Refined & relaxed in Chicago’s trendy Wicker Park
I’ve been eagerly watching the restoration on my neighborhood’s landmark Northwest Tower for four years. So when two boutique hotel properties announced their opening in the space, I jumped at the opportunity to preview them for Chicagoist.
Read: Inside Wicker Park’s New Boutique Hotel & Social Media-Minded Hostel
Welcome to the Neighborhood
The Robey anchors the lively intersection of Milwaukee, North, and Damen avenues with design-minded spaces for hotel guests and locals alike. Located steps from the Blue Line Damen stop, it’s an ideal destination for those looking to immerse themselves in Chicago’s neighborhoods outside of downtown.
Vintage Charm
The Robey is located in an Art Deco landmark building dating from 1929. It spans 12 floors above the adjacent Damen Avenue, which was originally named Robey Street. The former office building has kept plenty of its vintage charm boasting details like a stunning period lobby, hallway mail chutes, and original guest room doors. However, Nicolas Schuybroek Architects and Marc Merckx Interiors keep the overall design clean and contemporary. Glass, chrome, and timber elements make for sophisticated interiors. The light-filled guest rooms offer incredible neighborhood views.
The Best Views This Side of the Loop
Grab a bite at Café Robey, a French-American restaurant on the first floor, or head to the second floor lounge for coffee and conversation. Don’t miss the Up & Up rooftop lounge, which offers perhaps the best view of Chicago’s skyline. This is the tallest building outside of Chicago’s downtown, so there are no competing skyscrapers blocking the scene. The 35-seat lounge, inspired by classic American art, is exclusive to hotel guests but locals may visit by appointment. For those looking for an even more exclusive experience, the distinctive cupola has been refitted as a private lounge.
Located only blocks from my apartment, the Robey provided the perfect staycation. The minimal, elegant design felt refined and relaxing. While I planned on a cozy movie night, it was lights out as soon as I sunk into the ultra comfortable bed. This might have had something to do with the many creative cocktails consumed at Up & Up that night. Although we didn’t have a great view from the rooftop bar due to a blizzard, it did provide a snow globe effect. The next morning, I wanted to linger in the bright guest room all day and read the stack of art magazines. We grabbed coffee and a pastry at the second floor lounge and soaked in the mid-century inspired surroundings. It was hard to leave the Robey, but lucky for me it’s just down the street!
Adjacent to the Robey, the Hollander provides an upscale hostel experience with a social emphasis. Read more about the Hollander here.
Pro-tip
Snag a corner room for the best views of Wicker Park’s “six corners.”
Hotel Details
- Rooms from $175
- 69 rooms
- 1929 Landmark
- A Grupo Habita Hotel
Special Touches
- Le Labo toiletries
- Denim robe and felt slippers
- Bas relief sculptures mounted in the rooftop cupola
The Robey
2018 W. North Ave.
Chicago, IL 60647
Jessica Mlinaric founded Urban Explorer in 2010 to inspire curious travelers by highlighting history, culture, and hidden gems in Chicago and beyond. She is the author of ‘Secret Chicago’ and ‘Chicago Scavenger,’ and she has contributed to several travel guidebooks. Jessica has visited 20+ countries and 30+ U.S. states. She has more than 16 years of experience as a marketing strategist and works as a freelance writer and photographer.
