One of the best all-around hotels in Chicago area
We've stayed at many of the downtown Chicago hotels over the past decade, and Amalfi is definitely our new place to stay for trips up there. Small, friendly yet upscale boutique hotel with an excellent location right off of the river, near Michigan and State for access to shopping (but not so close as to be in the midst of gobs of people). Excellent price (about 30-50% less expensive than larger 4-star plus hotels in the area), excellent amenities with complimentary happy hour (yes,..you read it...FREE, and they served more than cheap well brands...plus it included some good munchies), clean rooms that actually have accurate thermostat controls (and a quiet central heating system) and breakfast bar served on every floor. Best of all were the people-from the valet to the bellman to the wonderfully helpful young ladies Karine and Hilary at the front desk who provided directions and timely tips on when to avoid traffic tie-ups and parking nightmares in Wicker Park. Oh yes, and the gym actually had new treadmills that worked for those who don't want to fight the winds off of the lake. The Amalfi is a hidden boutique gem in the suburban jungle.