambassador Weekend, two nights for $295, includes a one-bedroom suite, wine and cheese basket, full breakfast one morning, Sunday brunch in the Pump Room, complimentary limousine service to Water Tower Place between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., and Sunday paper.
The Barclay Chicago, 166 E. Superior St., 787-6000. All the rooms are suites here. The one-bedroom and junior suites include queen bed, sofa sleeper, kitchenette (range, refrigerator, sink, serving area) and mini bar;
mini-suites include wet bar and refrigerator. The Grand Little Evening, $117, includes mini-suite and welcoming gift of champagne and keepsake champagne flutes. The Grand Little Evening with Brunch, $150 (available Saturdays only), includes junior suite, bottle of champagne and Sunday champagne brunch for two. The Grand Little Weekend, $266, includes two nights in a one-bedroom suite, champagne and champagne brunch for two. Brunch is served in the Barclay Club, the hotel`s private dining club; jackets required.
Best Western Inn of Chicago, 162 E. Ohio St., 787-3100. A trim, nicely maintained spot just a block east of Michigan Avenue. Weekend rate is $69 per night.
Bismarck Hotel, 171 W. Randolph St., 236-0123. Though weekend rates are low, they`re hard to get at this west-Loop hotel, which routinely sells out to the convention crowd. Thursdays through Sundays, rooms are $49. The theater package, $150, includes room, dinner in the Chalet restaurant, tickets and transportation to ”Shear Madness” and breakfast in the Walnut Room. Two-weeks` notice and $50 deposit required for the theater package.
Blackstone Hotel, 636 S. Michigan Ave., 427-4300. This hotel`s Mayfair Theatre is home to the eternally running comedy ”Shear Madness.” Weekend room rate is $59. Theater package, $99, includes room, two tickets to ”Shear Madness” and two cocktails.
Chicago Hilton and Towers, 720 S. Michigan Ave., 922-4400. One of the city`s best. Gorgeous lobby, in-building parking, a first-rate restaurant in Buckingham`s and a terrific health club with pool, weight room and running track. After May 6, the Hilton Weekender, $59, includes room and continental breakfast; this rate can be used for one or more nights as long as one of the nights is Saturday. The Hilton Classic, $85, includes room, complimentary cocktails and free parking; additional nights are $105. The Magnificent Style, $145, features accommodations in the Hilton Towers (the upper-level, top-class section), which include upgraded rooms amenities, private registration and concierge and private lounge serving continental breakfast, afternoon tea and hors d`oeuvres and evening cocktails; room, parking and dinner for two in Buckingham`s included in the package.
Chicago Marriott Downtown, 540 N. Michigan Ave., 836-0100. Another well-situated downtown hotel, a quick stroll or cheap cab ride away from the Loop, Michigan Avenue and River North attractions. The Two for Breakfast package, $89, includes room and a $15 breakfast credit. The Escape package, $180, includes room, $70 dinner credit and $38 breakfast credit; the two-night Escape, $290, includes dinner one night and breakfast both mornings. The Honeymoon package, $127, includes room, champagne and $38 breakfast credit. On the upgraded concierge level, which offers private registration, complimentary shoe shines and morning newpaper and serves complimentary continental breakfast, evening cocktails and hors d`oeuvres, the weekend room rate is $208.
Claridge Hotel, 1244 N. Dearborn Pkwy., 787-4940. A small but elegantly appointed Gold Coast gem. Weekend rates are $68 (queen-size bed) and $80 (king bed or two queen beds) and include continental breakfast. Beginning May 28 through Labor Day, the Claridge-by-the-Sea package, $160, includes room, beach towel and suntan lotion, Wendella boat ride, dinner at JP`s at the Claridge, the hotel`s excellent seafood restaurant, and continental breakfast.
Congress Hotel, 520 S. Michigan Ave., 427-3800. This hotel is undergoing a facelift, with cosmetic changes being made now and more extensive remodeling planned later. Weekend rate is $78, which includes room, champagne and chocolates, two cocktails, full breakfast and parking.
Days Inn, 644 N. Lake Shore Dr., 943-9200. Terrific lake views. Weekend rate is $69, up to four adults per room.
The Drake Hotel, 140 E. Walton St., 787-2200. An elegant Chicago institution. The Drake Classic package, $129, includes room, flowers, fruit and chocolates, morning newspaper and such in-room niceties as bathrobes, evening ice delivery and twice-daily maid service. The Drake Tradition, $145, includes all the Classic offers in an upgraded room, plus full breakfast. The Vista View package, $190, features executive-level accommodations, including a lounge serving complimentary continental breakfast, hors d`oeuvres throughout the day and cocktails from 4 to 11 p.m.; lake-view rooms available. The Celebration package, which is offered throughout the week, is $275 and includes a lake-view junior suite, French champagne and two keepsake flutes, and room-service breakfast; a second night is a $225 option. And the Two on the Aisle package, a two-nighter for $315, includes a pre-theater dinner in the Oak Terrace room plus two tickets to the 9:30 p.m. Saturday performance of ”Shear Madness”; advance reservations required.
The Essex, 800 S. Michigan Ave., 939-2800. A sister property of the McCormick Center Hotel, close to many of the city`s best-known museums. Weekend rate is $60. The Duke`s Holiday package, two nights for $139.90, includes two free cocktails, breakfast both mornings, sightseeing tour and free parking.
Executive House, 71 E. Wacker Dr., 346-7100. This recently remodeled Ramada property now boasts a snazzy new lobby and some of the largest rooms in the city. Weekend room rate is $70. The Rendezvous package, two nights for $150 (including tax and gratuities), features champagne and fruit and cheese basket, continental breakfast, Sunday paper and free parking. On the Club floor, the Executive House`s concierge level, rooms are $185 and include complimentary hors d`oeuvres buffet, cocktails and other niceties.
The Fairmont Hotel, 200 N. Columbus Dr., 565-8000. This elegant new hotel opened last December, featuring two restaurants, an art deco cocktail lounge and the Moulin Rouge, a supper club that features top-name entertainment (Hal Linden, Michael Murphy and Sergio Mendez are scheduled in May). Weekend rates are $119 for cityside (downtown view) and $139 for lakeside (lake view) rooms. The Night on the Town package, $149 cityside and $169 lakeside, includes two tickets to the Moulin Rouge and a bottle of champagne (served in the club). The Weekender, $169 cityside and $189 lakeside, includes all the above plus brunch. The Rendezvous for Romance package, $269, includes a lakeside luxury king room, dinner for two at Entre Nous and breakfast in bed. All packages include parking.
The Hilton at Hyde Park, 4900 S. Lake Shore Dr., 288-5800. Close to the Museum of Science and Industry and other South Side attractions, this hotel also provides free shuttle service to the downtown area. Weekend rate is $59 and includes free parking and a breakfast buffet.
Holiday Inn Chicago City Centre, 300 E. Ohio St., 787-6100. There are no set weekend rates at this hotel, which also is home to the McClurg Court health club. But discounts generally are available, depending on the weekend you choose. The hotel`s Great Rate is a 40 percent discount, or $81 for two people. Some of those entertainment coupon books have Holiday Inn discount coupons, which are honored here (depending on availability), making a room for two $72.50. The Super Saver rate is $89.95 and includes a $25 food credit;
additional nights are $55. Parking is $6 per day. Use of pool and whirlpool is free; exercise equipment use is $7 adults, $3 children.
Holiday Inn Mart Plaza, 350 N. Orleans St., 836-5000. The emergence of the River North neighborhood as a dining and entertainment magnet has made this hotel, which has two restaurants, indoor pool and exercise room, more popular on weekends. Room rate is $80. A better choice is the Fantasy Weekend, $89.95, which includes room, champagne, $25 food and beverage credit and free parking. Add a second night for $50.
Hotel Morton, 500 S. Dearborn St., 663-3200. A relatively new hotel whose rooms feature two TVs, two phones and a VCR. Weekend rate is $69; valet parking is $7.50.
Hotel Nikko, 320 N. Dearborn St., 744-1900. A new hotel and already one of the city`s best. Luxuriously appointed rooms (some with beautiful river views), marble baths, stunning lobby and two excellent restaurants. Weekend rate is $99, including valet parking. There`s also the Nikko Experience package, $260 one night and $385 two nights, which includes deluxe room, welcoming gift (bottle of wine with fruit or cheese), dinner in Les Celebrites (French) or Benkay (Japanese) restaurants, full breakfast, valet parking and all taxes and gratuities (including dining).
Hyatt Regency Chicago, 151 E. Wacker Dr., 565-1234. Just off Michigan Avenue, this attractive hotel just opened Catch a Rising Star, the area`s latest big-name comedy club. Weekend rate is $89, including free parking; $15 extra buys you a 50 percent discount off all food and beverage for the stay
(two nights would be $178 for room, but still just $15 for the food discount). The Big City Style package, two nights for $235 (including tax), includes room, bottle of champagne, two cocktails and dinner in Stetson restaurant.
The Knickerbocker Chicago, Walton Place at Michigan Avenue, 751-8100. Weekend rate is $112. The Romantic Runaway package, $122.50, includes welcoming gift (coffee mugs or some such); valet parking; passes for two to the Art Institute, Here`s Chicago and the John Hancock observation deck; and morning newspaper. The Celebrity Weekend, two nights for $272, includes welcoming gift, two cocktails, Sunday brunch and morning newspapers.
Lenox House, 616 N. Rush St., 337-1000. An all-suite hotel just off Michigan Avenue, close by the crush of restaurants that have opened along Ontario Street and a short distance from River North. Executive studio suites are $59, junior suites $89 and one-bedroom suites $99.
