Affinia Chicago

Hotel description

It may sound a bit like a car, but a hotel it is. The Chicago branch of the Affinia group has come through a large-scale renovation with a new design that’s decidedly in the modern boutique vein. And it’s not just the furniture: from the welcome cocktail to the Aveda products in the bathrooms to the rooftop bar whose popularity gives the elevators a workout, it’s every inch the contemporary design-conscious boutique.

The location, to start with, is hard to fault — it’s just off the Magnificent Mile, placing the bulk of Chicago’s shopping and financial destinations in easy reach. This makes for dramatic city views from the guest rooms, and means a diverse crowd, from tourists and sightseers to business travelers and conference guests. No matter the demographic, everyone’s happy with the pillow menu and the in-room spa treatments, not to mention the very liberal pet policy. And in terms of décor, it’s all just modern enough; the design is breezy and bright, yet palatable those more traditional-minded visitors.

C-House, the Affinia’s restaurant, serves classic seafood, American and otherwise, plus, this being the Midwest, some extremely hearty chop-house offerings — clues to both are contained in the slightly punny name.