Escaping to Chicago for a romantic weekend doesn't have to mean breaking the bank. Operating under the cushy InterContinental Hotel Group brand name, the Hotel Indigo surprises visitors with its location in Chicago's residential Gold Coast neighborhood and its upscale affordability. Guests can take advantage of packages that include a nice-sized suite and spa services for less than $250 a night.
Designed to entice the weary traveler with comfortable decor and a motif centered on the idea of relaxation, the Indigo espouses a feeling of home. Overstuffed chairs in the lobby and a hint of aromatherapy throughout the hotel help to set the tone. Guest rooms feature hardwood floors, cotton bedding in a comforting blue and white color scheme, and offer all the features you'd expect from a big-ticket hotel, including cable, Internet access and coffeemakers.
But the big advantage here is the hotel's on-site Spa Gold Coast, which presents guests with options ranging from a manicure and pedicure to one-hour massages. Book in advance to be sure to take advantage of spa services.
Located near the upscale shops on Oak Street and less than a mile to Michigan Avenue, the Museum of Contemporary Art and even the oft-overlooked Oak Street Beach, Indigo guests can easily leave the car behind and stroll through the city without a care. The tree-lined Gold Coast streets surrounding the hotel help foster the feeling of a big city getaway in a small neighborhood — which is the charm and allure of Chicago that visitors miss if they stay just a few blocks away in the bigger hotels near Michigan Avenue.
Chicago features some romantic — and no-cost — events throughout the summer. On July 28, attend Venetian Night, featuring a parade of lighted boats and the biggest fireworks show of the year. On Tuesday evenings July 17–Aug. 28, take a picnic basket and a blanket to Grant Park to see a movie at the Outdoor Film Festival. And don't miss The 29th Annual Chicago Jazz Festival, a Chicagoland tradition, when it comes to town Aug. 30–Sept. 2.