HotelChatter

What’s especially cool about Ruby Room is most people don’t know there's a hotel tucked behind the spa. And that’s kind of the point. A small boutique with only eight rooms, the Inn is all about a peaceful, cozy stay that inspires tranquility. It’s not a place for high-touch service as you’ll have to climb a flight of stairs, tote your own luggage and do without room service. But you will get a pretty garden in the back, a small communal kitchen, and a place to get your spa on. No TVs or social lounge either, though free Wi-Fi and a CD player come standard.

But you don’t really need more action than that at Ruby Room when you can step right out the front door and play the night away on Division Street. Locals come to play, not tourists, so the Chicago vibe and nightlife scene is as hip and authentic as it gets.

Ruby Room fronts Chicago's Division Street and the Inn awaits just inside

The rooms are stylish and inviting, but simple and cozy in a way that evokes calm. Grab a book and hop into a plump bed with 500-thread count linens or take a nap after one of Ruby’s many spa or healing treatments. After all your rest and balance is in order, head out into the city again to soak in all that beautifully noisy life and local color.

Rates at Ruby Room Inn currently start at $140 per night.

Photos: Nina Kokotas Hahn