Hip and Happening at The Wit Chicago

Written by Carol Cain on 15 August 2010

I recently went on a trip, sponsored by Kenmore*, to participate in a focus group with them. I stayed in Downtown Chicago, in one of the newest boutique hotels there, The Wit. It is the first hotel built in Chicago’s North Loop in about 20 years or so and is creating the buzz necessary to help in the revitalization of the area. It is part of the Doubletree Hotel brand, but stands out with its contemporary design and features.

The masterpiece of architect Jackie Koo, hotel designer Cheryl Rowley, and restaurant designer Bill Johnson, this hotel perfectly hosts 298 guest rooms, two restaurants, an increasingly popular rooftop bar referred to simply as Roof, a fitness center (with its very own yoga studio), a spa, a screening room and meeting room space.

Upon entering the main lobby I was immediately surrounded by the easy flow that open space provides, the beautiful natural light which is mainly unobstructed due to Koo’s deliberate use of steel beams and glass, photography and paintings, including a breathtaking tattoo wall mural, and the perfect blend of colors to provide comfort and ease.

The hotel is centrally located with neighbors consisting of the historic Chicago Theater, the L, and other restaurants, attractions, and entertainment. The staff is one of the friendliest I have met in the Chicago area, and the service was top notch.

As grand as the exterior and lobby design feels, the rooms are more intimate and warm. I loved my view of both the L and the Chicago Theater on one end of my window, and the Chicago River on another. The use of sheer white and yellow curtains softened the sunlight gleaming through the large windows and the recorded sounds of birds and other wildlife through speakers in the hallways provided an escape from the urban jungle outside.

Roof has killer views, though I was told by residents that the lines to access the bar as non-guests can get quite long. The scene is hip, young, and noisy, with great drinks, and even better food, including personal size pizzas made in their very own brick oven.

Amenities include free access to the 24-hour fitness center, as well as a business center. The Business Center also provides guests with a WiFi printing option, so that they can print documents from their room and pick it up at the Business Center later on. All free of charge, except for the WiFi, which ranges in price from $11-$21 per day (a charge I am still waiting for hotels to get rid of), depending on the quality of connectivity you choose. I chose the lowest priced and never had a problem. Valet parking is available with prices ranging from $23 to $46, depending on length of stay.

Their restaurants, State and Lake and cibbo matto (featuring acclaimed chef Tod Stein), are worth a visit and have received many reviews in their favor from local foodies and publications.

I would be fine staying here with my children, though I think it is best suited for a romantic stay or vacation with my girlfriends. I keep hearing the hotel is “hip and happening” from people I spoke to, and I agree that it is. Most appealing to the trendy, fun crowd, I could see myself having another wonderful stay, no kids in tow.

To make a reservation at The Wit Chicago, please visit their website here.

*Disclosure: This is not a paid post. Complimentary stay provided by Kenmore for purposes of my participation in media-related events and paid focus group. For a complete view of NYCityMama.com’s Disclosure please go visit our Disclosure page.