Lincoln Park's Hidden Gem: The BEST Hotel in Chicago?
Okay, buckle up, because we're not just reviewing some boring, run-of-the-mill hotel. We're diving headfirst into Lincoln Park's Hidden Gem: The BEST Hotel in Chicago? And let me tell you, after my stay… okay, here goes:
Lincoln Park's Hidden Gem: The BEST Hotel in Chicago? – A Messy, Honest, and Yeah, Maybe Amazing Review
First off, the name. "Hidden Gem"? It's a bold claim, right? And BEST Hotel in Chicago? Well, that's a lot to live up to. So, let's see if it does.
The Vibe (First Impressions & General Ramblings - I gotta be honest)
Arriving was… well, it was easy. They have valet parking, which, after wrestling with Chicago traffic, is a life-saver. Seriously. They have valet! (Under Getting around, so I told ya I'd cover everything). The lobby? Okay, here I was expecting a marble palace, or maybe sleek minimalism. It was… charming. Not overwhelming, not pretentiously chic. More like a really well-kept, comfortable home. And listen, the staff? Friendly. Really, genuinely friendly. Not the forced, "Have a nice day!" kind you get everywhere. They seemed… happy to be there? Weird.
Accessibility - Because It Matters (And I Checked!)
Okay, this is important. I didn't need accessible features, personally, but I did check. Under Accessibility, they actually do a decent job! Elevator (thank God! My luggage is heavy.) Facilities for disabled guests is there. I saw a few things, especially in the Restaurants, which is good. So, bonus points for inclusivity!
Cleanliness and Safety - Am I Still Alive After Chicago Food?!
- This is a BIG one right now. I mean, who isn’t worried? Anti-viral cleaning products. Big check! Daily disinfection in common areas. More brownie points! They have hand sanitizer absolutely everywhere. They also seem to take rooms sanitized between stays seriously. Now, did I actually witness them scrubbing down the room? No, but the room did feel clean, and I'm usually a germaphobe, so that's saying something. Cashless payment service, right on!
The Room - My Sanctum, or Where I Tried to Sleep
Alright. Available in all rooms: Okay, yeah, Air conditioning. Alarm clock (who uses those anymore?). Bathrobes. (Nice touch.) Bathroom phone (never used it. I only call people on my phone). Bathtub. (YES!). Blackout curtains (bless). Complimentary tea (yum). Desk. Free bottled water (needed that after all the pizza!). Hair dryer (essential for untangling my hair). In-room safe box. (always good). Internet access – wireless (duh). Mini bar. (tempting…but pricey). Non-smoking. (thank goodness). Private bathroom. Refrigerator. Seating area. Shower. Slippers. (fancy!) Soundproofing. (very important in a city!) Toiletries. Wi-Fi [free]. Window that opens (fresh air is a luxury, tbh).
- Okay, the bed. Seriously good. The extra long bed was a lifesaver because I am tall and a bed stealer! The linens? Soft. The pillows? Perfectly fluffy. I slept like a rock. The soundproofing was also top-notch! You know, I was expecting the city to keep me up with sirens, but it was very quiet.
(Quick aside: I forgot to check the Satellite/cable channels! I was too busy sleeping, but I'm sure it was there).
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking - Chicago Food is a Food Group
So, Restaurants on-site, yay! Okay, so here’s where it gets interesting. A la carte in restaurant: Yes, obviously. Asian cuisine in restaurant: There’s an Asian breakfast too! Coffee/tea in restaurant, Coffee shop: Yes! Happy hour: Yes! International cuisine in restaurant: Okay, good. Poolside bar: Whoa. Snack bar: Always useful. Vegetarian restaurant: Yes. Western cuisine in restaurant: Again, Yes. Room service [24-hour]: Ding ding ding!
This is where I spent half the day. The room service? Glorious. I’m talking late-night pizza (because, Chicago!) and then a proper breakfast [buffet] the next morning. Alternative meal Arrangement is good. The salads in the restaurant were so good, the soup in the restaurant also.
- Poolside bar…. This is where the ‘Hidden Gem’ part starts getting the most real and you might actually believe it when you get there. It doesn’t just have a bar, it has a tiny, beautiful oasis with a pool. I wasn't expecting it, and after spending the morning in a hot sauna… it was pure bliss. Yeah, a pool with view is there! Best of all, the drinks were strong, and the staff super friendly. They bring towels and everything.
Ways to Relax - Spa Day, Anyone? (I Wish!)
Okay, my biggest regret: I didn't fully indulge here! They have a Spa, a Sauna and a Steamroom, a gym/fitness center. But I barely had time! Should I have done a massage? Absolutely! Maybe next time.
Services and Conveniences - The Little Things Add Up
- Okay, they have a concierge (helpful!), daily housekeeping (thank you!), dry cleaning (needed!), laundry service (thank you!) luggage storage (I’m still using it!) safety deposit boxes. I’m always worried about my passport. Currency exchange. And a convenience store! (Always useful for late-night snacks). They really do think of everything the staff trained in safety protocol which is amazing.
For the Kids - Family-Friendly, or a Nightmare?
I don't have kids, but I saw families there. Babysitting service is available, there's a kids meal, and they're clearly Family/child friendly.
Getting Around - Navigating Chicago (Without a Breakdown)
- Airport Transfer (yes!). Taxi service. Valet parking (mentioned that already!). Car park [free of charge] (yes!). The Car park [on-site] is there, also.
The "Hidden Gem" Factor (My Verdict - The Real Deal?)
The biggest thing that made this not just a good hotel, but perhaps a "Hidden Gem," was the vibe. Yeah, it was clean, safe, with all the amenities you'd expect. But it was also comfortable. Unpretentious. The staff genuinely seemed happy to be there, and that made a HUGE difference. It felt less like a hotel and more like a… really nice, well-appointed house.
The Quirks
Okay, there were a few tiny "imperfections." The elevator was a little slow at times, but hey, I walk a lot as a Chicagoan. And the coffee at the Coffee shop was good, but not mind-blowing. Nothing that knocked it down a star.
The Verdict:
- This isn't just another hotel. It's a place you could genuinely see yourself relaxing, unwinding, and maybe even feeling a little bit… at home. And that, my friends, is a rare and precious thing. It's close to the best hotel in Chicago. Maybe, just maybe, it is.
My Recommendation: Book It. NOW.
Unbeatable Offer: Lincoln Park Getaway Package
Ready to experience Chicago like a local? Book your stay at Lincoln Park's Hidden Gem today, and receive:
- *Complimentary Upgrade (Subject to Availability) to a Room with a Balcony.
- FREE Valet Parking (Saving you time and the Chicago parking headaches!).
- A $50 Food & Beverage Credit to use at our on-site restaurants and pool bar.
- Two tickets to a local Lincoln Park attraction or event.
- A complimentary Late Check-Out (Up to 2 PM!), so you can savor every moment.
Why Book Now?
- Limited Time Offer: This exclusive package is only available for a limited time!
- Direct Booking Benefits: Book directly through our website or by calling us for the best rates and personalized service.
- Guarantee: Enjoy peace of mind with our flexible cancellation policy (check our website for full details).
- **Ready to discover YOUR Hidden Gem? Visit Our Website OR call [phone
Alright, buckle up, buttercups, because we're diving headfirst into my (probably slightly disastrous) Chicago adventure, basecamped at The Neighborhood Hotel in Lincoln Park. This isn’t a perfect, Instagram-filtered itinerary. This is life, with travel-sized bottles of shampoo and a whole lotta caffeine coursing through my veins.
Day 1: Arrival & the Great Bean Debacle (and Maybe a Pizza Crisis)
- Morning (Oh God, the Morning): Land at O'Hare. Pray to the travel gods for a smooth baggage carousel experience (they rarely listen). The CTA train ride downtown? Terrifyingly efficient. Me and my clumsy self almost went tumbling into a lady holding a chihuahua. Note to self: Chicagoans are fast. Check into The Neighborhood Hotel. Ugh, so cute! Very "boutique-y," which usually means tiny hotel rooms and a distinct lack of coffee makers. (Side note: I need coffee. Like, immediately.)
- Afternoon: The Bean (and the Existential Crisis): Head straight to Millennium Park. "The Bean"! (Officially Cloud Gate, but who are we kidding?) Okay, so I knew it was big, but seeing my distorted reflection in that gleaming, stainless-steel monstrosity was… unexpected. Cue a minor existential crisis. Am I really a tourist? Do I even belong here? Take twenty selfies, all of which are unflattering. Get aggressively photobombed by a pigeon. Decide "Screw it, I'm gonna enjoy the view."
- Late Afternoon: Pizza Panic and River Walk Revelations: Okay, so I tried to plan ahead. Researching Chicago deep-dish is a sacred thing apparently. The place I wanted to go had a two-hour wait. Two HOURS! My stomach wasn't happy, and I was turning into a hangry monster. Ended up at a place that was "fine," I swear I heard it was an "authentic" experience, but it didn't have that gooey, cheesy, soul-satisfying punch I craved. Disappointment. Head to the Riverwalk, hoping for a mood boost. The architecture is amazing! Buildings that look like they're straight out of a sci-fi movie. Did a boat tour where the guide told a story about the city and its history (the tour was a complete ripoff)
- Evening: Lincoln Park Stroll and Hotel Bar (Blessedly): Back to the hotel. Lincoln Park at dusk is gorgeous, even if I did get a little lost. Found a cute little bar near the hotel. Celebrated surviving the day with a Negroni (or two). Hotel bar ambience is everything, and the bartender just seemed to "get" my travel-weary soul. So, yeah, day one: a mix of awe, existential dread, and mediocre pizza. Standard.
Day 2: Zoo Shenanigans, Museum Mayhem & the Quest for Perfect Coffee
- Morning (The Coffee Mission): The Neighbourhood Hotel’s hotel coffee situation did not cut it. Began a desperate search for decent coffee. Found a place with a barista that actually knew what they were doing. Ordered a cappuccino. The heaven.
- Late Morning: The Chicago Zoo (Lions, and Bears, and… Oh My!): The Lincoln Park Zoo, folks! It's free! WIN! Walked the whole place. The polar bears are majestic, and the monkeys are sassy. Watched a lion yawn. Felt a very primal connection to the food chain. Seriously considered running away and joining the penguins. But nah, I'm still a city girl.
- Afternoon: The Art Institute of Chicago (Van Gogh vs. My Attention Span): Okay, this place is massive. And overwhelming. I spent a good hour just wandering around, completely lost. Saw A Sunday on La Grande Jatte—1884. Spent an agonizing amount of time trying to take a photo without blocking anyone’s view. The sheer genius, the meticulous detail… it's humbling. Then, I saw Van Gogh's Self-Portrait with Bandaged Ear. My brain short-circuited. I just stood there. Staring. Feeling… something. Maybe envy? Maybe a deep, unspoken understanding? Or maybe just a need to sit down. My feet were killing me.
- Late Afternoon: The Bean: Part Deux (Redemption!): One more shot at this. The crowds were smaller. The light was softer. I took a halfway decent photo (finally!). Maybe I’ve made my peace with the Bean. Or maybe I’m just exhausted.
- Evening: Culinary Quest and Jazz Club (Potential Disaster): Planned to try a hot dog from a place called Portillo's. The queue was so long, and I was so hungry I almost had a meltdown. Found a cozy, jazz club. Chicago seemed like it's still very much a jazz city. It's loud, it's hot, and the music is… well, it's jazz. Not always my cup of tea, but the atmosphere was worth it.
Day 3: Farewell Chicago (and the inevitable post-travel blues)
- Morning: Last-Minute Souvenir Scramble & Deep Breath: Panic buying souvenirs. Need to get presents for everyone, and I'm running out of time.
- Early Afternoon: Say Goodbye: Ugh. Time to go. The CTA train back to O'Hare felt different this time. Now… it felt familiar. Said a heartfelt goodbye to the hotel.
- Afternoon: Departure… and the Crumbling of a Perfectly Good Day: Last-minute flight delays. Stuck in the airport with a screaming toddler and a crying baby. Wondering if I'll ever escape travel hell. Realizing how much I'm going to miss this city. The messy bits, the beautiful bits, the coffee… all of it.
- Evening: Back Home! Exhausted, caffeinated, and with a suitcase full of souvenirs that I probably won’t need. Already planning my return trip. Because Chicago, despite its imperfections, kinda stole my heart.
Lincoln Park's Hidden Gem Hotel: The BEST Hotel in Chicago? (Maybe. Probably. Okay, Definitely.)
Okay, spill. What *IS* this hidden gem? And why are you so obsessed?
Alright, alright, settle down. It's the Hotel Lincoln. And "obsessed" is putting it mildly. I've stayed in a *lot* of Chicago hotels. From the swanky skyscrapers downtown to the quirky boutique spots in Wicker Park. But the Hotel Lincoln... it's different. It just *gets* Chicago. It’s not trying too hard. You know? It’s just … right. And I’ll tell you why in a second, but first, I need a coffee. BRB…Okay, back. Needed caffeine to fuel the gushing.
It's in Lincoln Park, which is already a win. Walkable to the zoo, the lake, amazing restaurants… and crucially, away from the tourist hordes. But it's the *vibe* of the hotel that truly got me. It feels less like a hotel and more like a cool friend's incredibly well-decorated apartment with a seriously amazing view. Think comfortable couches in the lobby, local art, and a staff that actually *smiles* (a rarity these days!).
Is it actually *hidden*? Seems like a bold claim.
Okay, maybe "hidden" is a *slight* exaggeration. It's not like you need a secret handshake to get in. It's right there on Clark Street. But it's not as widely known as some of the big names, which is honestly part of its charm. You won't trip over a busload of screaming tourists. You'll find *actual* Chicagoans enjoying coffee and reading the paper in the lobby. Which, by the way, is an experience because the lobby coffee is fantastic. No watery, pre-ground disaster.
And yes, there have been times I've felt like I'm *almost* gatekeeping, like I should whisper about it to only the most deserving travelers. "Psst... Hotel Lincoln... the best, but shhh..."
What's the deal with the rooms? Are they tiny, or overpriced, or both?
Rooms are… good. Now, they're not the size of ballrooms. This isn't the place for you if you need to do cartwheels across your king-sized bed (though, hey, no judgment if you do). But they are well-designed. Smartly laid out. And, crucially, clean. Seriously, I'm a bit of a germaphobe (don't tell anyone!), and I've never had a "ick" moment in their rooms. The toiletries are nice, too. Big, refillable bottles, which I appreciate. Less plastic, more awesome. Another win.
Overpriced? That depends. Chicago hotels can be brutal. But I think they are fairly priced for the location, the vibe, and the overall *experience*. You are paying for a premium location, and a very well-curated experience. Is it the *cheapest*? No. Is it worth the splurge? Absolutely, if you can swing it.
Let's talk about the views. Are they as amazing as you say?
Okay, the views. Here’s where I get *really* excited. I once stayed on a high floor, and I swear, I think I saw Lake Michigan stretch out forever. It felt like I was floating on a cloud. (Okay, maybe I just had a really good night’s sleep, but still!). You get this incredible panorama of the city, including the park, the zoo, and, of course, the lake.
I had a friend, who's not easily impressed, stay with me. He's a high-powered lawyer *and* a total curmudgeon. The first thing he did? Went straight to the window and just... stood there. In silence. For a good five minutes. He finally turned around and just said, "Wow." That's the ultimate endorsement, coming from him. He barely cracks a smile.
Any downsides? Be honest!
Alright, alright, let’s be real. No place is perfect. The elevators can be a *little* slow during peak times. And, okay, sometimes the bar gets *really* crowded. Like, shoulder-to-shoulder crowded. But, honestly, I think those are small prices to pay. And it’s not really a “downside”. It is a popular gathering spot. Embrace it!
Oh! The restaurant, Perennial Virant, while excellent, is *slightly* pricey. But the food is really, really good. And the rooftop bar, The J. Parker, is also killer. So maybe that’s not a downside either. Maybe I'm just a huge fanboy.
You keep mentioning the rooftop bar. Tell me about it!
Oh. My. God. The J. Parker. Okay, deep breath. It's a rooftop bar *atop* the Hotel Lincoln. And it's... sublime. Picture this: you, a perfectly crafted cocktail (try the Old Fashioned - it's heavenly), panoramic views of the city and the lake, the *perfect* Chicago summer breeze (sometimes the wind is INTENSE, though, be warned.) ... it's just bliss.
I have a memory of being up there, one perfect evening, with a group of friends. We'd just finished a delicious meal downstairs. The sun was setting, painting the sky in these unbelievable colors. One of my friends, who is a *terrible* dancer (and knows it!), started doing this ridiculous, happy little jig to the music. And we all just laughed and laughed. It was one of those moments that you want to bottle up and keep forever.
It can get busy at the J. Parker, that's true, and you might have to wait for a table. But honestly? Even standing, sipping a drink, taking in that view... worth it. Every. Single. Time. Bring a jacket though - it can get breezy!
Okay, you've convinced me (maybe). What's the BEST time to go?
Summer. Absolutely, unequivocally summer. Chicago summers are legendary, and the Hotel Lincoln is perfectly positioned to take advantage of them. You can walk to the beach, explore the park, then end the day with a cocktail at the J. Parker. It’s pure magic. But be warned: book in advance. It gets packed.
Spring and fall are great too, but you'll be at the mercy of the Chicago weather - and we all know how fickle *that* can be. Winter... well, if you're a cold-weather enthusiast, go for it. The views from theNomad Hotel Search
