Chicago's Hottest Hotel: Hotel Zachary's Unmissable Luxury
Alright, buckle up, buttercups, because we're diving headfirst into the shimmering, slightly chaotic world of Hotel Zachary, Chicago's allegedly hottest hotel. I'm here to tell you, after a stay, it's a mixed bag – the sort of bag you might find after a particularly energetic shopping spree at a very expensive department store. Get ready, because this is not your grandma's hotel review. This is… real.
First, the Essentials, with (Possibly) Exaggerated Enthusiasm:
Let's knock out the boring stuff first. Accessibility? They claim to be pretty good. Wheelchair accessible? Check. Elevator? You betcha (and it's a nice elevator, well-appointed, which is always a good start). Internet? Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! Glorious, uninterrupted streaming of cat videos, here I come! (And, yes, there's LAN too if you're a… well, a LAN enthusiast. No judgment here, I swear.)
Rooms: My Little Sanctuary (Mostly)
Okay, the rooms. They’re… nice. Seriously. Air conditioning that actually works (a Chicago miracle in summer!), a comfy bed with extra long pillows that practically beg you to melt into them. Blackout curtains! A lifesaver when you've been battling jetlag and deep-dish. You know, the standard luxury fare. I’m talking, bathrobes. Slippers. Mini-bar (that, let's be honest, I barely touched because I was too busy scarfing down deep-dish pizza in my pyjamas. Yes, that actually happened.). Internet access? Yup. I mean I could watch netflix perfectly just like I was at home!
Here’s where it gets interesting. The "soundproofing." Now, I wouldn't say it was perfect. I may have heard a particularly passionate (or perhaps argumentative, depending on your perspective) couple in the room next door one night. Which, you know, adds to the ambiance, I guess? Look, I’m not saying I could describe their entire conversation verbatim, but let’s just say I understood the plot of their relationship dynamic. The point is, they're trying, and the rooms are generally lovely.
The Food & Drink Odyssey (and Oh, The Choices!)
This is where Hotel Zachary really shines, or at least, where it tries its darnedest.
- Restaurants galore! They've got a restaurant game that's actually pretty impressive, if a bit overwhelming. You want Asian Breakfast? Check. Western Breakfast? Check. A la carte, buffet, you name it. Coffee and tea? Coffee shop? You can't go wrong. Coffee shop is on the premises. Desserts? Oh, the desserts… I might have eaten a small mountain of chocolate lava cake.
- The Bar Scene: There's a bar. A good bar. Poolside bar, even! (Yes, I've got to get to the pool.) Happy hour is a must. Great drinks, a buzzing atmosphere… honestly, I spent a good chunk of my trip just parked at the bar, watching the world go by, people-watching is my hobby.
- Room Service, Glorious Room Service: 24-hour room service is a blessing. Seriously. After a long day of exploring the city or eating a mountain of chocolate lava cake, all you want is a burger in your pajamas, and Hotel Zachary delivers. (Okay, and a bottle of that lovely red wine to drown the stress…)
Relaxation & Rejuvenation (or, The Spa That Possibly Didn't Exist, I Think The Website Lied)
Okay, now we are getting into the truth…
- The Pool with a View: Yes there's a pool! The website did not lie about this one! Gorgeous! But not quite as mind-blowing as it sounds. Perfect for a quick dip, but don't expect some infinity pool overlooking the city skyline like that marketing blurb implied. (It still is nice, though. I'm just saying, manage your expectations.)
- Spa… or Sort Of Spa? The website listed a spa. I really wanted a massage. I needed a massage after walking all over trying to shop for souvenirs! But the spa does not exist! I swear, the website did not warn me about that! Anyway, now I am sad that I didn't schedule one.
- Other Relaxing Options: They do have a fitness center – the kind you feel guilty not using, even if you'd rather be napping. Massage is a possibility, but might get canceled. There's also a sauna and steamroom in the spa - which is nice.
Cleanliness & Safety (aka: Did I Survive?)
In these post-pandemic times, this is a big one. Hotel Zachary seems to be taking safety seriously. They've got the hand sanitizer everywhere, and all of their staff seem to be extremely careful with everything! Anti-viral cleaning products and all that jazz. I didn't get sick, so that's a win in my book. And, the rooms were genuinely clean.
Things I Found Weird, Amusing or Questionable
- The "Shrine": Okay, there was a "shrine" listed. I'm still not sure what it was or where it was. I didn't see it. Did I accidentally walk past it? Maybe. Chicago is a big place.
- The Car Park: They advertised free parking. And it was free… if you could find a spot. Parking in Chicago is always a pain, even when it's "free."
Services & Conveniences (The Good, the Okay, and the "Huh?")
- The Good: Concierge service! Always a godsend. Laundry service. Daily housekeeping. Cash withdrawal – definitely handy. Pretty standard stuff, but all executed well.
- The "Huh?": They have a convenience store. I'm not sure what you'd buy there that you couldn't get in the room. Just something there.
- Meetings & Events: The hotel has a lot of spaces for meetings that are great and they frequently host a lot of events.
For the Kids (or, "Can I Leave My Spawn Here?")
Babysitting service is available. Kids' meals are on offer. Family-friendly is very family-friendly.
For the Love of God, The Verdict
Hotel Zachary. Here's What I Think.
Hotel Zachary? It's… pretty damn good. It's not flawless. It's not perfect. But honestly? I had a great time.
Here's the messy breakdown:
- The Good: Great location, lovely rooms, the food is above-average, and the service is generally very friendly. The location can't be beat: right in wrigleyville.
- The Not-So-Good: The spa - or lack of it. And the slight "noise issues" (depending on how sensitive you are). The parking situation is a gamble.
- The Quirky/Memorable: The feeling of being in a bustling, Chicago-y hub. The bar scene, the desserts, the people watching, and the general energy make it one of a kind.
Would I go back? Absolutely. Especially if they get that spa situation sorted.
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- A complimentary bottle of wine upon arrival! (To help you unwind after your epic travel adventures.)
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- A free chocolate lava cake! (For serious. It’s that good.)
But wait, there's more!
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Srinagar's Mustache Magic: The Ultimate Guide to Srinagar's Moustache Culture
Okay, buckle up, buttercup! This isn't your glossy, perfectly optimized travel itinerary. This is what actually happens when a semi-organized, slightly-neurotic human tries to navigate a weekend at the absolutely adorable Hotel Zachary in Chicago. Get ready for some realness, people, because, frankly, I’m still recovering.
Weekend at the Zach: A Chicago Romp (with a side of Existential Dread, naturally)
Friday: Arrival, Anticipation, and the Great Luggage Debacle of ‘24
1:00 PM - Arrival at O’Hare (ORD): Okay, so… I’d envisioned a graceful emergence from the plane, a chic woman with a carry-on, effortlessly gliding towards baggage claim. Reality? A sweaty, sleep-deprived mess, dragging a suitcase the size of a small refrigerator behind me. Seriously, how did I pack so much stuff? I blame the weather forecast. Chicago in April? A gamble. Sunshine and blizzards, apparently. Anyway, hopped on the L-Train (the El, for those in the know – and yes, I used Google Maps constantly), which, blessedly, was clean. And I mean relatively clean. Let’s not get carried away.
2:30 PM - Check-in at Hotel Zachary: Sigh Okay, now this is where the magic started. Hotel Zachary? Gorgeous. Literally a hug in architectural form. I walked in, and BAM. I felt instantly calmer. The staff? Sweet as pie. The lobby? Like a cozy baseball museum (it's right near Wrigley, duh – a massive plus for this baseball-loving weirdo). Got my room key, and nearly hyperventilated with joy. Seriously, it was the details! The vintage baseball photos, the comfy armchairs, the smell of… something good. I think it's ambition that I felt in the air.
3:00 PM - Unpacking (a Sisyphean Task): Here's where the wheels started to wobble. That suitcase I hauled in? Yeah, it's a black hole of clothes. I spent a solid hour trying to decide what to wear, which, let's be honest, is a problem. Should I dress for a cold front or a summer picnic? Ended up with a sweater, jeans, and a weird nervous tingle as I looked at the lake view out the window.
4:00 PM - A Wandering Snack Mission: First priority: Fuel. Needed sustenance stat. Wandered out to find something, ANYTHING. After a false start at a place that looked like it only served kale smoothies (shudder), I stumbled upon a little corner deli. Ordered a massive Italian sub, because… Chicago. (I later learned the neighborhood that it's in is very chill - it's called Wrigleyville.) Ate half of it while power-walking back to the hotel (gotta earn those extra calories, right?).
5:00 PM - Baseball Pilgrimage (and a Minor Panic Attack): Okay, this was the main event, right? Wrigley Field. I’d been a Cubs fan since… well, since I could probably recognize a baseball. Walking towards the stadium, I got a lump in my throat. It was real. The anticipation, the history, the sheer presence of the place… it was overwhelming. I briefly considered turning back because of sheer panic. But, in the end, I pulled it together.
5:30 PM - Pre-Game Rituals: Bought a Cubs hat that I immediately regretted (too cheesy? Maybe). Grabbed a bratwurst (duh) at a nearby stand (delicious!). Took about a million photos of the marquee. Watched the crowd surge around me. Lost my phone. Found it again. Breathed.
7:00 PM - Game Time! (and a Realization): Okay, the game was amazing. Even if the Cubs lost (which, let’s be honest, is their M.O.). The atmosphere was ELECTRIC. The singing, the cheers, the… the sheer shared experience of it all. It’s silly, but I got a little teary-eyed when they sang “Take Me Out to the Ballgame.” Like, total dork moment. But it was just… perfect. And I realized I’d been so wound up about everything that I’d forgotten how to actually enjoy something. I needed more moments like that.
10:00 PM - Post-Game Pondering: Wandered back to the hotel, buzzing with energy. Took a long, hot shower (bliss). Sat in the armchair by the window, looking out at the city lights. And I had just one question: Is it okay to order room service at this hour? (The answer: a resounding YES).
Saturday: Deep Dive into Wrigleyville, Food Comas, and Art-Induced Existential Crises
9:00 AM - Late Start/Coffee Therapy: Totally slept in. The bed was just that good. Woke up, stumbled to the in-room coffee maker (yes, I'm a coffee-holic), and slowly came back to life. Spent a good half-hour just staring out the window, contemplating the meaning of life (or maybe just where to find a good breakfast).
10:00 AM - Breakfast at a local place: Ended up at a great cafe near the hotel with amazing pancakes and enough bacon to keep me happy for the rest of the day. (I'm not joking).
11:00 AM - Wrigleyville Exploration: Okay, time to really explore Wrigleyville. This meant a LOT of window-shopping at cheesy souvenir shops, a quick peek into the Cubs Team Store (where I very nearly bought a jersey), and a general feeling of being surrounded by… happiness.
12:30 PM - Lunch at a Hole-in-the-Wall (and a Spicy Regret): Found a place that promised authentic Chicago-style hot dogs. Took the plunge. Ordered a dog with everything. It was… intense. Delicious, but intense. Had to chug a glass of water immediately. And, maybe, should not have added as much spice.
2:00 PM - Art Institute of Chicago (and a Near-Meltdown): Okay, this was ambitious. The Art Institute? Iconic. But also… overwhelming. I wandered through the galleries, feeling simultaneously inspired and totally inadequate. Saw the Seurat, the Monet water lilies (gasp!), and a thousand other masterpieces that made my brain hurt. The sheer genius of it all… made me want to go home and hide under the covers. Spent way too long in front of the Grant Wood "American Gothic", staring at the farmer's pitch fork, questioning all my life choices. Briefly considered becoming a minimalist. Then remembered my love for neon signs and abandoned that idea.
5:00 PM - Post-Art Institute Recovery: Needed a breather. Found a cozy little bar near the museum. Ordered a glass of wine (or two.) People-watched, journaled, and slowly came back to reality. Realized, I'm far better at observing than creating, and that's okay too.
7:00 PM - Dinner at a Fancy Place (and an Unforeseen Calamity): Decided to be sophisticated. Booked a reservation at a nice-ish restaurant. The ambiance was great. The food? Excellent. Until… I spilled an entire glass of red wine all over my dress. Yes, I did. And yes, it was mortifying. The staff were incredibly gracious, but I spent the rest of dinner feeling like a giant, clumsily-dressed tomato.
9:00 PM - Evening Exploration and Quick Nightcap: Wandered around, checking out the city's nightlife. Found a cool spot for a nightcap, where I could be a quiet but happy observer. (Also, I am in my 30s. I'm allowed to appreciate a quiet nightcap!)
Sunday: Departure, Reflections, and the Deepest Desire for a Nap
9:00 AM - Sleep in and Lazy Breakfast: One final sleepy morning. Then, a relaxed breakfast at the hotel. Nothing fancy – just good coffee and a pastry. (I might have gone back for seconds).
10:00 AM - Late Check Out: The hotel was nice enough to do this. I took a leisurely stroll through the neighborhood, soaking up the last moments of Chicago.
11:30 AM - Final Snack Run: Found a local bakery, grabbed a croissant, and sat on a bench, people-watching. Said a quiet goodbye to my new friends.
12:00 PM - Check Out & Head to the Airport: Said a sad goodbye to the gorgeous hotel.
**1:00 PM - Airport
Hotel Zachary FAQs: My Honest Take (and Seriously, Bring Your Wallet)
Okay, so, is Hotel Zachary REALLY as amazing as the ads say?
What's the vibe? Is it stuffy, or more... chill?
And the hotel’s got some real character! Like, they have a baseball-themed cocktail menu. Brilliant, right? But also, they seem to have missed the memo on the tiny things, like how the toilet in the bathroom had a weird, high-pitched whine whenever you flushed. Annoying? Absolutely. A dealbreaker? Nah. It’s a part of its charm.
The rooms: Worth the price tag?
But the biggest issue? The mini-bar. I'm a sucker for a mini-bar, I was hit with sticker shock. It was a real letdown.
Food and Drink: What’s the culinary *situation*?
Anything majorly disappointing? (Besides the bill, obvi.)
Okay, so… would you go back?
One specific memory that sticks out…
Final verdict in 5 words?
