Chicago Hotels|Chicago, Illinois, United States

Thompson Chicago

Name: Thompson Chicago
Telephone: 800-606-8188

Chicago’s hip Gold Coast hot spot

VERIFIED LUXURY

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Surrounded by historic mansions and top-shelf designer boutiques, Thompson Chicago is a cozy, stylish getaway in downtown Chicago. From the first step off the tony Gold Coast streets and into the industrial-turned-chic lobby, you are enveloped in an atmosphere that feels unmistakably cool.

Eclectic artwork, mid-century lines and plenty of leather and velvet create a warm setting that draws the fashion set as well as weekend vacationers.

The 247-room luxury hotel opened in 2013 along with its in-house restaurant Nico Osteria, an instant lure for the city’s food lovers. Thompson Chicago offers other perks, including a no-fee pet policy, free wireless internet and complimentary Lexus service — a vehicle and driver as well as loaner cars are available.

Our Inspector's Highlights

Gallery walls of framed modern art in the Chicago hotel’s lobby match the eclectic art in the guest rooms, including work by artist Wes Lang (known for designing Kanye West’s tour T-shirts) hung over the beds.
The boutique hotel’s ambiance is obvious to more than the eye — sniff as you walk through the front doors and you’ll notice Thompson Hotels’ custom scent, called “Velvet” and meant to evoke the feeling of relaxing in a worn-in leather chair with a glass of scotch.
Thompson Chicago is home to Nico Osteria, a classic Italian restaurant backed by executive chef Tim Graham.
There is a lovely library feel in the lobby — books are stacked on side tables and lined up on shelves over the fireplace, while tufted velvet sofas and leather armchairs invite lounging.
The lobby also gives a peek into the hotel’s bar, Salone Nico, featuring a dramatic living wall of lush plants. The bar’s luxe look matches the rest of the hotel with warm wood-paneled walls, exposed brick and jewel-toned velvet seating.

Things to Know

Thompson Chicago’s chic style was crafted by British designer Tara Bernerd, the creative force behind the chain’s ultra-stylish Four-Star Belgraves hotel in London.
Expect to rub shoulders with a fashionable crowd. The luxury hotel is located in Chicago’s posh Gold Coast neighborhood, the city’s most upscale shopping district.
The boutique hotel is close to Lake Michigan’s Oak Street Beach and the Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago as well as stately homes that have long housed the city’s prominent families.

The Rooms

The rooms’ floor-to-ceiling windows showcase city or Lake Michicagn views, while a muted palette of gray and tan feels current. The furnishings are sleek and sophisticated — think plush velvet contemporary sofas and streamlined black beds.
Mostly-white bathrooms are equipped with rain shower heads and oversized terrycloth robes by Frette.
The Thompson Suites have terraces with views of downtown Chicago and a deep-soaking tub; the Penthouses are two-level loft-like suites with views of either the city or the lake.

The Restaurants

The restaurant has been heralded for its rustic fare, including fresh pasta like cacio e pepe (a simple but comforting dish with cheese and ground pepper) and ricotta gnocchi.
Nico Osteria is a hip meeting spot for breakfast, lunch or dinner, but staying here means you don’t even need a table — guests can order from the menu for room service 24 hours a day.
Thompson Chicago’s modern design carries through the restaurant outfitted with warm woods, leather booths and counter seating with views of the open kitchen.

Amenities