Kimpton or IC in Chicago
Sep 17, 2020, 7:04 pm
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Dec 2015
Location: RDU
Programs: IHG Spire Elite/Inner Circle, Hilton HHonors Gold, AA Platinum, Delta Gold
Posts: 209
Kimpton or IC in Chicago
With the mass exodus of hotels by IHG in Chicago from that payment thing and me not being to Chicago in the last 10 years, I'm wondering which of the hotels I should pick. Open to suggestions. Stay is Sept 30-Oct 1 and I need a suite with a separate living room for work purposes. I'm torn on which property to pick. Spire but no other status.
Sep 17, 2020, 7:25 pm
#3
Original Poster
Join Date: Dec 2015
Location: RDU
Programs: IHG Spire Elite/Inner Circle, Hilton HHonors Gold, AA Platinum, Delta Gold
Posts: 209
Sep 18, 2020, 2:30 am
#4
Join Date: Oct 2009
Location: ZRH
Programs: LH SEN, BA Gold, Bonvoy Plat, IHG Spire RA
Posts: 580
Parking is ridiculously expensive in case this is also relevant to you, although I can't judge on the pricing at any Kimpton
Sep 18, 2020, 6:12 am
#5
Original Poster
Join Date: Dec 2015
Location: RDU
Programs: IHG Spire Elite/Inner Circle, Hilton HHonors Gold, AA Platinum, Delta Gold
Posts: 209
having stayed the last 5 years several times at the IC as RA I have to say it is/was a good value proposition. However I've realized that they became more and more stingy in respect to upgrades. In order to score a suite as Spire I'm afraid you need to book one there. All suites have a separate living room, though the suite in the executive tower are bigger and nicer, although the furniture is more or less the same (dated) in my opinion.
Parking is ridiculously expensive in case this is also relevant to you, although I can't judge on the pricing at any Kimpton
Parking is ridiculously expensive in case this is also relevant to you, although I can't judge on the pricing at any Kimpton
Sep 18, 2020, 11:34 am
#6
Join Date: May 2016
Posts: 88
The Monaco and Gray are my two favorite Kimptons in Chicago. The Monaco might have a slight edge now, though, after their refurbish. The window seats in the rooms are so cozy and pleasant.
Overall, Kimptons are pretty generous with upgrades even if you’re not Inner Circle.
Overall, Kimptons are pretty generous with upgrades even if you’re not Inner Circle.
Sep 18, 2020, 3:27 pm
#7
Join Date: Apr 2004
Location: Motown
Programs: DL, WN, AA, IHG Diamond, Hertz 5*
Posts: 3,409
The Monaco and Gray are my two favorite Kimptons in Chicago. The Monaco might have a slight edge now, though, after their refurbish. The window seats in the rooms are so cozy and pleasant.
Overall, Kimptons are pretty generous with upgrades even if you’re not Inner Circle.
Overall, Kimptons are pretty generous with upgrades even if you’re not Inner Circle.
Sep 19, 2020, 12:52 pm
#8
Join Date: Nov 2019
Programs: UA 1K, IHG Spire Ambassador, Hyatt Globalist, Marriott Platinum
Posts: 146
I've stayed at the Kimpton Grey and Allegro (both leisure). I enjoyed the Allegro more than the Grey. I believe both rooms were upgraded, and the Allegro actually seemed like an upgrade as it had its own seating section (not separate room). The bathroom was super small in the allegro but they have a complimentary shoe shine which I thought was a sweet perk.
The Grey was just a room, nothing special. It didn't have any sports channels on either, might be the same for the Allegro. The shower was one of the showers with the half pane of glass. I dislike taking a hot shower and my ... is still freezing. Not to mention all the water that gets on the ground. They did give me a pint of Jeni's ice cream (pretty well known around chicago) when I inquired about mini bar credit. The front receptionist had mentioned that I was an inner circle (I am not) so that I was entitled to it. I think she said that so I could receive a gift while not drawing attention to herself from her coworkers.
Both hotels will give you a Keurig or Microwave upon request. Both were booked with Spire status. Don't forget to mention the secret code.
I visited a buddy who had a room at the IC, but it was in the 'Grand' tower. It was pretty dated but still nice. I'm staying at the IC tonight booked on points, hoping to score an upgrade to the exec tower.
Tip: If your company is not paying for parking or you are on your own dime, download the app Spothero on your phone and find a garage for half price. No in and out privileges but $20 beats $50+ IMO.
Update: Just checked in while my girlfriend was shopping with her friend and received a 4 category upgrade (that’s what he said) to a King suite. Room was super nice, 2 bathrooms and 2 doorways to the hallway. Unfortunately I was advised by my girlfriend to downgrade to the two bedroom room because we have a visitor. I was going to sleep on the pullout couch, but decided I’d downgrade to avoid any fuss.
The Grey was just a room, nothing special. It didn't have any sports channels on either, might be the same for the Allegro. The shower was one of the showers with the half pane of glass. I dislike taking a hot shower and my ... is still freezing. Not to mention all the water that gets on the ground. They did give me a pint of Jeni's ice cream (pretty well known around chicago) when I inquired about mini bar credit. The front receptionist had mentioned that I was an inner circle (I am not) so that I was entitled to it. I think she said that so I could receive a gift while not drawing attention to herself from her coworkers.
Both hotels will give you a Keurig or Microwave upon request. Both were booked with Spire status. Don't forget to mention the secret code.
I visited a buddy who had a room at the IC, but it was in the 'Grand' tower. It was pretty dated but still nice. I'm staying at the IC tonight booked on points, hoping to score an upgrade to the exec tower.
Tip: If your company is not paying for parking or you are on your own dime, download the app Spothero on your phone and find a garage for half price. No in and out privileges but $20 beats $50+ IMO.
Update: Just checked in while my girlfriend was shopping with her friend and received a 4 category upgrade (that’s what he said) to a King suite. Room was super nice, 2 bathrooms and 2 doorways to the hallway. Unfortunately I was advised by my girlfriend to downgrade to the two bedroom room because we have a visitor. I was going to sleep on the pullout couch, but decided I’d downgrade to avoid any fuss.
Last edited by BusinessCasualSport; Sep 19, 2020 at 3:21 pm
Sep 20, 2020, 5:06 am
#9
Original Poster
Join Date: Dec 2015
Location: RDU
Programs: IHG Spire Elite/Inner Circle, Hilton HHonors Gold, AA Platinum, Delta Gold
Posts: 209
I've stayed at the Kimpton Grey and Allegro (both leisure). I enjoyed the Allegro more than the Grey. I believe both rooms were upgraded, and the Allegro actually seemed like an upgrade as it had its own seating section (not separate room). The bathroom was super small in the allegro but they have a complimentary shoe shine which I thought was a sweet perk.
The Grey was just a room, nothing special. It didn't have any sports channels on either, might be the same for the Allegro. The shower was one of the showers with the half pane of glass. I dislike taking a hot shower and my ... is still freezing. Not to mention all the water that gets on the ground. They did give me a pint of Jeni's ice cream (pretty well known around chicago) when I inquired about mini bar credit. The front receptionist had mentioned that I was an inner circle (I am not) so that I was entitled to it. I think she said that so I could receive a gift while not drawing attention to herself from her coworkers.
Both hotels will give you a Keurig or Microwave upon request. Both were booked with Spire status. Don't forget to mention the secret code.
I visited a buddy who had a room at the IC, but it was in the 'Grand' tower. It was pretty dated but still nice. I'm staying at the IC tonight booked on points, hoping to score an upgrade to the exec tower.
Tip: If your company is not paying for parking or you are on your own dime, download the app Spothero on your phone and find a garage for half price. No in and out privileges but $20 beats $50+ IMO.
Update: Just checked in while my girlfriend was shopping with her friend and received a 4 category upgrade (that’s what he said) to a King suite. Room was super nice, 2 bathrooms and 2 doorways to the hallway. Unfortunately I was advised by my girlfriend to downgrade to the two bedroom room because we have a visitor. I was going to sleep on the pullout couch, but decided I’d downgrade to avoid any fuss.
The Grey was just a room, nothing special. It didn't have any sports channels on either, might be the same for the Allegro. The shower was one of the showers with the half pane of glass. I dislike taking a hot shower and my ... is still freezing. Not to mention all the water that gets on the ground. They did give me a pint of Jeni's ice cream (pretty well known around chicago) when I inquired about mini bar credit. The front receptionist had mentioned that I was an inner circle (I am not) so that I was entitled to it. I think she said that so I could receive a gift while not drawing attention to herself from her coworkers.
Both hotels will give you a Keurig or Microwave upon request. Both were booked with Spire status. Don't forget to mention the secret code.
I visited a buddy who had a room at the IC, but it was in the 'Grand' tower. It was pretty dated but still nice. I'm staying at the IC tonight booked on points, hoping to score an upgrade to the exec tower.
Tip: If your company is not paying for parking or you are on your own dime, download the app Spothero on your phone and find a garage for half price. No in and out privileges but $20 beats $50+ IMO.
Update: Just checked in while my girlfriend was shopping with her friend and received a 4 category upgrade (that’s what he said) to a King suite. Room was super nice, 2 bathrooms and 2 doorways to the hallway. Unfortunately I was advised by my girlfriend to downgrade to the two bedroom room because we have a visitor. I was going to sleep on the pullout couch, but decided I’d downgrade to avoid any fuss.
Jun 24, 2021, 4:13 pm
#10
Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: PNW
Programs: FreeAgent; DL Silver; IHG Diamond/ Ambassador
Posts: 705
I have an upcoming Chicago trip in late-August, and my appointment is at a place in South Michigan Ave.
Googlemap shows that the nearest IHG property is the Gray, then the Monaco and last the IC. I won't be bringing a car.
My priority is location, not in terms of how near the hotel is to my appointment but in terms of nearby restaurants and perhaps even shopping.
Thanks for any advice!
Googlemap shows that the nearest IHG property is the Gray, then the Monaco and last the IC. I won't be bringing a car.
My priority is location, not in terms of how near the hotel is to my appointment but in terms of nearby restaurants and perhaps even shopping.
Thanks for any advice!
Jun 24, 2021, 5:32 pm
#11
Join Date: Nov 2019
Programs: UA 1K, IHG Spire Ambassador, Hyatt Globalist, Marriott Platinum
Posts: 146
I have an upcoming Chicago trip in late-August, and my appointment is at a place in South Michigan Ave.
Googlemap shows that the nearest IHG property is the Gray, then the Monaco and last the IC. I won't be bringing a car.
My priority is location, not in terms of how near the hotel is to my appointment but in terms of nearby restaurants and perhaps even shopping.
Thanks for any advice!
Googlemap shows that the nearest IHG property is the Gray, then the Monaco and last the IC. I won't be bringing a car.
My priority is location, not in terms of how near the hotel is to my appointment but in terms of nearby restaurants and perhaps even shopping.
Thanks for any advice!
Never stayed at the Monaco although I did stay at the kimpton allegro before and it was a great stay. The room in the Grey is kind of bland to be honest. There's a lot of good reviews for the Grey here and I just didn't really get it.
Jun 24, 2021, 7:30 pm
#12
Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: PNW
Programs: FreeAgent; DL Silver; IHG Diamond/ Ambassador
Posts: 705
I looked at my dates and the IC is much cheaper compared to either of the two Kimpton's.
Is the breakfast at IC worth it? That package is still cheaper than no-breakfast rooms at the two Kimpton's. Is there a nice breakfast cafe near the IC?
Is the breakfast at IC worth it? That package is still cheaper than no-breakfast rooms at the two Kimpton's. Is there a nice breakfast cafe near the IC?
Jun 24, 2021, 7:41 pm
#13
Join Date: Apr 2004
Location: Motown
Programs: DL, WN, AA, IHG Diamond, Hertz 5*
Posts: 3,409
Starbucks is right off the IC lobby. There is a Corner Bakery on Mich Ave just over the bridge. Yolk on State St is about a 10-15 minute walk. I have never eaten breakfast at the IC. Wildberry on Randolph by Millennium Park is really good too, but a little farther from the hotel.
Jun 28, 2021, 10:20 am
#14
Join Date: Feb 2011
Location: Bloomington, IL
Programs: AA Plat, IHG Plat Amb
Posts: 60
Not much breakfast choice by Michigan Ave that I've seen. Yolk is nice, but it has always been crazy busy when I've tried, so I don't try any longer. There is a McDs not too far.
Jun 28, 2021, 11:42 am
#15
Join Date: Feb 2009
Location: MSN
Programs: UA Platinum, IHG Spire ambassador, Hilton gold, Bonvoy??? Platinum
Posts: 58
If you are going to Chicago anytime soon, confirm what restaurants are open. My wife just stayed at the Gray last week and said many of the restaurants are still closed and may not reopen. There are many more choices near the IC.