Our Blog

A Tourist’s Guide: Getting Around Chicago Without a Car

Between traffic jams and exorbitant parking, vehicles often hamper Windy City adventures. Luckily, Chicago offers user-friendly public transit spanning iconic L-trains, widespread buses, and Divvy bikeshares. These affordable options whisk sightseers across town to world-famous attractions like Cloud Gate, Wrigley Field, the Magnificent Mile, and more. This guide unpacks navigating

Discover More

Celebrating Winter in Chicago’s West Loop

When the wind whips through the concrete corridors of Chicago’s famous West Loop, you know winter has arrived. This historic former warehouse district buzzes year-round with popular restaurants, independent galleries, and boutique shops, but the neighborhood truly comes alive in the wintertime. Locals bundle up and brace for the cold

Discover More

Smart Packing Guide: Overlooked Travel Essentials

Ready to travel but want to avoid forgetting your travel essentials? We’ve all been there, realizing too late that a must-have item got left behind. Luckily, packing pro-style is easier than you think with this checklist of underrated travel necessities that most travelers tend to overlook. Read on to discover

Discover More

The Best Chicago Museums for Families Staying in West Loop

Studies demonstrate that children who explore interactive museum exhibits in early grades see benefits in achievement over time. Kindergarten students who engaged with hands-on museum displays showed improved test scores in key subjects by third grade. Luckily, West Loop offers the best museums to occupy children’s minds and spark curiosity.

Discover More

Hotel No Show: Fees and FAQs

A hotel no-show happens when someone makes a reservation but then does not check in and does not cancel ahead of time. This can really mess things up for hotels. They hold rooms and turn others away, expecting a guest who never shows. Naturally, many hotels charge fees in this

Discover More

Start Fresh in 2024 with a Hotel Staycation

You’re not alone if you’ve been feeling the need to press reset. A 2023 study shows people with an awareness of their mortality have been craving opportunities to travel more and prioritize wellbeing. Understandably, extended lockdowns and uncertainty over the last years have taken a toll, leading many to seek

Discover More

Tips for Booking Last-Minute New Year’s Eve Hotel Deals

Nearly 125 million Americans are projected to travel this New Year. That massive demand drives hotel prices sky-high, potentially pricing out budget-conscious travelers hoping to join the festivities. However, through some last-minute booking strategies, travelers can still land affordable hotel deals for their ideal New Year’s Eve celebrations. Whether you

Discover More

Fun Ideas for Boutique Hotel Stay with Family on New Year’s

The holidays often come with feelings of loneliness and disconnection— the National Alliance on Mental Illness reports that 66 percent struggle with this. However, boutique hotel stays on a symbolic holiday like New Year’s Eve offer a chance for families to fight this trend. Getting creative by designing our in-room

Discover More

Pet Etiquette 101: Hotel Stay with Pets

Bringing fuzzy family members along makes any trip better for any pet owner. But to ensure the whole pack enjoys the travel experience, we need to brush up on pet etiquette. This article covers choosing the right pet-friendly hotels, prepping pets beforehand, respecting public spaces, and integrating dogs or cats

Discover More

Beating the Christmas Day Travel Rush

The halls are decked, stockings hung, and holiday tunes playing – Christmas is just around the corner! With it comes the annual travel chaos as millions hit roads, rails, and runways eager to reunite with loved ones. Statistics show over 104 million people will hit the roads this Christmas day

Discover More

Your Guide to a Magical Christmas Eve Hotel Stay

There’s nothing quite as magical as staying at a hotel on Christmas Eve. Whether you’re gathering with family or friends, a hotel stay means less stress and more time to relax and enjoy each other’s company during the holidays. No tidying up before guests arrive or slaving away in the

Discover More

Planning the Perfect Christmas Family Vacation

The most wonderful time of the year is almost here, which means families everywhere are dreaming up festive holiday vacation plans. Christmas brings loved ones together to celebrate time-honored traditions, make new memories, and deepen familial bonds. Whether you envision chestnuts roasting or palm trees swaying this December, creative planning

Discover More
What to See in Chicago: A Guide for the Adventure Seekers

What to See in Chicago:…

Lots of people visit Chicago for its vibrant and lively neighborhoods and fun cuisine. But aside from this, they also have lots of places that work for those looking for an adventure. You can find places for simple fun activities to extreme sports, both on land and in the water.…

Be a Smart Traveler: A Quick Guide to Solo Travel Safety

Be a Smart Traveler: A…

Traveling alone is a bigger step than it seems, especially when you’re visiting a place you’re not familiar with. Sure, it has its perks, but one thing you should prioritize among anything else is safety. About 87% of travelers express they have safety concerns, according to the 2019 Global Rescue…

What Hotel Facilities to Consider for the Best Stay

What Hotel Facilities to Consider…

A day or two away from your busy daily life can mean a lot more when you pick a place to stay that offers exactly what you need. The question is, how do you know you’ve found the right hotel? While some people have specific preferences, it helps to know…

How to Find a Hotel When You Travel With a Pet

How to Find a Hotel…

In recent years, more people have been looking to travel with a pet. While the demand grows, so does the access to pet-friendly spots. A survey by Wag! reveals that approximately 94% of travelers would give up at least one amenity for pet-friendliness at accommodations. Even so, there are other…

Stress-Free Travels: 9 Tips To Enjoying Your Trip Without Missing Anything

Stress-Free Travels: 9 Tips To…

Going to new places is often fun and exciting. You get to experience new things, taste foods you haven’t tried before, see places you’ve never seen, immerse yourself in different cultures, and so on. Traveling in itself is fun and rewarding, but it’s also challenging: You need to make sure…

Staying Fit on Work Trips: Tips for Business Travelers

Staying Fit on Work Trips:…

We all know staying fit on business trips can be a struggle. The stats show only 40% of business travelers keep up their usual health routines. Between hectic schedules in unfamiliar places, fitness often falls by the wayside. The good news? With some smart planning and tools, getting your workout…

Staying Safe as a Solo Traveler at Hotels

Staying Safe as a Solo…

Solo travelers take multiple trips annually, making up over 11% of all travelers. Staying safe should be a top priority for every solo traveler. After all, around 45% of women and 20% of men report feeling unsafe or vulnerable when traveling alone. The good news is there are practical steps…

How to Spot and Avoid Hidden Hotel Fees and Surcharges

How to Spot and Avoid…

Hidden hotel fees continue to frustrate travelers, with a 2023 survey revealing that 95% encountered unexpected charges or misleading fees over the past year. Here at Chicago West Loop, we get that hidden fees frustrate travelers. As a trusted stay spot, we’re upfront about full pricing from booking to checkout.…

Essential Hotel Amenities for Remote Workers in Chicago

Essential Hotel Amenities for Remote…

As remote work gains popularity, the number of remote workers in the U.S. is expected to reach over 32 million by 2025, representing almost 25% of the total workforce. This trend has fueled interest in hotel amenities catering to digital nomads. As one of the most affordable major metropolitan areas,…

Making Group Hotel Reservations: Tips for Large Parties

Making Group Hotel Reservations: Tips…

Planning a group trip can get messy fast. Over half of all group hotel bookings fall apart last minute. Why? Limited rooms and so many guests to juggle. Hotels have to balance our group requests with their regular guests too. But securing rooms for that family reunion or corporate retreat…

Plan the Ultimate Romantic Valentine’s Weekend Getaway in Chicago

Plan the Ultimate Romantic Valentine’s…

As Valentine’s Day approaches, the allure of planning a memorable celebration at a hotel becomes increasingly enticing. This special occasion offers an opportunity for couples to escape the routine of daily life and immerse themselves in an atmosphere of romance and luxury. From intimate dinners to indulgent spa experiences, hotels…

Where to Propose in Chicago: Most Romantic Spots for Couples

Where to Propose in Chicago:…

Looking to pop the question? With proposals expected to rebound, Chicago emerges as a top romantic getaway to propose to your partner. From sweeping lakefront sunsets to intimate hotel bars, the Windy City overflows with swoon-worthy spots to create lifelong memories. We’ve rounded up the most iconic to hidden gem…