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Aloft Chicago Mag Mile

Chicago, IL • 243 E Ontario St, Chicago, IL 60611-3204

What Makes This Hotel Stand Out

Its vibrant, modern lobby with a social atmosphere, including a pool table and bar, creates a unique gathering space for families after a day of exploring the city.

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Parent Pro Tip

If traveling with very young children, specifically request a room with a bathtub, as not all rooms have them. Also, be prepared for potential noise from the lobby bar on weekend evenings.

Why Families Love This Hotel

Families love the Aloft Chicago Mag Mile for its prime location, fun lobby vibe, and indoor pool. It's great for teens and well-located for exploring.

Aloft Chicago Mag Mile offers a stylish and convenient base for families, particularly those with older children and teens. Its prime location and indoor pool are major advantages, but potential guests should be aware of parking costs and the modern aesthetic.

Best for: Families, particularly those with teens, seeking a stylish and centrally located hotel with entertainment options.

At a Glance

Family Score
8.1
AI-Powered
Out of 10
3.8
100 ratings
👨‍👩‍👧‍👦All Ages
Best For
💰good Value

The hotel offers good value for its prime location and amenities, especially for families who utilize the pool and lobby...

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Room Setup

Rooms are generally described as adequately sized, with some reviews mentioning space being good for families.

🎯

Kids Features

The indoor pool is a significant draw for families, especially during colder months.

🍽️

Family Dining

The hotel has a snack bar and a bar/lounge, but no full-service on-site restaurant is highlighted.

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Location

The hotel boasts an excellent location, just a block or two off Michigan Avenue and within easy walking distance to major attractions like Navy Pier, the Magnificent Mile, and various restaurants.

Map Location — Aloft Chicago Mag Mile

243 E Ontario St, Chicago, IL 60611-3204

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Best For:
school-ageteensmulti-gen
Consider Carefully:
infantstoddlers

The hotel's modern design, focus on lobby social spaces, and stand-up showers in some rooms may be less accommodating for families with very young children who require specific bathing facilities or a quieter environment.

Detailed Family Analysis for Aloft Chicago Mag Mile

Our AI has analyzed 100 family reviews to give you detailed insights about what makes this hotel great for families.

🏆 Overall Family Assessment

Aloft Chicago Mag Mile offers a stylish and convenient base for families, particularly those with older children and teens. Its prime location and indoor pool are major advantages, but potential guests should be aware of parking costs and the modern aesthetic.

🏨 Room Setup & Space

Rooms are generally described as adequately sized, with some reviews mentioning space being good for families. However, the bathrooms might be a concern for families with very young children as some rooms only feature stand-up showers. The modern, open-concept design with exposed concrete may not appeal to all.

🎯 Kids' Amenities

The indoor pool is a significant draw for families, especially during colder months. The lobby often features a pool table and board games, providing entertainment for teens and younger children. There are no specific mentions of playgrounds or dedicated kids' clubs.

🍽️ Family Dining

The hotel has a snack bar and a bar/lounge, but no full-service on-site restaurant is highlighted. Families will find numerous dining options nearby, including fast food and diverse restaurants. Some rooms have mini-fridges which can be useful.

✨ Cleanliness & Safety

Cleanliness receives mixed reviews. While many guests praise the hotel's cleanliness, a few negative reviews mention stained towels, bed linens, and carpets, indicating an inconsistency in housekeeping standards. This is a potential area of concern for families prioritizing hygiene.

📍 Location & Attractions

The hotel boasts an excellent location, just a block or two off Michigan Avenue and within easy walking distance to major attractions like Navy Pier, the Magnificent Mile, and various restaurants. This makes it incredibly convenient for families looking to explore the city on foot.

💡 Practical Tips

Parking is a significant concern, with high daily fees for valet parking and limited on-site options. Check-in experiences are generally positive, with many staff members praised for their friendliness and helpfulness, though a few negative interactions have been noted. Early check-ins and late check-outs are sometimes accommodated.

⚠️ Things to Consider

The hotel's modern, industrial design with exposed concrete may feel cold or impersonal to some families. The bathroom setup (stand-up showers only in some rooms) and potential for noise from the lively lobby bar are also points to consider.

Hotel Amenities

Other Amenities(30)

InternetFree InternetPets AllowedNon-smoking roomsAir conditioningNon-smoking hotelFlatscreen TVFacilities for Disabled GuestsBilliardsEnglishComplimentary Instant Coffee24-Hour Front DeskHair DryerTelephoneDry CleaningMeeting roomsBanquet RoomConference FacilitiesBaggage StorageBath / ShowerCable / Satellite TVComplimentary TeaConvenience StoreComplimentary ToiletriesIronPrivate BathroomsRadioSeating AreaTaxi ServiceWake Up Service / Alarm Clock

🛎️Services(7)

WifiPublic WifiFree WifiParkingLaundry ServicePaid Private Parking On-siteValet Parking

🏊Pool & Water(4)

PoolIndoor poolHeated poolPool / Beach Towels

Family Activities Near Aloft Chicago Mag Mile

Kid-friendly attractions and things to do nearby

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Navy Pier

0.8 mi

A popular entertainment hub with rides, attractions, restaurants, and views of Lake Michigan.

Indoor/Outdoor
📍

Magnificent Mile

0.2 mi

Chicago's premier shopping district, offering a wide range of stores, restaurants, and architectural sights.

Outdoor
🐠

Shedd Aquarium

1.6 mi

Home to a vast collection of aquatic life, offering educational and entertaining exhibits for all ages.

Indoor
🏛️

Art Institute of Chicago

1.1 mi

One of the nation's oldest and largest art museums, featuring a diverse collection of masterpieces.

Indoor
🌳

Millennium Park

1 mi

Iconic urban park featuring Cloud Gate (The Bean), Crown Fountain, and the Pritzker Pavilion.

FreeOutdoor
🦁

Lincoln Park Zoo

2.9 mi

A free, historic zoo located in the beautiful Lincoln Park, offering a variety of animal exhibits.

FreeOutdoor

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions from families about Aloft Chicago Mag Mile

Is the pool heated and suitable for families?
Yes, the hotel features an indoor heated pool that is a popular amenity for families, especially during colder months.
Are there options for families with young children regarding bathing?
Some rooms only have stand-up showers, which may not be ideal for families with very young children. It's advisable to inquire about rooms with bathtubs when booking.
What are the parking options and costs?
Parking is available through valet at a daily fee (around $65), and on-street parking may be available nearby, but is often limited. Be prepared for significant parking expenses.
Is there an on-site restaurant suitable for families?
The hotel has a snack bar and bar/lounge, but no full-service restaurant. However, numerous family-friendly dining options are within easy walking distance.
Is the hotel generally noisy for families?
While the location is central, some rooms facing the street or the lively lobby bar area might experience noise, especially on weekends. Quieter rooms can often be requested.

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Aloft Chicago Mag Mile
8.1 Score

AI summaries and family ratings are generated by Hotels for Families. Always verify details directly with hotels before booking.