ARRIVAL/CHECK-IN: My stay at the Thompson Chicago, in February 2020, was my last trip before (and since) the COVID-19 pandemic. So while as of press time my stay was just a few months prior, I’m certain the experience is, today, somewhat changed.
I arrived in the early morning, having departed from Philadelphia International Airport pre-dawn. Luckily, the lobby was quiet and my room was ready well in advance of the check-in time, which was just what I needed to quickly freshen up before a day of meetings.
As you enter the hotel and lobby, it feels like you’re entering a personal home, one that is warm with rich colors and an abundance of comfortable seating.
GUEST QUARTERS: I was booked in a king- bedded room with rainfall showerhead and city view for my overnight stay. The room was almost oriented lengthwise: From the entrance, it opened into a foyer with a wall of windows. The bathroom, to the right of the door, was long, with a sink/ vanity immediately to the left, followed by the spacious shower with the toilet on the right side. The bathroom was quite large with plenty of space for toiletries. It did take me a few tries before I realized where all the different bathroom light switches were located.
As I continued into the foyer, a desk sat to the right, facing the windows, allowing for great views and lots of natural light. As I entered the bedroom area, the room opened up more. A bed flanked by two nightstands sat adjacent to the desk and across from a couch and table set against the windows. The TV was mounted on the wall across from the desk.
I ran across the street the afternoon of my stay to grab lunch. I brought it back to the room and, thanks to the guestroom’s spacious set-up and separate seating area, I had plenty of space to eat, relax and work.
SERVICES/AMENITIES: On the morning of my departure I ate breakfast at the on-site Nico Osteria, which also serves lunch and dinner. I enjoyed my breakfast alongside a good, strong cup of coffee and people-watching through the large windows and my vantage point along the North Rush Street side of the building. Salone Nico is the hotel’s wine bar and cocktail lounge. Private dining options are also available at Nico.
Thompson Chicago boasts 12,000 square feet of meeting and event space.
TOP TAKEAWAYS:
Location is crucial, and the Thompson Chicago boasts an excellent one in the Gold Coast neighborhood, just off the Magnificent Mile and near Lake Michigan.
A $17-a-day destination fee includes coffee and tea in Nico, Lexus house car service Tuesday through Sunday (based on availability), exclusive discounts through outside partners and more.
The doormen were exceedingly welcoming and friendly, and they made hailing cabs or waiting for Ubers easy and seamless — especially important during a Chicago winter.
My colleagues were staying on the Chicago River, and our appointments and meetings were all over the city; Thompson Chicago served as a convenient home base for all of it and provided easy access to/from Chicago O’Hare International Airport.
THOMPSON CHICAGO
21 E. Bellevue Place
Chicago, IL 60611
tel 312 266 2100
thompsonhotels.com
Read This Next

Introducing
FX Excursions
FX Excursions offers the chance for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in destinations around the world.
#globility
Insta FeedMarch 2025
Mar 15, 2025Norwegian Debuts Late Disembarkation Option
Norwegian Cruise Line just launched a new late check-out service on select ships and European sailings, allowing passengers to remain on board the ship until 12:30–1 p.m. to enjoy a few more hours of relaxation, lunch and other amenities before going home. The new service still requires passengers to check out of their staterooms by 8:30 a.m., but guests can now store their luggage at the cruise terminal for the remaining hours.
Sponsored Content
Find Your Perfect Escape with Paradisus by Meliá — More Than Just All-Inclusive
Luxury travel today is about more than just beautiful accommodations — it’s about experiencing the destination. Paradisus by Meliá takes traditional all-inclusive resorts to the next level by offering indulgence with immersion, experiences and authenticity. Each resort is shaped by its location, local flavors and curated Destination Inclusive® experiences that bring you closer to the heart of the destination.
Daily
Mar 14, 2025Glamorous Flamingo Las Vegas Gets Pool Makeover
Chances are you already know the name, but what you may not have heard about the iconic Flamingo Hotel in Las Vegas is the celebrated pool is undergoing a $20 million transformation of its GO Pool.
Airlines
Mar 14, 2025Don’t Miss Out on All Nippon Airways’ Sweepstakes to Explore Japan
All Nippon Airways, Japan’s largest 5-star airline, launched a contest to give travelers a chance to win a trip to go beyond Tokyo and experience Japan’s under-the-radar destinations. One winner will receive two round-trip economy-class tickets from a U.S. ANA gateway city to a unique destination within ANA’s extensive domestic network, such as Komatsu (KMQ), Odate (ONJ), Okinawa (OKA), Oita (OIT), Sapporo (CTS) and Tottori (TTJ).
Sponsored Content
A Summer Sojourn Along Europe’s Rivers with AmaWaterways
This summer, elevate your vacation experience with award-winning AmaWaterways. Offering a seamless blend of unparalleled luxury, authentic cultural experiences and unrivaled service, AmaWaterways cruises are the perfect way to uncover the heart of Europe during the sunniest season with itineraries that glide along the continent’s most iconic rivers, including the Danube, the Rhine, the Seine and the Douro.
Daily
Mar 14, 2025Hotel Zeppelin Launches Dead-icated Stay in Honor of Grateful Dead’s 60th Anniversary
Hotel Zeppelin in San Francisco is celebrating the 60th anniversary of the Grateful Dead with an exclusive Dead-icated Stay offer. Hotel Zeppelin is all about celebrating its city’s countercultural tradition, and this offer helps them honor the band’s legacy and its roots in the Bay Area.
Thiou Restaurant Review
eFlyer Reviews
Mar 12, 2025eFlyer News
Mar 12, 2025Air India Partners with Lufthansa Group, Virgin Australia
India’s leading global airline recently announced its expansion of codeshare partnerships with both Lufthansa Group and Virgin Australia. Through these new partnerships, travelers can enjoy access to more than 100 routes combined across the Indian subcontinent, Europe, Australia, New Zealand and the Americas.
Sponsored Content
Royal Air Maroc Marks Five Years with oneworld: Strengthening Connectivity Between USA and Africa and Expanding Global Reach
Royal Air Maroc proudly enters its fifth year as a member of the prestigious oneworld alliance. Since joining in April 2020, RAM has demonstrated resilience during the COVID-19 pandemic, emerging as a dynamic airline that enhanced its digital services and expanded its network. The airline plans to grow its fleet to 200 aircraft by 2037, reinforcing its global presence.
eFlyer News
Mar 12, 2025SH Hotels & Resorts Rebrands to Starwood Hotels
SH Hotels & Resorts, parent company of 1 Hotels, Baccarat Hotels and Treehouse Hotels, celebrates its 10th anniversary by officially rebranding as Starwood Hotels, reviving the iconic brand created by Barry Sternlicht nearly 30 years ago.
ShareThis