Just blocks from the Magnificent Mile, Embassy Suites by Hilton Chicago Downtown is a centrally located hotel, providing guests with easy access to the Windy City’s most popular family attractions. And whatever you can’t get to by foot can be accessed by the subway, which stops just a block from the hotel. While many city hotels typically provide basic accommodations and little else in terms of perks, we love the Embassy Suites for its home-away-from-home setting. The all-suite hotel has 368 units, all with a living/dining area and a separate bedroom. A fantastic Italian restaurant is located off of the lobby, and provides room and take-out service, and there’s an outstanding breakfast buffet and hors d’oeuvres reception daily. If kids need to let off steam after a day touring Chicago’s sights, they enjoy the indoor heated pool (a great place to spend a rainy day, as well). Plus, Embassy Suites provides reasonable rates.

The hotel features 368 rooms, all of which book up with business travelers during the week (the hotel has meeting rooms and ballrooms), but is frequented by families on weekends. Complimentary Wi-Fi is available.

Suites

Each of the hotel's modern suites can accommodate up to six guests, making it an ideal choice for families. Entering the parlor area, guests have a living room with a sofa bed, a 47-inch, flat-screen TV and a desk/dining table. There's also a small kitchenette with a mini refrigerator, microwave, coffee/tea maker and sink. A bathroom with dual sinks and a bathtub separates the parlor from the separate bedroom, which is outfitted with two double beds or a king, and features another flat-screen TV.

Indoor Pool

As a city hotel, the Embassy Suites Chicago Downtown understands the major attraction is outside of its walls. If you must stay at the hotel due to bad weather or cranky kids, enjoy the indoor, heated pool, which is located next to the atrium lobby.

Free Breakfast

The hotel provides a free, cooked-to-order breakfast every day on the second floor, with dining in the atrium. Unfortunately, our only complaint about the hotel is how long the lines for breakfast stretch; we suppose this is because breakfast includes an omelet station, pancakes, waffles, cereals, pastries and pretty much anything you could want for your morning meal. Breakfast is offered from 6:30 to 9:30 a.m. on weekdays, and 7:30 to 10:30 a.m. on weekends.

Evening Reception

Also free is the manager's reception, which provides light appetizers and beverages (including wine and mixed drinks) from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. nightly.

Osteria Via Stato

The hotel's onsite restaurant is Osteria Via Stato, a popular Italian eatery with a la carte and prix fixe meals. The restaurant also features Pizzeria via Stato, a casual pizzeria. Both serve lunch and dinner daily, and room or take-out service is available until 11 p.m.

Starbucks

A Starbucks is also located next to the hotel.

All About the Extras

Wi-Fi
The hotel provides free Wi-Fi throughout the property.

Laundry
Coin-operated laundry facilities are available.

The Best Time to Visit

Chicago, known as the Windy City, experiences cold and -- you guessed it -- windy winters, so if you're looking for a good deal, you'll likely find one in the winter. Summer and fall provide the best weather for being outdoors and exploring the city.

Getting There

The Embassy Suites is located in downtown Chicago, about 15 minutes from O'Hare International Airport and a block away from the Grand Avenue CTA Station, which connects to both O'Hare and Midway International Airports.

Getting Around

The hotel is three blocks from Michigan Avenue and eight blocks from the Navy Pier. Cabs are relatively inexpensive when traveling to nearby attractions.

For Mom and Dad

The adults will enjoy the evening reception, which offers complimentary beer and wine in the lobby.