O’Hare International Airport (ORD): Approximate driving time is 30 minutes and distance is 18 miles.

Driving directions from O’Hare International Airport: Head east on I-190 and continue east on the Kennedy Expwy/I-90. Exit at Ohio St and proceed to Michigan Ave. Turn left and travel north eight blocks to the John Hancock Building. Turn right onto Delaware Pl just past the Hancock, and at the first stop sign, turn left onto Mies Van Der Rohe. Turn left onto Walton Pl; the hotel’s entrance is on the left.

Chicago Midway Airport (MDW): Approximate driving time is 30 minutes and distance is 14 miles.

Driving directions from O’Hare International Airport: Head north on SR-50/S Cicero Ave. Continue to I-55 and head northbound. Head west on I-90/Ryan Expwy. Exit at Ohio St and proceed to Michigan Ave. Turn left and travel north eight blocks to the John Hancock Building. Turn right onto Delaware Pl just past the Hancock, and at the first stop sign, turn left onto Mies Van Der Rohe. Turn left onto Walton Pl; the hotel’s entrance is on the left.

Taxis ($16–$25 from Midway; $26–$35 from O'Hare) and airport shuttles ($16–$25) are the most convenient ways to reach the hotel. For those traveling lightly, public transportation is an option and costs less than $5. Fee(s) subject to change without notice.

Travelers taking the train from O'Hare ride the blue line to Washington & Dearborn and then receive a free transfer to the red line. From the red line, they exit at Chicago Ave and walk four blocks north to the hotel. From Midway, travelers take the orange line to Roosevelt, receive a free transfer to the red line, and continue to the exit at Chicago Ave.

Getting around: There are many stores, restaurants, and attractions within walking distance of the hotel. Public transportation (less than $5) and taxis are also convenient for navigating the downtown area. Fee(s) subject to change without notice. Rental cars are not practical due to heavy traffic and the high cost of parking.

Martini Bar - Guests can choose from 40 different martinis and hear live piano jazz nightly at this granite-topped lobby lounge. Beer, wine, and cocktails are served as well.

24-hour room service is also available.

The hotel’s colorful history adds to its allure: John F. Kennedy, Richard Nixon, the Rolling Stones, and Muhammad Ali have all graced the guest list. In the 1970s, the Knickerbocker was briefly incarnated as Hugh Hefner’s Playboy Towers—a gaudy disco-era party palace. Renovations have restored the hotel’s 1920s-era charm, such as the lobby’s Art Deco–detailed marble floor and a paneled ceiling with inlaid brass medallions and chandeliers.

Amenity highlights: The Apple Martini is one of 40 different martinis served in the lobby bar, which also features live piano jazz nightly. Hotel conveniences include a fitness center, 24-hour room service, valet parking, and express check-in/check-out. The John Hancock Building is only 1.5 blocks away, and Lake Michigan within a 3-block walk.

Insider tip: Prohibition-era gangster Al Capone and his cronies used to gamble in a room on the 14th floor. The hotel bellstaff will gladly show guests the door to the secret stairs Capone and his gang used to make their getaways when police raided the illicit gatherings.

Valet parking only:
$26-35 per day. In/out privileges. Underground/covered/secured lot.
Note: Fee may not include tax and is subject to change without prior notification.