Even though I live in the Chicago area, there are many reasons why I pick a hotel downtown for my own use: business and pleasure.  My condo in the burbs is just a hop from the city, and convenient off the Blue Line, but for the times I’m doing work a few days in a row in the city, it makes sense to stay there, too.  Also, I’m a big fan of vacationing IN my area: I get away from the responsibilities of home, and have someone else take care of me.

For my “near home” vacations, The Seneca Hotel on Chicago’s Magnificent Mile is my favorite place to stay.  It’s across the street from Water Tower Place, so shopping is super convenient.  Their valet parking, while pricey, is very convenient if I do plan on doing any driving in the city.

What I admire most about The Seneca are the rooms.  Because the Seneca is part apartments and part hotel, the rooms have a feel of living in an old New York apartment building: large bedrooms, HUGE living room, decent sized dining room, and a full kitchen, too.

The prices are always reasonable, but be aware that some “Summer bunnies” come in for 4 months and book the best rooms solid.  I’ve rarely paid more than $100 and some change for a night at the Seneca, and it’s always been worth it.

My last visit gave me a giant bedroom with an even bigger bed.  I can’t imagine needing such a large bed for myself, but it’s nice compared to the full sized mattress at home.  Some people complain about the hotel feeling old, but that’s part of the charm of The Seneca.  It doesn’t compare with some of the pricier hotels in terms of luxury, but it does feel like a home away from home.

Another upside is free Internet in each room.  I carry around a decent speed AT&T 3G mini-router, but having free WiFi is a nice touch, compared to the $9-$20 charges other hotels have been getting away with.  During the summer months, the roof top deck at The Seneca is fabulous, and I’ve even taken some time to visit their freely available fitness center, which has all of the equipment you need, and I’ve never seen anyone else use it.

With 3 restaurants in the hotel, you have your choice of decent food from snack to full service.  The steaks at their Supper Club are surprisingly decent for a hotel restaurant, and the price wasn’t unreasonable either.

If you need a hotel in the downtown area that isn’t too expensive, has convenience in terms of location, and offers great personal service, The Seneca Hotel is the place to check out.  Located at 200 E. Chestnut, right off of Michigan Avenue, you can’t go wrong with their pricing, service, and room size and quality.

Seneca Hotel

200 E. Chestnut Ave

Chicago, IL

312-787-8900

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