Public Chicago
Will you make the cut at this off the beaten path Chicago hotspot?
Hotel Personality: Cautiously Lavish
-Vibe-
Looking for the hipster hideout in Chicago? Well you will certainly find it at Public Chicago.
Walking in, you will feel like you are among the few people that have been told about this secret sophisticated sanctuary. Interesting elements within the hotel lobby from Apple computer stations to classic games like chess and Chinese checkers were definitely a nice touch. I will say that checking in at a place like Public was almost like going through a screening process to get access to all areas of the “cool kids’ clubhouse.”
-Rooms-
Not much to say except the rooms at Public left me with mixed feelings. When I first walked in, the first thing I said out loud was “Oh, this is bland.” I had higher expectations after just experiencing the game-filled lobby. However, after “connecting” with the room, it started to grow on me. The rooms had a freshness that I found quiet calming considering all of the action in the “public” areas. However, I would have liked to see a little more color. Overall, the rooms were comfortable and temperate, but not spectacular.
-Food-
I would describe the food at Public as pleasantly decent. I decided to skip the Pump Room restaurant and order room service, which offered the same menu items. I ordered the Public Burger, which was absolutely amazing. Usually I find myself spicing up a burger, but I was shocked that I didn’t have to do that this time. I also decided to try out Public Express, which is Public’s gourmet fast food option. I ordered the slow roasted organic turkey sandwich, which tasted way better than it looked. Aesthetics aside, Public Express is a nifty option if you are on the way to the airport or wanted to stash some food as you explore Chicago.
-Bottom Line-
So, here’s the deal... I am not sure that I’d sleep here again (don’t hold me to that). However, I would hang out at Public every chance I got. It is a perfect watering hole, lounge, and brunch spot, which is what it’s known for. I am not sure why the name “Public” was chosen, but if it was to be open to the public then the mission was accomplished! There are so many different inviting “public” areas from the coffeehouse-like library area to the sophisticated Pump Room. With rates starting around $140 a night, you might want to give this hotel a try. I paid $195 a night, which included a complementary upgrade and $25 food/beverage credit…not bad at all. Public is an inconspicuous little hotel tucked in a residential neighborhood 10 minutes from Michigan Ave. You are so close to the action, but off the beaten path enough that you could call yourself a local…at least for the time that you are a resident at Public.
-Know Before You Go-
- The Pump Room and Library get extremely crowded Thursday through Saturday night
- Free Wi-fi is available, and if you don’t pack a computer there are computers available in the lobby
- There are various deals at this hotel via PublicHotels.com
- There is a very “refreshing” gym onsite, so bring your workout clothes
- The hotel is approximately 10 minutes from Michigan Ave (aka The Magnificent Mile) and very close to other neighborhood bars, lounges, and restaurants
Wanna Go?
http://www.publichotels.com
