Hotel Policies
Destination Fee
A daily destination fee of $29.81 (subject to change) is applied to each room of your stay in order to provide the following services and amenities, which enhance the guest experience. Please contact the hotel directly for more information.
- In-Room local coffee & Rishi Tea
- Skip-the-line entry to Cindy’s Rooftop
- Beverage from Game Room
- 10% discount at Fairgrounds Coffee & Tea
- Reservations to shoot hoops on our historic basketball court, Stagg Court*
- 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 such as: Bobby's Bike Hike - 12% off all bike & walking tours and bike & kayak rentals M-F use code CAC12 and Big Bus - 20% off using hotel specific QR code
- 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
- AIRE Ancient Baths: priority booking for hotel guests and an additional 30 minutes of bath time.
- Hotel tours: offered daily *based upon availability.
Pet Policy
There’re no weight limits, but we kindly request only two pets per room. Pets are not allowed inside our restaurants and bars, by law, but you’re free to bring them to the lobby. Our doormen offer waste bags and can point you to Chicago’s most pet-friendly walking paths and parks.
We also offer a “MVPet Package,” which includes: In-room dog food & water bowl, In-room dog bed, Welcome doggie biscuit.
Fees: No fees
Weight Limits: No weight limit – but please no more than two pets per room. Guests with pets must sign an animal waiver form upon check-in.
*We welcome guests with disabilities traveling with their service animals. Service animals are not pets and are not subject to this Pet Policy. For more information, please contact the hotel.
Chicago Athletic Association Hotel FAQ
While there’s undoubtedly much to do in and around downtown and near Millennium Park, our historic hotel on Michigan Avenue is practically a world unto itself. Chicago Athletic Association features seven dining establishments, including our famous rooftop restaurant and bar, Cindy’s, a fitness center and sweeping views of Lake Michigan’s blue horizon. Discover the secrets hidden among the trophy and bookcases and small surprises waiting to be discovered throughout our pet-friendly boutique hotel.
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 $84 per night, per vehicle with unlimited in and out privileges at 71 East Madison Street.
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 Street 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 Street. 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 Street toward Michigan Avenue. The hotel’s Madison entrance is on 71 East Madison Street or turn the corner and enter our Michigan Avenue doors at 12 South Michigan Avenue.
General
Q: What time is check-in and checkout again?
A: You may check into your room beginning at 3 p.m. 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 +1 312-940-3552 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, senior photos, commercial needs, etc.) 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 $100/night 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 a pet-friendly hotel in downtown Chicago, 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
Q: Do you provide accessible 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 +1 312 940 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 guest rooms (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
- Guest room TVs have closed-captioning option via button on remote control
- Accessible vehicles can be accommodated through our valet services