The Gray Hotel
The Gray Hotel, named after the striking Georgia Gray marble featured prominently in the lobby, exudes sophistication and elegance. If you’re searching for an upscale boutique hotel in Chicago, The Gray Hotel is worth considering. Read on to discover why it’s a great choice.
- The gray marble for which the hotel is named
- The bed in a guest room
- The bank of elevators
The Tale
The Gray is a Kimpton hotel, part of the IHG brand. I’ve been staying at Kimpton hotels even before they became part of IHG; back then, they were just Kimpton, and they felt special. Every detail, from design to service, was impressive. For instance, they would get my elevator for me when I returned from business meetings and would check in to see how my day was when I arrived back.
Additionally, Kimpton has always been cocktail-focused. They knew how to craft a great cocktail and made happy hour a delightful experience. Thankfully, many of these traits still exist within the brand, including the cherished wine happy hour.
Each hotel pays homage to its unique location, and The Gray is no exception. That’s why I knew I had to stay here when I heard about The Gray.
The Hotel
The details of my experience stand out, such as the butterfly table in the lobby and the courtesy of the water bottles provided to me after I inquired about water in the room. The hotel itself is a beautifully restored historic building, transforming a turn-of-the-century insurance office into a stunning luxury hotel.
Located in the Financial District of Chicago, it is just a short four-block walk to Michigan Avenue, near Millennium Park.
The Rooms
My room was larger than many of the Kimpton hotels I’ve stayed in, providing me with plenty of space. The design details were lovely as well, such as the large white globe lamp next to the bed and the colorful artwork displayed in the armoire.
It’s a given that the beds at Kimpton hotels are comfortable and inviting. As someone who tends to get cold easily in hotel rooms, I appreciate that the comforters are always just right.
As for the noise level, I was pleasantly surprised—I didn’t hear a thing despite being in such a bustling city.
Food and Drink
Vol. 39 is an upscale bar located in the lobby. I finished my workday here with a smooth glass of port before heading to my room. The decor features law books that were found in the building during the renovation.
Boleo is the rooftop bar. During my visit, the retractable roof was closed, but it was still nice, with the sky peeking through the glass ceiling. The cocktails were delicious; they were not too harsh, not too sweet and had a perfect blend.
What else?
Kimpton collaborated with Preservation Chicago to preserve this building and reimagine it as a luxury hotel. It’s one of the best Kimpton hotels I have visited, both in design and ambiance. You can’t help but feel good here.
Read about more Chicago hotels, Four Chicago Boutique Hotels, or other boutique hotels at Best Boutique Hotels in the US.