Hotel Lincoln

Chicago’s once-and-future Hotel Lincoln was built in 1928 and enjoyed the kind of storied heyday many urban landmarks only wish they could boast of. But after hosting the likes of Al Capone and David Mamet (separately, of course), the Lincoln shut down, going on to pass a few uneventful years as a Days Inn before starting over as a fully refurbished boutique hotel. The newest incarnation of the Lincoln puts a slightly tweedy, slightly irreverent, almost collegiate spin on modern hotel design, and it’s a style that feels right at home in the Second City.

The hotel’s 184 guest rooms are parceled out within the horseshoe-shaped building to maximize lake views. That’s not to say that the surrounding North Side cityscape isn’t charming, but this is Lake Michigan we’re talking about. Interiors feature a quirky selection of works from local artists (including Jeff Koons–inspired squirrels) to enhance the cheery, laid-back atmosphere. This is a truly Midwestern take on the urban boutique — rather than overwhelm guests with aggressively cutting-edge décor, it’s content to remain understated in its stylishness.

Oddly enough, the twelfth-floor restaurant Perennial Virant actually existed before the hotel, but now that the Lincoln’s fully operational once again it feels seamlessly integrated. If you don’t feel like dining in this chic (but decidedly indoor) environment, the Virant caters the rooftop lounge in addition to handling room service. Add the gourmet coffee shop to the mix, and you’ve got a comprehensively tasty experience.

• 184 Rooms
• Style: Modern Design
• Atmosphere: Lively
• 2 Guest Reviews

Tweet