Kimpton Gray Hotel

This hotel, housed within an iconic historic building renowned for its striking architecture, offers a memorable stay in the heart of the city. Its signature feature is its seamless blend of classic design with modern comfort, making it an ideal choice for both business travelers seeking convenience in the financial district and sightseers eager to explore nearby attractions. Guests consistently highlight the attentive and friendly staff, the central location, and the overall cleanliness and comfort of the accommodations. The hotel's elegant design and unique atmosphere are frequently praised, contributing to a sophisticated experience. For couples or those on a weekend getaway, the luxurious amenities and quiet ambiance are particularly appealing. To enhance your visit, consider utilizing the complimentary evening wine hour and morning coffee station, and be aware that booking parking online for nearby garages can offer better rates.

Facilities & Amenities
The hotel provides a range of well-regarded facilities for guest convenience and enjoyment. The fitness center is noted for being well-equipped, clean, and accessible 24/7, offering amenities like a water dispenser, towels, and fresh fruit. Guests appreciate the ample number of elevators, ensuring minimal wait times, though one isolated incident of an elevator dropping a floor was reported. The public areas, including the lobby and lounge, are described as comfortable, beautifully designed in an art deco style, and ideal for gathering or relaxation. Wi-Fi connectivity is generally strong and reliable for streaming, though some guests experienced occasional drops. A convenient Starbucks is located on the ground floor. While there is no swimming pool, an on-site spa is available, though it operates as a third-party service and does not participate in hotel spa credits.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
Guests frequently commend the immaculate cleanliness of the rooms and the overall hotel, describing them as spotless and well-maintained. The comfortable beds and high-quality linens consistently receive praise, ensuring a restful night's sleep. Rooms are generally spacious, with some suites offering ample living areas, though a few guests noted smaller rooms or awkward layouts, such as a large pillar in the center or limited storage space. The bathrooms are often highlighted for their size, luxurious deep soaking tubs, and quality toiletries, with some featuring walk-in showers. However, feedback on shower water pressure is mixed, and some shower designs can lead to water splashing onto the floor. While rooms are typically quiet, minimizing noise levels from outside or adjacent rooms, some guests reported occasional disturbances from alley noise or thin walls. In-room amenities vary, with some guests noting the absence of coffee makers or smart TVs for streaming, and mini-fridges sometimes being empty.

Dining & Food Quality
The hotel offers several on-site dining options that receive positive feedback. The Fillmore restaurant on the ground floor is praised for its delicious breakfast and generally reasonable pricing, though some guests found the service to be slow or the menu somewhat repetitive. The Boleo rooftop bar is a popular spot for its great cocktails and vibrant atmosphere, but it is frequently closed for private events, which can be a disappointment for guests. The Vol. 39 bar on the second floor also receives mixed reviews regarding its drink quality and availability. A complimentary coffee station is available in the mornings, offering strong coffee and tea, and a popular complimentary wine hour is hosted in the evenings, featuring good quality wine and spiced cider. While room service is available, some guests reported slow delivery, limited options, or issues with food quality.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel's central location in the city's Loop district is a significant advantage, placing guests within easy walking distance of numerous attractions. It is highly convenient for exploring Millennium Park, the Art Institute, various theaters, and extensive shopping and dining options. The hotel is also well-situated for public transit, with easy access to CTA Blue and Orange lines, providing direct routes to the airport and other parts of the city. Its proximity to Union Station is also a notable benefit for travelers. While the location is generally considered safe, some guests noted that Uber/Lyft pickup points can be a short walk away. Parking is available through both valet service and nearby garages, but it is consistently described as expensive, with guests recommending booking online for potentially better rates.

Staff & Service
The hotel's staff consistently receives exceptional praise for their friendly, attentive service and willingness to go above and beyond. Guests frequently highlight their professionalism, helpfulness, and welcoming demeanor from arrival to departure. The check-in process is generally described as smooth and efficient, with staff often accommodating early arrivals and late departures. Housekeeping is commended for its thoroughness, though some guests on longer stays noted a need to remind staff for service. The valet service is often praised for its efficiency and courtesy. The concierge team is noted for being highly responsive and proactive, often communicating with guests via text to ensure their needs are met. The hotel is also recognized for its pet-friendly and family-friendly approach, with staff providing special amenities and surprises for guests traveling with children or pets.

Additional Information
Guests should be aware of an amenity fee that is applied, which some found to be excessive given the included services like Wi-Fi and water. The hotel maintains a very pet-friendly policy, welcoming dogs without additional fees and providing treats. For loyal guests, rewards program benefits are appreciated, including potential room upgrades and welcome amenities. Thoughtful touches like providing umbrellas in rooms are noted. The hotel also offers a hot chocolate station and board games in the lounge, adding to the guest experience. It's worth noting that the hotel, being a converted historic office building, has a unique layout, with the reception located on the second floor. Some guests experienced issues with room keys deactivating prematurely.