Shall I compare thee to a well-fitted suit? That’s how Chicago’s newest four-diamond hotel, the Kimpton Gray, describes itself. No detail is passed over in this modern accommodation, situated in a historic Chicago landmark building. All of the latest trends have been incorporated as well, including a Peloton Commercial Bike with access to classes streamed from its NYC studio and a collection with The Tie Bar. There are several on-site dining options as well, including a swanky rooftop lounge on the 15th floor. Plus, its central location in the heart of The Loop is within a stone’s throw of many Windy City attractions.
Kimpton Gray Hotel –Best for
Fitness buffs
For travelers who can’t leave their workout at home, The Gray has a pretty robust health and fitness package. Forgot your workout clothes? The hotel will let you borrow one of four stylish Lululemon outfits (men’s and women’s available) from the front desk. Then, borrow a Namastay eco-friendly yoga mat to work out in the fitness center or take on of The Gray’s wellness classes. The 24-hour fitness center boasts large windows and state-of-the-art equipment, including PreCor treadmills, ellipticals, adaptive trainers and weight lifting machines. There are also TAG kettlebells and medicine balls, resistance bands and several leg presses. The highlight, of course, is the Peloton bike, complete with a 22-inch HD touchscreen that streams 14 live rides every day as well as 4,000 on-demand classes.
Also Best for Pet owners
All Kimpton hotels are also pet friendly, so you can bring Fido. Your pooch will be treated like any other guest and will be greeted by name upon arrival. Plus, there’ no weight limit. The Gray even offers hotel amenities for your four-legged friend, including plush pet-beds, food and water bowls and mats. The best part? There is no additional charge or deposit required.
Kimpton Gray Hotel Amenities
The Gray offers guests rooms with views available, accessible rooms and specialty suites. All spaces are outfitted in a modern and minimalist aesthetic in a gray palette accented with powder blue, gold foil and brass. If design is a priority, you will love the tailored presence and high design sensibility. In queen, king, king deluxe and queen queen deluxe options, guest rooms are complete with workspaces and multimedia ports and bathrooms with walk-in showers and Atelier Bloem amenities. King Spa rooms also feature a deep soaking tub.
IHG Rewards Club members get complimentary high-speed internet access (it’s $12.99 per day for others). Each room also has a yoga mat, and there is an on-site fitness center. A nightly social hour is hosted in the lobby living room from 5 to 6pm—you can even bring your pooch. For families, there is a children’s book check-out at the front desk, offering a hand-picked collection with many taking place in the Windy City. There is complimentary morning coffee and tea and overnight laundry and dry cleaning upon request. Driving? Self-park is $46 a day, or valet is $69 overnight.
There are also several sophisticated on-site dining locations, including the swanky Boleo rooftop lounge serving up Peruvian and Argentinian street food–inspired small plates and craft cocktails. Meanwhile, Vol. 39 is an elevated cocktail bar serving the classics as well as bespoke cocktails and charcuterie in a space designed in Art Deco style. Lastly, Steadfast serves up ultra-seasonal New American cuisine in a stately dining room complete with a zinc bar, plush banquets and gold accents.
Kimpton Gray Hotel Location
Situated in the opulent former New York Life Insurance Building, The Gray boasts a central location in the Chicago Loop—just one block to the “El” station at Monroe and Clark streets. Union Station, Millennium Park, Grant Park and State Street Shopping are all within walking distance about a half-mile from the hotel. Nearby, the Navy Pier, Field Museum, Shedd Aquarium, Adler Planetarium and Soldier Field are all around two miles from The Gray, easily accessible via a quick cab ride.
Other accommodations nearby include the Hampton Inn Majestic Chicago Theatre District, Hyatt Regency Chicago, W Chicago – City Center, JW Marriott, Central Loop and Hotel Blake. The Kimpton Gray Hotel is priced in the median range of comparable lodgings.
Kimpton Gray Hotel –The verdict
With its swanky rooftop bar, historic location and top-notch amenities, The Kimpton Gray Hotel is certainly one of the most luxurious and trendy places to stay in Chicago. It’s not cheap, but it isn’t the largest splurge either for a four-star hotel boasting all those luxuries. If you’re going to take advantage of the decked-out gym, rooftop bar and Lululemon workout clothes, or if you want to bring your pet for free, this spot is definitely worth it. Just looking for a place nearby to local landmarks, on the other hand? Opt for something in the Loop that offers free WiFi.