Introduction This was actually part of a work trip, in which I was attending a seminar at the Second City Comedy Club just around the corner. The stay was obviously paid for by work, but the rates seemed pretty reasonable. The Hotel Lincoln is a boutique hotel that is not affiliated with any major hotel chain -- oddly enough, though, I had some choices of where to credit the points and the only one that I had a program with was Singapore Air. Still need to verify if that happened. Anyways, I've found that most boutique hotels are cheaper, especially in larger cities like Chicago. For me this is good and bad -- a lot of these hotels have a certain charm you don't get at large hotels, but then again, they aren't earning you any points towards future travel. I really only end up staying at a hotel like this if I have to (as I did here), or it is a far better deal. The last time I remember staying at a boutique hotel like this was actually in Chicago as well, so this must be a thing there. Check In The hotel is going for a rustic, speakeasy-esque type vibe -- and they definitely hit that on the head.The entire feel of the hotel was captured right when I walked in the door. I found out as I was leaving that 5 of the drawers underneath the desk open, in which they will give you a prize. Granted, I found this out as the front desk clerk was telling a 5 year old boy, though its always worth a shot.Unfortunately, the second floor was closed off (maintenance?), so I wasn't able to check out the business center or gym. But I wanted to include this really cool wall of pictures located right behind the front desk.I found the hotel staff to be incredibly welcoming and helpful. I arrived pretty late, so I wasn't looking for much of a conversation, but the guy who checked me in was very knowledgeable and kind. The staff carried on the same vibe as the rest of the hotel -- and one thing that I particularly appreciated was that they all wore street attire, as opposed to the sometimes bleak looking hotel uniforms that some larger chains sport. Room I missed getting pictures of the elevator, but all the way from the lobby to the room, there was a consistent theme. The elevators were rustic looking, with the only downside being that they were incredibly small. As a 12 story hotel, this can become a bit of an issue with only 2 elevators (!!). There was even a notice in the welcome pamphlet to take stairs when possible, but I wasn't going to go up or down from my 12th story room. I really didn't notice a big problem when I was there, though, so I think the cars must go fast enough.Room 2112The room itself really blew me away -- which is maybe why I forgot to picture some other parts of the hotel. From the theme, to the layout, to the space, I thought it really harnessed the hotels rustic theme. I don't think this is what the hotel considers to be a suite, but I was on the top level, corner room, and there were two bathrooms!While I didn't get to enjoy it, the sofa and chair made me feel like I was in my grandparents living room as opposed to a hotel.I'm no interior designer, but those curtains probably won't be found in many other hotel rooms -- or any rooms for that matter.Unfortunately, the walls were incredibly thin at the hotel, and you'll notice that there was an adjoining door in my room. That added to the awkwardness, but I could easily hear my neighbor while talking on the phone. I understand the idea of hotels is to cram as many rooms, for as much money as possible, but I have to imagine there is technology to make you feel like you aren't staying in the same room as a stranger.This specific kind of room had two bathrooms. While they were relatively small, there were two showers, two sinks, two toilets, etc. While they were small, I thought it was awesome for any couples traveling together. I usually find a master bathroom is not enough, I'd rather just be totally separate.In my many travels I have never come across Jonathan Adler bath products, but I really loved them -- especially in comparison to some of the other products I've dried. There was a Shampoo, Conditioner, Body Wash, Body Lotion, and a bar of hand soap.As I mentioned earlier, I wanted to point out some of the pitfalls of the room -- what I'd consider to be a relatively straightforward cosmetic fix. In both showers, there were multiple patches where the acrylic cover was peeling, and it looked very cheap. Service I can;t say enough about the service at the hotel. From the moment I walked in to the moment I left, the staff was extremeley attentive and willing to help with whatever I needed. As it seems custom that many hotels are going away from the traditional concierge, everyone at the front desk felt like a make-shift concierge, anyways. Dining Hand up, I missed out on covering a lot of what the hotel offers. I wasn't able to get to the second floor, which housed the business center and gym, but there is also The Kennison restaurant (which is supposedly very good), Elaine's Coffee Call (a very nice coffee shop, almost in the lobby), and the J. Parker Rooftop lounge.The coffee shop a full menu of coffee offerings as well as pastries and hot sandwiches. In comparison to the city, the prices weren't bad at all. I didn't get a chance to try the Kennison, but it is highly regarded on Yelp.J. Parker Rooftop LoungeThe rooftop bar/lounge is obviously the one amenity of the hotel I decided to check out (cc alcohol). Upon getting off the elevator, you can either go left to a smaller, more speak-easy type hotel, or to the right where there is a more rooftop feel.To the right, outside patio area. The best part was that there was an indoor area of the patio, totally enclosed by windows, as well as an outside patio area. That part of the bar was closed this time of year, but I thought it was great, considering I've heard Chicago can get pretty chilly.The other side of the bar was a smaller, more quiet environment. I think on weekend nights both sides can get pretty packed. I liked being able to have options, though. Location The Hotel Lincoln is located in the Old Town neighborhood of Chicago. This is far and away the best part about this hotel. While it is not located by the river, and what many consider the heart of Chicago, this is a great neighborhood to enjoy both food, drink, and many of the sites that Chicago has to offer.Located right across from Lincoln Park, you are within walking distance of the zoo and the lakefront. On top of that, there are a ton of local hot spots within just blocks. I actually took an Uber one night and my driver told me that he has dropped off more people at this hotel recently than any other. I guess it took him a while to figure out that they were all going to the J. Parker rooftop bar -- one of the hottest of its kind in Chicago. Overall I cannot say enough good things about this hotel.While it doesn't carry a lot of the usual "points seeking" benefits that so many of us are accustomed to, it is a refreshing change. I for one need as many stays as I can get to acheive status, gain points, etc. but I would without a doubt stay at this hotel again.Not only was the entire rustic, old-time vibe to the place incredible, but the people made it even better. There were obvious pitfalls that will come with such an old building, but the staff and that character more than made up for it.If you like what you saw here, and are into all things miles and points, check out my website -- madeofmiles.comThanks!