One of the most anticipated new hotels to open in Chicago in 2014 was The Godfrey Hotel in the River North area of downtown Chicago. While I couldn’t appreciate the impressive 16-story Cubist-inspired facade when I walked by it on the street, I realized from a distance, its distinct architectural elements are striking to behold.
Photo courtesy of The Godfrey Hotel Chicago
But the moment I stepped inside its doors, I could see the starkly modern and sleekly minimalist style that the hotel’s exterior implies. 
For sure, all that light, marble and space feels the opposite of cozy and intimate. Yet the elliptical lobby with all its curves and expansive form-fitting furniture isn’t cold and uninviting either—rather a sense of industrial-chic luxury seems to pervade.
There was no stuffiness with the friendly check-in staff either; it was a warm welcome. And even though I had not requested an early check-in, when I got there at noon, my room was ready.
My room on the fifteenth floor was in keeping with that feeling of industrial-chic splurge. Muted colors in the bedroom with one pop of purple velveteen in a comfy easy chair; nice linens on the King-sized bed, plus a large work area (complimentary WiFi), a wet bar, an ipod docking station, and a one-cup pod-based coffee machine—with Starbucks Pike Roast (yay!) 
The bathroom was spacious –including a walk-in shower—along with a nice stretch of counter space near the (one) sink, plenty of plush towels, and a bathrobe. But best of all: lux and lovely L’Occitane bath amenities (one of my favorites).
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There are 221 rooms in this independent boutique hotel with rates starting at $199—not a bad price for a good location near Chicago’s Magnificent Mile and the Loop. But the best thing about this place could be its immense indoor/outdoor rooftop lounge—which interestingly–or perhaps rather confusingly– is located on the 4th floor.
At some 15,000 square feet, it’s considered the largest rooftop lounge in the city. I stopped in at night, when the place was buzzing–and can attest that the sparkling city skyline view from near its two-level fire pit is fantastic and worth a visit even if you’re not staying at the hotel. I left for an early morning flight the next day so I couldn’t stop in for breakfast (it’s open all day) but I would think a summer morning view would also be spectacular.
In late May, soon after my visit, the restaurant Dolce Italian opened on the hotel’s ground floor. Featuring “modern Italian” fare, the 188-seat restaurant should add another nice element to The Godfrey Hotel and River North’s western boundary dining scene.
For more information or to make reservations, check the website. You can also book online through Expedia or Booking.com.
Review and photos (except where noted) by Donna Tabbert Long who was a guest of the Godfrey Hotel Chicago.
