HotelChatter

Checking in to a standard room (about the size of a typical big city boutique hotel room -- let's call it "cozy") on the tenth floor clearly upset the metallic bird and he made it clear from his persistent banging that no one would be allowed anyone sleep that evening. Subsequent investigation revealed that the woodpecker was in fact a loose air vent that was clanging in the Windy City wind.

To his credit, the bellman did not hesitate to call down and ask if he could move us to another room. After an attempt to get us to stay at a discount rate, we were relocated to an upper floor suite which was about the size of one of the standard quasi-suites you find in Vegas. Giant aluminum woodpecker be praised!

Hotel Indigo is the high-style arm of Intercontinental Hotels (known for other properties like Holiday Inn) They currently have three properties; one in Atlanta, and two in Chicago -- one in the Northwest, not far from O'Hare, and the newest one in Gold Coast -- with a fourth scheduled to open in Houston this summer.

In their own words:

"Instead of another dull, beige business hotel, why not check in to a hotel that's really for you, the busy traveler?

An oasis where you can escape the hectic pace of travel and think more clearly, work more productively, rest more refreshingly.

It's about peace. A hotel whose unique design brings together math, art and nature in perfect symmetry, to give you a perfect sense of balance and wellbeing."

Actually, what specifically stands out there is that they are fishing for business travelers looking for an outside-the-box hotel. Who knows whether they can convince corporate travel agents that the sheer groovyness of the place makes it better than a Hilton. However it is a top notch spot for a recreational stay.

There is a strong sense of frivolity in the decor, from the vivid, beach-housey colors to the oversized chairs in the lobby to the bright indigo blue telephones. Everywhere you look there is the nautilus shell motif and lighthearted haikus (yes, 5-7-5 haikus) to inspire and inform you, such as:

Our high-threadcount sheets
More relaxing to count
Than hotel ceiling tiles
--Hotel Indigo

Hotel Indigo is not a big place. They make solid use of the space they have, but wisely do not overreach. The restaurant, The Golden Bean, is really just for light fare and snacks: since there are about a nine-hundred top drawer restaurants to sample within a five or six block radius, why compete? The lounge is nicely styled and inviting but in no way intended to be a destination. It's a perfect spot to meet and make plans for the evening or have a final nightcap afterwards.

Relax, ponder the
Inevitable question
One olive or two?
--Hotel Indigo

The exercise room has a good set of equipment and a changing room -- vastly superior to the standard 10x10 room with two broken treadmills and a set of plastic weights from Sears that you usually find in a hotel of this size.  Unfortunately, it is referred to as the phitness center, which is kind of shameful; there's such a thing as being too cute.

As to connectivity:

Wi-Fi?  Why, yes in
Lobby and bar: hot spots in
The coolest places
--Hotel Indigo

It works out well that Hotel Indigo is designed to inspire and reenergize you, because the revelry on Rush Street is just a quick walk away, so you'll likely need it. And we're sure the arm-and-a-leg boutiques on Oak Street are also grateful for your new positive attitude.

Replenish self and
Earn points or miles while at it
Not too shabby, eh?
--Hotel Indigo

Apart from the quickly resolved woodpecker situation, the only other service issue was their intransigent refusal to let us check out an hour late (1PM instead of Noon). When we have an afternoon departure, we tend to ask for an extra hour so as to go out and get lunch without having to worry about checking bags with the bellman. From our time as a hotel employee we know people often don't quite make check out time, and usually it is of no consequence. But they were firm in denying us an extra hour, even in the face of withering sarcasm, "You mean the entire housekeeping staff will have nothing to do at Noon if we are not out of our room?"

Still, that's minor. Hotel Indigo is a great place to stay. New age doggerel aside, they get the whole "personality and style" thing without crossing the line into pretentiousness. You simply cannot take yourself too seriously and still write those silly haikus. The employees are sharp and attentive. They get the important things just right.

Related Stories:
· Hotel Indigo Gold Coast reviews [HotelChatter]
· Hotel Indigo [HotelChatter]

Tags: Hotels / Hotel Indigo

by dzot