Situated in Chicago’s trendy River North neighborhood, ACME Hotel Company is a Millennial’s playground in the heart of downtown. It’s located just two blocks from Magnificent Mile offering access to all of the shopping and entertainment has to offer from a “tragically hip” location. The hotel aims to be approachable and inviting while offering a host of unique amenities and high-tech extras. Slick Extras include morning Joe coffee delivery, Amazon Echos in every room, and convenient keyless entry.
ACME Hotel Company: Best for… Hipsters
The hipster crowd will appreciate this Millennial-geared hotel’s unique approach. Order your complimentary Morning Joe coffee delivery from your room’s very own Amazon Echo. You don’t even need to check in. Just download the Yikes App when you get to the hotel and touch the magic button for keyless room entry. Plus, there are affordable custom room upgrades that cater to the Instagram set. Purchase a DIY Cocktail kit for $18, including cocktail ingredients for two drinks and a shaker that’s yours to keep. Planning on partying? The Hair of the Dog package costs just $25. You’ll get two bottles of Gatorade, two aspirin packets, and a $25 gift certificate for MBurger—one of the city’s best burger joints.
Other unique amenities include the bunny slope hot tub, knock and drop room service, a bodega and an activity desk. There are even art exhibits installed within the hotel. In the lobby, you’ll find a mural by artist Brian Tull. And if you look out of your room’s window, you’ll probably get a glimpse of the Bare Painted Ladies exhibition. ACME commissioned local artists to adorn mannequins with paint and imagination. Plus, the typically dreary stairwells are graffitied by master artist AMUSE.
ACME Hotel Company Amenities
Although ACME is notably unconventional, the room layouts are pretty standard. There’s a standard king, city view queen, double double, king suite, and double double suite. All rooms are outfitted with the latest visual and audio gadgets including high-speed WiFi, PC compatible hook-ups and rooms wired with Bowers and Wilkins Zeppelin wireless audio systems. There’s also a mini bar and affordable snack tray, Serta suite bedding, 300-count Egyptian cotton beds, LED smart TVs, spacious work stations, and pull-out ottomans. Spa-inspired bathrooms feature large back-lit bath mirrors and Lather bath products.
All rooms have their own Amazon Echo. Just ask Alexa to order your complimentary Morning Joe coffee delivery. Don’t want to interact with hotel employees in your bathrobe? Knock & Drop room service means they’ll knock on the door, leave your order, and leave discreetly. Suites even include ESP Guitars for all-night rocking. Not in a suite? You can still request one at the front desk and check it out for free.
There’s also an array of on-site dining options. The Berkshire Room pays homage to the original hotel in this location, serving up old world cocktails with modern twists. Instead of a typical lobby bar, Bodega serves up cocktails in flasks with a retro, living room vibe. You can also post up here on your laptop with a drink and a few snacks. There’s a unique Bunny Slope hot tub, for an apres ski atmosphere where you can enjoy a cocktail with a soak. For morning breakfast, coffee, and pastries check out West Town Bakery.
ACME Hotel Company Neighborhood
ACME hotel claims to be as central as you can get for the best of Chicago. We have to agree. You’re just a few blocks with Magnificent Mile and all of its rare boutiques. Or, head to the House of Blues and enjoy the sounds of the city over a burger. Millennium Park, Navy Pier, and Willis Tower are all about a mile away, as well. You can also walk south a few blocks to hit the Chicago Riverwalk and all of the entertainment and eats offered there.
Nearby hotels include the Hilton Garden Inn Downtown, Embassy Suites by Hilton, and Holiday Inn Express. ACME is one of the more affordable stays in this nearby location.
ACME Hotel Company: The Verdict
ACME Hotel Company was designed to cater to hip, trendy Millennials. Take a selfie while enjoying a soak in the ski-style hot tub, or sip your drink out of a flask in the living room-style lobby bar. In your room, just ask Alexa to bring your morning coffee. You can even check in and out without ever actually speaking to anyone—although they’re there if you need help. Some aspects of the hotel can feel a little gimmicky. Rooms are pretty minimal without much artwork, just a splattered hand painting above the bed, but the lobby and stairwell art exhibitions make up for it. Plus, the price is right for a great neighborhood and cool amenities.