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The day I checked into the Millennium Knickerbocker Chicago, there was a smash-and-grab at the nearby Louis Vuitton on Michigan Avenue. You can probably imagine my culture shock – having just arrived from one of the world’s safest cities, Singapore. The glass façade of the boutique was shattered, the truck used in the attack was still parked outside, and various news crews were all stationed outside.
I was shaken, not quite sure what I’d signed up for staying here, or even coming to Chicago at all. But the moment I stepped through the revolving doors of the Millennium Knickerbocker, a booming voice called out, “You must be checking in!” It was the hotel’s chatty concierge legend, Craig. “Crazy what’s going on out there,” I said, still reeling. He smiled and shrugged. “When you’ve been doing this as long as I have, nothing phases you. It’ll all be okay.” And I have to say, he was right.
There’s a certain character that comes with staying in a place like the MK, a hotel with nearly a century of stories built into its bones. The lobby smells faintly floral, thankfully not like an old building (which, given its age, is a small miracle). And it may sit in one of Chicago’s poshest neighborhoods, but it doesn’t come with the sticker shock of its five-star neighbors. You get the Magnificent Mile experience without the Magnificent Mile price. It’s mostly a safe neighborhood, but sometimes you have to expect the unexpected.
Why stay at the Millennium Hotel Knickerbocker Chicago?
First, the location. The MK sits at the northern tip of the Magnificent Mile, just steps from Bloomingdale’s, the John Hancock Tower, and the Museum of Contemporary Art. It’s an ideal base for both first-time visitors and Chicago regulars.
Then, there’s the personality. This isn’t some glass-and-steel modern tower – it’s pure vintage Chicago. Built in the 1920s, the property has lived many lives: a Prohibition-era hotspot rumored to host Al Capone’s brother’s secret casino, and later a Playboy Hotel when Hugh Hefner owned it in the 1980s. Even today, a hidden staircase whispers of that shadowy past.
What are the rooms like at the Millennium Hotel Knickerbocker Chicago?
If you’re used to sleek, minimalist hotel design, the MK’s rooms might feel like stepping into a time capsule. Think marble-and-granite bathrooms and carpet and wallpaper that’s seen better days since the hotel was last renovated in the 2010s. My standard king room, around 300 square feet, was cozy but comfortable.
There are 306 guest rooms in total, including 27 suites ranging from 350 to 2,100 square feet. Higher floors offer sweeping skyline views, while the Presidential Suites come with separate living and dining areas so if you wanted to splash out for more, you definitely could. But for most travelers, we'd imagine the standard rooms hit the sweet spot: affordable comfort in a killer location if you just plan on staying for a couple of nights.
Where to eat and drink at the Millennium Hotel Knickerbocker Chicago
Downstairs, Nix Restaurant serves breakfast and lunch with a hearty Midwestern flair. There's diner-style classics like fluffy pancakes, omelets, and strong coffee. When the sun sets, head to the Martini Bar, a moody, wood-paneled throwback to the Roaring Twenties. Expect vintage-inspired cocktails, and a menu that reads like a speakeasy’s greatest hits.
What is the service like at the Millennium Hotel Knickerbocker Chicago?
Hospitality here is personal and refreshingly old-school. Craig, the concierge-slash-front-desk personality, definitely deserves a shoutout. He’s the kind of person who remembers your name and probably your life story by the end of your stay. Every guest gets the same booming greeting and genuine warmth.
The staff are consistently gracious. When I arrived early, they offered to store my bags or let me check in ahead of time for $50. The front desk staff handled it with such warmth and even taking a moment to compliment my nails. It’s that mix of friendliness and familiarity that makes you feel looked after without fuss.
What are the facilities like at the Millennium Hotel Knickerbocker Chicago?
The MK doesn’t have a pool or spa, but it makes up for it in character and practicality. The 24-hour fitness center is well-equipped with treadmills, ellipticals, weights, and bikes, perfect for travelers needing a quick sweat session between meetings or museum visits.
The event spaces, though, are where the hotel shines. The Georgian-style ballroom, with its chandeliers and ornate Art Deco detailing, is one of the most photographed wedding venues in Chicago. The Prince of Wales Room, complete with its original 1920s wood bar, channels old-world glamour. Add in nine meeting rooms and a second-floor promenade for receptions, and it’s clear this place was built for occasions.
What’s the area like around the Millennium Knickerbocker Chicago?
Despite my rather dramatic introduction to the neighborhood, you really can’t beat this location. Sitting at the northern end of the Magnificent Mile, the MK is right in the heart of Chicago’s shopping and cultural district. High-end boutiques, Bloomingdale’s, and the 360 Chicago Observation Deck are all within a block. Walk ten minutes south and you’ll hit Millennium Park, the Art Institute of Chicago, and the Field Museum.
Public transport is easy, too. The CTA Metro Subway Station is half a mile away, and buses along Michigan Avenue will take you just about anywhere. Architecture lovers will find plenty to admire – from the Gothic Revival spires of Fourth Presbyterian Church to the modernist skyscrapers that define the skyline.
Why you should book a stay at the Millennium Knickerbocker Chicago
If you’re after a hotel that captures old Chicago without the five-star price tag, the MK delivers. It’s got history and heart with one of the most personable teams in town.Stay here for the stories as much as the convenience. Ask about the secret staircase, have that martini at the bar, and let the city surprise you like it did me.
Address: 163 East Walton Place, Chicago, Illinois 60611
Price per night: From USD 120
Getting there: 45-minute drive from O’Hare International Airport; 2 miles from Union Station; El stop: Red to Chicago. Bus: 3, 10, 26, 66, 125, 143, 144, 145, 146, 147, 151.
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