Checking In

Checking In: The LaSalle Chicago

Vanessa Gordon

I checked in at The LaSalle Chicago, Autograph Collection, a polished downtown retreat set above the pace of the Loop at 208 South LaSalle Street.

Corner Suite Bedroom. Credit: The LaSalle Chicago

The hotel is positioned in the heart of Chicago’s Financial District, close to the Theatre District, Willis Tower, the Art Institute of Chicago, Millennium Park, and the Chicago Riverwalk.

The LaSalle immediately feels more private and composed than a typical downtown hotel. Set within a historically significant building, the property brings together business-luxury polish, architectural presence, and a quieter club-like atmosphere. It is also one of only nine Forbes Recommended hotels in Chicago.

The Stay

The stay at The LaSalle Chicago feels intentionally removed from street level. Rather than entering into a large, high-traffic hotel lobby, the experience has more of a private club feeling, with the hotel positioned above the city and designed around a quieter, more tailored rhythm.

Guest rooms and suites are designed with a strong sense of comfort and finish. Details include Beautyrest Black by Simmons beds with Frette luxury bedding, oversized Calacatta marble bathrooms with walk-in showers, plush robes and slippers, LaGaia UNEDITED bath amenities, Lavazza espresso machines, local artisanal minibar items, marble-topped workspaces, oak wood floors, Egyptian area rugs, and 65-inch UHD TVs with streaming capability.

The room experience is especially well-suited for travelers who value quiet, space, and a more grown-up version of luxury.

My Favorite 90 Seconds

My favorite 90 seconds would be arriving upstairs and feeling the city fall away.

There is something very specific about a hotel that begins above the street. In Chicago, especially in the Loop, that elevation changes the mood immediately. Below, LaSalle Street carries the weight of the city’s financial and architectural history. Upstairs, the hotel feels composed, warm, and slightly hidden.

Executive Suite. Credit: The LaSalle Chicago

The LaSalle Chicago is not just located downtown; it gives you a quieter vantage point from which to experience downtown.

The Moments That Make It

The best moments at The LaSalle Chicago are quiet, polished, and highly detailed.

Grill on 21, the hotel’s signature restaurant, is one of the most important parts of the stay. Located on the 21st floor, the restaurant is a modern interpretation of the classic American grill, serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The menu highlights premium steaks and chops, hearth-roasted fish, seafood, poultry, salads, and lighter fare featuring locally grown produce and vegetables.

Grill on 21. Credit: The LaSalle Chicago

A few strong menu examples include lobster bisque with Old Bay crouton and chives, colossal shrimp cocktail with garlic aioli and atomic cocktail sauce, burrata and prosciutto toast, and crab cake. The cocktail side also fits the setting well, with classics like a Bloody Mary featuring Stoli, signature Bloody Mary mix, cheese skewers, and olives.

The hotel’s wellness details are another part of what makes the property feel elevated. Amenities include a 24-hour fitness center with Peloton bikes and TechnoGym equipment, complimentary meditation and yoga classes, twice-daily housekeeping, same-day dry cleaning and laundry service, complimentary overnight shoe polish, 24-hour room service, 24-hour concierge service, valet parking, and priority appointment availability at JW Spa, located in the building.

There is also an architectural layer that makes the hotel more interesting than a standard downtown stay. The LaSalle occupies the upper floors of one of Daniel Burnham’s final major Chicago buildings, and Travel Weekly notes that the nearby statue of Ceres, a recognizable figure in Chicago’s skyline, presides over the street below. The Rookery, one of Burnham’s earlier buildings, is across the street, making this pocket of the Loop especially rich for architecture lovers.

Who This Hotel Is Actually For

The LaSalle Chicago is for travelers who want downtown access without the feeling of being in the middle of constant hotel traffic.

It is a strong fit for business travelers, couples, architecture enthusiasts, theatergoers, and leisure travelers who appreciate a more refined Loop location. It also works well for guests who want to be close to Chicago’s major cultural attractions but prefer a hotel that feels calm, polished, and quietly luxurious at the end of the day.

This is not the hotel to book if you want a loud rooftop scene or a nightlife-driven stay. It is the hotel to book if you want a stately downtown retreat with excellent service, strong room design, a serious restaurant, and easy access to Chicago’s classic architecture and cultural landmarks.

Practical Stay Notes

Visited: early May, midweek

Length of stay: 1 night

Room: King guest room / suite with city views

View: Downtown Chicago and the Loop

Purpose: Business trip to Chicago with time to experience the hotel’s dining, design, and downtown location

Reader Takeaways

Corner Suite Living Room. Credit: The LaSalle Chicago

Best time to visit: Spring through fall, when Chicago is especially walkable and you can easily explore the Loop, Millennium Park, the Riverwalk, and nearby cultural landmarks.

Can’t-miss experience: Dinner or cocktails at Grill on 21, the hotel’s classic American grill located on the 21st floor, followed by a quiet evening above the pace of downtown Chicago.

Best for: Business travelers, couples, architecture lovers, theatergoers, and guests who want a polished downtown Chicago stay with luxury amenities, strong service, and easy access to the city’s cultural core.

Nearby Points of Interest

Willis Tower: Located about 0.3 miles from the hotel, Willis Tower is one of Chicago’s most recognizable landmarks and an easy nearby stop for first-time visitors.

The Chicago Theatre District: Also about 0.3 miles away, the Theatre District makes The LaSalle a convenient stay for guests planning an evening around a show.

State Street Shopping: Roughly 0.3 miles from the hotel, State Street offers a practical shopping corridor close to the Loop.

The Art Institute of Chicago: About 0.4 miles away, the Art Institute is one of the city’s most important cultural institutions and an easy walk from the hotel.

Millennium Park and Grant Park: Millennium Park is about 0.5 miles away, while Grant Park is about 0.6 miles from the hotel, making both easy options for a morning walk, public art, and classic Chicago views.

The Chicago Riverwalk: About 0.7 miles from the hotel, the Riverwalk is ideal for architecture views, a scenic walk, and a stronger sense of the city’s waterfront energy.

The Rookery Building: Across from the hotel, The Rookery adds another layer of architectural interest to the immediate neighborhood. It is one of Daniel Burnham’s earlier buildings, creating a compelling contrast with The LaSalle’s own historic setting

Checking In: Arlo Williamsburg

Vanessa Gordon

I checked into Arlo Williamsburg during a midweek in early May. The hotel is positioned in one of Brooklyn’s most dynamic neighborhoods, offering immediate access to Williamsburg’s art, music, food, nightlife, and waterfront scene.

Located in North Brooklyn, with Manhattan just over the bridge, the eight-story boutique hotel features 147 guest rooms, including eight suites, along with a collection of lively social spaces that make the property feel like much more than a place to sleep.

The hotel balances two different moods especially well: immersion and escape.

Downstairs, guests are surrounded by the creative energy of Wythe Avenue and the surrounding neighborhood. Upstairs, elevated vantage points like the Water Tower Bar and ART Williamsburg rooftop create a sense of remove from the city’s pace, with sweeping views of the Manhattan skyline and the East River.

The Stay

The stay at Arlo Williamsburg feels rooted in the neighborhood. This is not a hotel that asks you to disappear from the city. Instead, it places you directly inside one of Brooklyn’s most energetic pockets, then gives you enough elevated space to step back from it when needed.

Guest rooms are richly textured and designed with reclaimed materials, floor-to-ceiling windows, and views that may look out over Brooklyn or toward the Manhattan skyline. The effect is urban, stylish, and highly place-specific.

What makes the property especially appealing is how much is built into the experience. Arlo Williamsburg has the social rhythm of a neighborhood gathering place, with dining, cocktails, rooftop programming, art, comedy, and nightlife woven throughout the property. You can spend the day exploring Williamsburg, return for dinner at Sungold, and end the evening with a skyline cocktail without ever having to overplan the night.

My Favorite 90 Seconds

My favorite 90 seconds would be at sunset, cocktail in hand, looking out over the Manhattan skyline from the Water Tower Bar.

The Water Tower is one of Arlo Williamsburg’s signature spaces, known for its panoramic views of Manhattan and the East River. Its cocktail program is inspired by the hidden bars of the Prohibition era, creating a mood that feels classic, intimate, and cinematic without losing the energy of Brooklyn.

The Moments That Make It

Sungold, the hotel’s signature restaurant, offers Mediterranean and Italian-inspired dishes led by Chef Michael King. The menu focuses on local and seasonal ingredients, including handmade pastas, wood-fired pizzas, small plates, and shareable entrées. I spent most of my afternoon conveniently working from the restaurant on my laptop.

A few favorites include the lamb meatballs with harissa tomatoes and coriander lime yogurt, the signature Negroni, blistered shishitos with preserved lemon aioli, fried Vermont mozzarella with spicy marinara, and the wood-fired 1889 pizza with San Marzano tomatoes, Vermont mozzarella, and basil.

Pasta dishes, such as the gemelli with tomato riserva, herb ricotta, and focaccia breadcrumbs or rigatoni with Maine lobster, spicy tomato sauce, and mascarpone, also added to the comforts of a cooler spring afternoon.

The rooftop spaces are another defining part of the stay. ART Williamsburg sits atop the hotel with a 40-foot swimming pool, panoramic views of New York City and the East River, and a 23-foot-tall mural by artist ThankYouX. The space shifts easily between daytime lounging and nightlife, with weekly rooftop programming, DJs, and day parties.

The overall energy is lively, especially on weekends. DJ-driven evenings, live entertainment, rooftop parties, and cocktails give the property a strong sense of momentum. Whether dining at Sungold, heading upstairs to ART Williamsburg, or spending time at the Water Tower, the atmosphere builds into a true Williamsburg night out.

The hotel also adds a fun element of spontaneity with comedy programming, including ArLOL and Don’t Tell Comedy events. The mystery-lineup format gives the experience a slightly unpredictable edge, which fits the property well. It is polished, but not overly predictable.

Who This Hotel Is Actually For

Arlo Williamsburg is for travelers who want to feel connected to local culture rather than isolated in a traditional luxury bubble.

It is ideal for guests drawn to creative energy, nightlife, rooftop scenes, art, music, dining, and community-driven experiences. This is a strong fit for couples, friends’ weekends, solo city stays, and New Yorkers looking for a staycation that actually feels like a change of pace.

On weekends, Arlo Williamsburg becomes even more of a destination. The hotel’s Saturday day party, RIVA, and its iconic Sunday day party, Azure, make the rooftop a central part of the experience.

This is not the place to book if you are looking for complete stillness. It is the place to book if you want atmosphere, skyline views, great drinks, and built-in energy.

Practical Stay Notes

Visited: early May, midweek

Length of stay: 1 night

Suite: City View King with Balcony

View: East River and the Manhattan skyline

Purpose: Business trip to NYC

Benefits include bottled water upon arrival, in-room Wi-Fi, in-room espresso, morning coffee and tea service at the Lobby Bar, rooftop pool access, Citi Bike credit for house bicycles, access to the 24-hour fitness center, and more.

Arlo Williamsburg does not offer on-site parking, but there is a nearby garage at 25 Kent Avenue, about two blocks from the hotel. The hotel is also located less than a 10 minutes' walk away from the nearest Subway station (L train, Bedford Avenue).

Reader Takeaways

Best time to visit: Late spring through early fall if you want the full rooftop and pool experience, though the hotel’s dining, nightlife, and comedy programming make it appealing year-round.

Can’t-miss experience: Sunset cocktails at the Water Tower Bar overlooking the Manhattan skyline.

Best for: Travelers who want Brooklyn energy, rooftop culture, design, dining, nightlife, and easy access to Williamsburg’s creative scene.

Nearby Points of Interest

Domino Park: One of the best nearby spots for a waterfront walk, East River views, and a slower moment along the Williamsburg shoreline. It is especially nice around sunset or before dinner.

Williamsburg Bridge: A defining neighborhood landmark and a practical connection between Brooklyn and Manhattan. Walking or biking across the bridge offers strong city views and a more active way to experience the area.

Williamsburg shopping: The neighborhood has become one of New York City’s stronger shopping destinations, with a mix of independent boutiques, national brands, vintage stores, design shops, and specialty retailers. Bedford Avenue and the surrounding side streets are especially good for browsing.

North 6th Street and Bedford Avenue: A convenient area for restaurants, coffee, bars, shopping, and people-watching. It is one of the easiest places to tap into Williamsburg’s everyday rhythm.

East River Ferry: The ferry is about an eight-minute walk from the hotel, making it a scenic and useful way to get around the city.

Checking In | Harbor Court Hotel

Vanessa Gordon

Set along the Embarcadero, Harbor Court Hotel is the kind of San Francisco property that works especially well for travelers who want the city to feel accessible without staying somewhere overly large or impersonal.

The waterfront setting provides a peaceful and serene vibe, but what stayed with me most was how easy the hotel made everything feel once I arrived. Between the included breakfast, daily wine reception, house bicycles, and access to YMCA gym facilities and programs, Harbor Court has a practical rhythm that helps even a short stay feel smoother.

The Stay

My two-night stay at Harbor Court Hotel felt like a well-placed city escape with just enough personality to stand apart from a more standard downtown hotel. I spent my first full-day taking a long walk along the Embarcadero. I also appreciated that when I had to depart for the airport, the BART station was less than an eight minutes' walk away.

What I appreciated most is that Harbor Court does not overcomplicate the experience. It focuses on amenities that are actually useful during a short stay: continental breakfast served daily from 6 AM to 10 AM, complimentary in-room water, unlimited Wi-Fi, use of house bicycles, and a daily wine reception from 5 PM to 6 PM.

Access to YMCA gym facilities and programs was very convenient. I ended up getting a full two-hour workout it and the available pieces of equipment was quite extensive. In that respect, Harbor Court Hotel property truly understands the value of small comforts.

My Favorite 90 Seconds

My favorite 90 seconds later after an afternoon at SFMOMA, when I settled in next door at Ozumo with complimentary sake and sushi. I ordered the tekka mango roll with bluefin tuna, cumin, mango, and avocado; the aburi roll: a salmon & spicy tuna roll with cucumber and shiso; and the takamachi specialty roll topped with A-5 takamori wagyu, and crispy garlic.

That moment captured what worked so well about Harbor Court for me. I had the museum, the waterfront, and the ease of the neighborhood all within reach, and then ended the day with something simple but memorable rather than overplanned. It felt distinctly San Francisco, but also relaxed and scenic.

The Moments That Make It

What makes Harbor Court work is how well it supports the in-between moments.

Breakfast being included each morning immediately adds ease, especially in a city where it is easy to overspend or overthink the first hour of the day.

The daily wine reception from 5 PM to 6 PM gives the hotel a social touch without making it feel forced. Complimentary in-room water, unlimited Wi-Fi, and the use of house bicycles are the kind of details that do not sound dramatic on paper but noticeably improve the stay in practice.

The YMCA access is another standout. It makes the property especially appealing for travelers who like having a real gym option rather than a minimal hotel fitness room. That alone gives Harbor Court a more livable feel.

And then there is the location. Staying here means it is easy to move between the Embarcadero, the Ferry Building, SFMOMA, and nearby dining without turning the day into a major logistical effort.

Who This Hotel Is Actually For

Harbor Court Hotel is best for travelers who want a San Francisco stay that feels boutique, well-located, and easy to navigate.

It makes sense for couples, solo travelers, and short-stay visitors who care about walkability and want to stay near the waterfront without being removed from the city. It is also a strong fit for people who value practical amenities that genuinely improve the experience, rather than flashy extras they may never use.

If you like the idea of spending the day on foot, fitting in culture or a workout, and ending with an easy dinner nearby, Harbor Court makes that kind of stay feel very natural.

Practical Stay Notes

Visited: Early spring

Length of stay: Two nights

Room: Waterfront One King

View: San Francisco Bay

Purpose: Business / conference

Nearby Points of Interest

Ferry Building Marketplace: Approximately a 5-minute walk from Harbor Court Hotel, the Ferry Building is one of the most practical nearby stops for breakfast, coffee, casual meals, and specialty food shopping. It is also home to the well-known Ferry Plaza Farmers Market on select days, making it an easy add-on if you want something useful close to the hotel.

The Embarcadero: The hotel’s location directly along the Embarcadero makes it especially convenient for waterfront walks, morning runs, or getting around the city on foot. This stretch also gives you quick access to the Ferry Building, Oracle Park, and other major downtown points without needing to rely immediately on a car.

Oracle Park: Oracle Park is a solid nearby option for baseball games, concerts, and evening plans, particularly if you want to stay within the same general waterfront corridor. From Harbor Court Hotel, it is an easy route south along the Embarcadero rather than a cross-city outing.

Salesforce Park: Salesforce Park is a practical nearby stop if you want a landscaped green space without leaving downtown. It works well for a quick walk, a coffee break, or a quieter reset between meetings, sightseeing, or meals in the Financial District and South Beach areas.

Matisse's Femme au chapeau at SFMOMA. Credit: Vanessa Gordon

SFMOMA: SFMOMA is one of the strongest cultural stops near the hotel and worth prioritizing if you want to add a museum visit to your stay. The museum’s collection includes major works such as Henri Matisse’s Femme au chapeau (Woman with a Hat), Mark Rothko’s No. 14, 1960, Robert Rauschenberg’s Collection, Frida Kahlo’s Frieda and Diego Rivera, and Olafur Eliasson’s One-way colour tunnel. Its photography holdings are also particularly strong, with Bay Area-linked artists such as Ansel Adams, Dorothea Lange, Edward Weston, and Imogen Cunningham represented in the collection.

Mrs. Doubtfire House: For anyone who enjoys classic film references, the exterior of the house used as the Hillard family home in Mrs. Doubtfireis at 2640 Steiner Street in Pacific Heights. It is a private residence, so this is more of a quick photo stop from the street than a full outing, but it is one of the more recognizable movie locations in San Francisco.