FOUNDERS FEE

Beyond specialty coffee and premium Wi-Fi, we’re committed to bringing you an array of amenities as unique at our historic property during your stay. In order to provide this collection of services, a $30 Founders Fee will be applied to your reservation nightly for each room. We hope you enjoy the extras that will enhance your experience here, plus the unplanned, whimsical experiences you happen to discover during your stay with us.

In-Room complimentary local coffee & Rishi Tea

Skip-the-line entry to Cindy’s Rooftop

Complimentary beverage from Game Room

10% discount at Fairgrounds Coffee & Tea

Complimentary reservations to shoot hoops on our historic basketball court, Stagg Court*

Complimentary reservations at Top Golf Swing Suite when guest shows a room key*

10% discount for all Chicago Athletic Association Online Store purchases (excludes gift cards)

First dibs on hotel events & programs held during your stay

Seasonal Bike Borrowing of our custom Heritage Bicycles

Premium Wi-Fi

Triple Distilled Water in-room

24/7 fitness center access

select discounts with local partners

Access to the only Shake Shack In-Room Dining service in the world

Full Service Concierge team

Printing Services up to 20 pages

Shoe shine services upon request

 

 

CHICAGO ATHLETIC ASSOCIATION HOTEL FAQ

While there’s certainly much to do in and around downtown and near Millennium Park, our Chicago Loop hotel on Michigan Avenue is practically a world unto itself. Seven dining establishments. A fitness center. Sweeping views to Lake Michigan’s blue horizon. Secrets hidden among the trophy and book cases. And small surprises waiting to be discovered throughout.

We’ve collected most of the basic Q&A’s below. Please feel free to contact the Concierge Desk if you have additional questions that we haven’t answered yet.

 

TRANSPORTATION AND DIRECTIONS

 

Q: IS PARKING AVAILABLE AT THE HOTEL?

A: Valet parking is available 24/7 for $72.00 per night, per vehicle with unlimited in and out privileges at 71 E Madison.

Q: DO YOU OFFER SHUTTLE SERVICE TO THE HOTEL?

A: With so many ways to get around Chicagoland, we do not maintain a hotel shuttle service and recommend a taxi, Chicago’s fine public transportation system or the Go Airport Express shuttle service.

Q: HOW MUCH IS A TAXI FROM THE AIRPORT AND HOW LONG SHOULD I EXPECT IT TO TAKE?

A: From O’Hare: A taxi to or from O’Hare runs $35-$55, depending on traffic, and can take anywhere from 35 minutes to 1.5 hours.

From Midway: A taxi to or from Midway is about $30-$45, depending on traffic, and can take anywhere from 30 minutes to 1 hour.

Q: HOW DO I GET TO THE HOTEL FROM THE AIRPORTS VIA PUBLIC TRANSIT?

A: From O’Hare: Hop on the Blue Line train heading toward Forest Park and hop off at the Washington stop in the Chicago Loop. It’s easy and you’ll get to know Chicago a little more like a local. Back on street level, head east on Washington three blocks toward Millennium Park. You’ll pass under the “L” and then make a right on Michigan Avenue across from the park where you’ll see the beautiful steel and glass awning above the hotel entrance just past Madison Avenue. Welcome!

From Midway: Take the Orange Line train towards the Loop and get off at the Washington/Wabash stop. You will proceed one block east on Madison towards Michigan Avenue. The hotel’s Madison entrance is on 71 E. Madison or turn the corner and enter our Michigan Ave doors at 12 S. Michigan.

 

GENERAL

 

Q: WHAT TIME IS CHECK-IN & CHECK-OUT AGAIN?

A: You may check into your room beginning at 3:00pm and we respectfully ask that you check out by Noon to allow time for us to prepare for our next guests.

Q: WHERE CAN I FIND THE POOL?

A: Gotcha! It’s true, the original Chicago Athletic Association was once known for its deep roster of swimmers—including a five-time Olympic gold medalist with a couple of aliases, Johnny Weissmuller and Tarzan—but today our focus is on (mostly) fully clothed fun and games.

Originally called “The Tank” by club members, the pool has been transformed into a one-of-a-kind Chicago event space ideal for creative public and private gatherings. In fact, the room behind the hotel’s grand staircase near Shake Shack now sports a mosaic tile floor, complete with swimming lanes and “Shallow” and “Deep” markers.

Oh, and if you’re looking for a pool table, proceed immediately to Game Room just off the 2nd floor lobby.

Q: DO YOU HAVE A HOTEL SPA OR IN-ROOM SPA SERVICES?

A: While we do not operate a spa on the property, we do offer in-room spa services through a carefully curated list of preferred providers. Please contact the concierge desk to arrange spa services in the comfort and privacy of your room.

Q: DO YOU OFFER GIFT CERTIFICATES?

A: Certainly. And we thank you for sharing the Chicago Athletic Association experience with your friends and loved ones. Please contact the hotel directly at 312-940-3552 for more information.

Q: AS A REGISTERED GUEST, CAN I SKIP THE LINE TO CINDY’S?

A: Cindy’s is our rooftop restaurant and open-air terrace overlooking Millennium Park and to our delight, it’s become quite the popular downtown Chicago hot spot for brunch, cocktails and dinner.

As our registered guest, you will have priority access to Cindy’s, although you may still have a bit of a wait if we are at or near capacity. (Hey, it’s your safety, not ours!) You can make an online reservation, or the Front Desk will be thrilled to assist you, as well.

Please note reservations are for dining only. Mangia!

Q: DO YOU HAVE A FITNESS CENTER?

A: Great question. What self-respecting hotel with “Athletic” in its name would go without a 24-hour fitness center? Not this one. You’ll find the fitness center on the 9th floor.

Personal training or private group sessions are available through our partnership with On Your Mark upon request. Please contact the Concierge Desk to arrange your session.

Q: HOW MUCH DOES WI-FI COST?

A: We gladly provide high-speed complimentary Wi-Fi for registered guests to use throughout the hotel.

Q: WHAT’S THE STORY WITH YOUR BIKES?

A: This is how we roll here—on two wheels—and it’s a great way to play in Chicago. Our complimentary Heritage Bikes are loaned out in two-hour increments, based on availability. Reservations are accepted in advance and walk-ups are welcome as well. For more information and reservations, please contact the Concierge at ext. 7014 or the In The Know Desk located on the 1st floor at ext. 4563.

Q: CAN I TAKE PICTURES AT THE HOTEL?

A: You're welcome to take snapshots of your visit with us! Please note that all professional photography or staged shoots (from weddings & events to senior photos & commercial needs) require a permit obtained from our marketing department in advance, and fees may apply. The team can be reached at press@chicagoathletichotel.com.

Q: I HAVE A LOT OF STUFF! CAN I SHIP THINGS TO THE HOTEL?

A: We are happy to accept packages on behalf of our guests, and fees may apply. Please contact the Concierge for specific information based on your needs.

 

ROOMS AND RESERVATIONS

 

Q: IS THERE A MINIMUM AGE REQUIREMENT TO CHECK INTO A ROOM?

A: You got it, kid. You’re gonna have to be at least 21 years old to check into the Chicago Athletic Association Hotel.

Q: WHY IS A TEMPORARY DEPOSIT HELD ON MY CARD FOR THE ROOM?

A: We do require guests to provide a $200 deposit for incidentals via credit or debit card at check-in, and if there are no incidental charges at check-out, the amount on hold is then released.

Q: ARE PETS ALLOWED AT THE HOTEL?

A: Chicago Athletic Association Hotel is pet-friendly and we encourage our guests to travel with their pets. After all, travel is always better with friends, isn’t it? That said, we do have a few requirements and restrictions that must be met in order to allow your pet to play here:

Pet Requirements:

Pets can be featherweights or heavyweights—but please no more than two pets per room.

Guests with pets must sign an animal waiver form upon check-in.

Service animals are exempt from restrictions.

Pet Restrictions:

By law, pets are not allowed inside our restaurants and bars—but your pets are allowed to congregate and entertain in lobby areas and relax on the floor of your guest room.

By law, pets must be on leash at all times in public spaces—we can’t have our buddies wandering into traffic or getting lost.

We’re proud of our clean Chicago sidewalks, so please be a good citizen and do not use the sidewalks outside the hotel as dog runs or potty areas. Please see the doorman for a place for your pooch to potty.

ACCESSIBILITY

 

DO YOU PROVIDE ADA-COMPLIANT ACCOMMODATIONS?

A: Yes, we offer accessible rooms with roll-in showers and handlebars. To reserve an accessible room, just let us know when booking your room online or via phone at 312-940-3552.

Q: WHAT ARE THE ACCESSIBLE FEATURES OF YOUR HOTEL?

A: At the Chicago Athletic Association, we are committed to providing equal access and opportunity for individuals with all levels of ability. The features below make our hotel and restaurants more accessible for individuals with changing abilities to ensure a seamless and unforgettable experience. Our overall goal is to improve usability throughout the hotel for all guests.

Accessible hotel areas from accessible public entrance:
Hotel check-in area
Accessible guestrooms (with mobility features, and doorways that provide 32” of clear width)
All on-site restaurants

Accessible amenities:
All directional signage and guestroom numbers are in Braille 
TTY kits are available for guest use upon request
Guestroom televisions have closed captioning option via button on remote control
Accessible vehicles can be accommodated through our valet services