This former heritage hotel has been reinvigorated by respected hotelier and designer Ian Shrager.  He has managed to honour the heritage of the architecture while bringing a new level of style and sophistication.  The grande white lobby has been laid out for guest use.  A row of iMacs share the large room with a library of contemporary books and lounge seating.

Just a few steps away in the next room is a fun, game filled hangout lounge complete with free games and a casual cafe.  While some hotels lack a lobby worthy of your free time, Public wants you to take advantage of all it has to offer.

When evening comes, a few steps passed the bank of elevators is the Pump Room, a famous cocktail lounge & supper club that has welcomed most every notable name and face from celebrities to politicians since the 1930′s.  From Fred Astaire to Kevin Spacey, this iconic drink spot has been memorialized in books, film and even had albums named in its honour.

The modern day version still entertains Chicago’s elite, but also accommodates it’s hotel guests.  Delicious and artful dishes served morning noon and night.  Not every hotel restaurant is worth trying, this is a definite must.  Both for it’s ambience and the menu.

The rooms are clean and modern like a New York loft.  Ultra comfortable bed, residential-worthy furniture and intelligently designed wall console that runs the length of the room.  And of course; fantastic views of the downtown core.

To top it all off, the staff were always helpful and friendly, something often lacking in high-end hotels.  The last high-end hotel we stayed in cost 8x as much and was one of the worst experiences we’ve had traveling.  The Public staff earn my highest recommendation and made our stay warm and home-y.

A new favourite and our only choice when visiting the windy city.

- www.PublicHotels.com -