The best of Boutique without the worst
I’m trying to think of a legitimate reason why we wouldn't return to Chicago's Amalfi Hotel (20 West Kinzie Street). It wouldn't be for the service, location, dependability, cleanliness, accommodations, or perks. Check-in and –out was a breeze. The room was more than ample-sized for a Chicago hotel. There's a deluxe breakfast spread every morning on each hotel floor—free. There’s a drinks and appetizer reception on the 6th floor every night—again, free. Newspaper—free. Water at check-in—free. In 10 minutes after our call, a hotel engineer appeared to fix our minor toilet leak. The only reason, expressed by my son, is that the boutiqiness doesn't extend beyond the lobby. Everywhere else, it looks like and acts like a Westin. But if you’re looking for a boutique, that is, a cramped room with uncomfortable furnishings, outdated mattresses, and dark lighting, which you struggle to discover at the end of meandering halls, look elsewhere. But if you’re looking for the best of boutique and the best of standard hotel hospitality, stay at the Amalfi.