Aloft Chicago Downtown River North

Aloft Chicago Downtown is as urban chic as its surrounding River North neighborhood. Museum Campus, the Art Institute, Magnificent Mile and Grant Park is all within reach. Then, come home to contemporary amenities in pet-friendly rooms. Modern decor is complemented by custom beds, flat-screen TVs, mini fridges, ergonomic work spaces and free WiFi. Enjoy floor-to-ceiling windows that let in city views and a modern fitness center at the re:charge gym. The hotel is home to an array of gala banquet and small seminar spaces alike, if you’re the one hosting an event.

Aloft River North: Best For…Families

Aloft Chicago may seem like a young person’s haven (and in many ways, it is), but it is also perfect for families. Rooms offer cribs and play yards as needing, and there’s coin-operated laundry on site if you need to clean any little or big messes. Families can book the Camp Aloft package in the deluxe corner two-queen guest rooms. Kids get their choice of an air mattress with a bed and tent theme and a starry night light. They also enjoy milk and cookies and an array of games.

Your four-legged family members are welcome as well with the Arf Program. Dogs stay free of charge and enjoy an array of special pet amenities. All pooches are welcome, but you’ll need to sign a special waiver if your dog is over 40 pounds. Fido gets an Aloft brand dog bed, in-room water bowl, complimentary treats and dog toys to play with.

Aloft River North Amenities

Loft inspired rooms are offered in an array of layouts, with traditional one-king and two queen rooms. You can upgrade for a corner room or skyline view. Rooms offer signature platform beds and roomy bathrooms with oversized shower heads that are equally sleek and stylish. They feel spacious and airy with nine-foot ceilings and extra large windows. Rooms are all pet friendly and smoke free, and boast impressive River North view. Guests enjoy large flat-screen TVs with cable and HBO, work desks and free WiFi. In your contemporary bathroom, enjoy custom bath amenities for Aloft Hotels by Bliss Spa. You’ve also got your own mini fridge and complimentary coffee and tea service. All rooms offer accessible layouts with roll-in showers or visual alarms and notifications for the door and phone.

Don’t leave your workout at home. The hotel features the 24/7 re:charge gym, equipped with stationary bikes, treadmills with individual TVs, stair climbers and ellipticals by Life Fitness. There are also free weights and yoga mats. Once you’ve worked up an appetite, enjoy a grab-and-go breakfast or a full American breakfast for a small fee.

There’s also Beatrix, the on-site restaurant serving up modern American fare and unique cocktails. It also has its own wine bar and pastry counter, the Coffeehouse at Beatrix, where you can grab pastries, juices and iconic coffee. If you’re in a rush, grab mix-and-match meals to go from Re:fuel by Aloft.

If you’re in town for work, enjoy an array of business services including copy, fax, notary public, overnight delivery/pickup and post/parcel in the full-service business center.

Aloft River North Neighborhood

Just a few blocks north of the Chicago River, Aloft offers the best of River North entertainment. The hotel is only a few blocks west of Magnificent Mile, so it offers both Michigan Ave shopping and River North fun, like the Gallery District on Superior and Huron Streets. Ready for some fun? Play games at an array of local outposts, like Spin for ping pong, darts at Flight Club, and old school arcade games at Beercade. You’re also less than a mile from John Hancock Observatory, Water Tower Place, and Millennium Park.

Nearby hotels include Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott, Moxy Chicago Downtown, and Hampton Inn & Suites. Aloft offers a median-range pricing among these nearby competitors.

Aloft River North: The Verdict

Aloft Chicago Downtown River North offers trendy decor and amenities in an even trendier neighborhood. There are some good perks, like free WiFi, mini fridges, and big TVs with HBO. There are also on-site restaurants and a cute cafe to start your day on the right foot. There’s no pool or water views, but the three-star accommodations are a bit more affordable than those with swankier offers. There are no suites, so if you need more than one room, opt for the Fairfield Inn next door.