Theme room hotels are becoming a rarity. Still popular at tourist attractions like Niagara Falls or Atlantic City, themed rooms have given way to easier to rent regular rooms. However, if you look hard enough, some "themes" still exist. Traditionalists insist a "theme" room needs to have a whirlpool tub, mirrored walls and an odd shaped bed while many hotels now offer luxury themed rooms for guest looking to be pampered. Fortunately for travelers to the windy city, several hotels have a variety of choices.
The Hotel Monaco, a former hat factory turned boutique hotel, is located in the center of Chicago along the banks of the Chicago River. Offering a sophisticated atmosphere the hotel has a theme suite known as the "Karen Neuburger Tranquility Suite". Not your typical "theme" room with jungle themes or grottos, this room (suite) offers nothing but luxury from the bed to the bath. The hotel offers a variety of female-themed packages including baby showers, girls night in, what women want and sweet dreams packages. Guests will find the suite (and all rooms) offers free Wi-Fi, 24 hour room service, complimentary newspaper and a morning coffee service. In addition guests can use the on-site fitness center, get a complimentary shoe shine and even request a "tall" room with 9-foot beds, heighten showerheads and oversized bathrobes. The Tranquility suite and tall rooms are very popular and advance booking is recommended.
Hotel Monaco Chicago
225 North Wabash
Chicago, IL 60601
312-960-8500
monaco-chicago.com
The Swissôtel prides itself on Swiss service, their downtown Chicago location and a distinctive attention to detail. Featuring special "kids rooms' the Swissôtel is the only accommodation in Chicago to offer rooms specially designed or those traveling with children. Kid-friendly suites include separate (adjoining) rooms with kid-sized furnishings, video games, toys and stuffed animals. The hotel desk is stocked with additional child friendly activities. Before arrival, you are asked to choose a children's museum adventure and will find the suite decorated with the theme of the museum of your choice. Inside the suite you'll find large screen TV sets, hair dryers, plush mattresses and premium linens as well as access to 24-hour room service and Wi-Fi (fee applies). The hotel features a fitness center and indoor swimming pool on the 42nd floor with panoramic views of the windy city and Lake Michigan.
Swissôtel Chicago
323 East Wacker Drive
Chicago, IL 60601
312-565-0565
swissotelchicago.com
Travelers looking for classic "themed" rooms near Chicago will find the Comfort Suites in Lombard offers a variety of fun themes. Four themes are available: Hawaiian, Roman, Caesar's courtyard and heart to heart. Each has a two person Jacuzzi and most feature a round pedestal bed. The Hawaiian room features palm trees and a blue-sky ceiling, the heart to heart room features a heart shaped bed (and Jacuzzi) with thick red velvet sheets and a canopy over the bed. Both Roman themed rooms feature Roman columns and statues. The hotel offers free Wi-Fi, coffee service and a hair dryer as well as a refrigerator and microwave.
Comfort Suites Lombard
530 W. North Avenue
Lombard, IL 60148
630-268-1300
comfortsuiteslombard.com
