Chicago Athletic Association – A Gilded Age Icon Reborn
Where History, Design, and Playful Energy Collide
Type: design hotel, heritage hotel
Vibe: lively
DNA: arts & crafts, LHBTIQ+, pets allowed, rooftop bar, wheelchair accessible
From Exclusive Club to Design-Forward Stay
Housed in a Venetian Gothic masterpiece dating back to 1893, the Chicago Athletic Association Hotel has transformed from an exclusive men’s club into one of Chicago’s most vibrant and stylish hotels. Much of its Gilded Age grandeur remains intact—intricately carved woodwork, stained-glass windows, and grand stone fireplaces set the stage for a property that blends historic elegance with modern sophistication.
Public Spaces with Personality
The lobby and common areas exude masculine warmth and clubby charm—marble staircases wind up over mosaic-tiled floors, and plush leather seating invites you to linger. But this is no museum piece: the atmosphere is energetic and lively, thanks to a packed calendar of events, from cocktail workshops to roller-skating pop-ups in the vintage gymnasium.
A Culinary Playground
With seven award-winning food and beverage venues, the hotel is as much a dining destination as a design icon. Sip cocktails at the speakeasy-inspired Milk Room, unleash your competitive spirit in the Game Room, or savor James Beard Award-winning cuisine at Cherry Circle Room. The crown jewel, Cindy’s Rooftop, delivers panoramic views of Millennium Park and Chicago’s skyline alongside seasonal, locally sourced dishes.
DNA Hotels Verdict
The Chicago Athletic Association Hotel is a rare blend of history, design, and lively programming. It’s elegant without being stuffy, social without being overwhelming—a boutique-style hotel with the soul of a cultural hub. Whether you’re here for cocktails, cuisine, or simply to soak up the atmosphere, it offers a stay as dynamic as the city itself.
