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Chicago's Amalfi Hotel A Pleasing Experience

Last week, I was in Chicago for the AD:TECH trade show, an online advertising industry event. In my usually harried, last minute travel planning style, I called BizNetTravel a few days before the show looking for a flight and a hotel. As BizNetTravel has done for me before, they booked me on my preferred flight and found me a wonderful hotel called The Amalfi Hotel. It was just a 5-10 minute walk from the AD:TECH event at the Sheraton. I didn't check in until late in the day after a long first day at the conference and I was looking forward to a couple hours in a relaxing hotel room before I ventured out for the evening.

Located on Kinzie Street and very near Michigan Avenue, the Amalfi does not look like your traditional hotel. It looks more like an art-deco office building lobby. I was met by a courteous doorman who welcomed me with a smile as did the receptionist during check in which went very smoothly. Upon entering my room, I was pleased that the decor was not the traditionally boring hotel design but rather an eclectic collection of color and furnishings that were visually striking yet welcoming and relaxing all at once. While the room was not huge, the bathroom was cavernous and had a double shower head that was exactly what I needed following a long day in an exhibit hall. Following the non-standard use of color, the towels were yellow instead of the plain white one sees in most hotels. A small touch but one that made you feel that much more like you were at home rather than in a hotel.

A big bonus for business travelers is the free Internet connection. Offered in both wired and wireless variety, the service worked flawlessly. More and more, paying for Internet connectivity at a hotel feels like nickel and diming and this free service was a welcome surprise that should be the norm in the industry.

While I wished I had more time to experience the hotel fully, the duties of the conference called and thankfully, check out was smooth as check in. All in all, a wonderful place to stay if you find yourself in Chicago.

Steve Hall | July 20, 2004 | Featured Destinations | Permanent link
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