O’Hare International Airport (ORD): Approximate driving time is 30 minutes and distance is 20 miles.

Driving directions from O’Hare International Airport: Follow signs for I-190 out of the airport. Take I-190 to the Kennedy Expwy/I-90/94 heading east. Take I-90/94 to the Monroe St exit, turn left onto Monroe St (east) and proceed approximately 12 blocks to the hotel on the right.

Chicago Midway Airport (MDW): Approximate driving time is 25 minutes and distance is 12 miles.

Driving directions from Chicago Midway Airport: Head north on SR-50/S Cicero Ave. Continue to I-55 and head northbound. Head west on I-90/Ryan Expwy. Take I-90/94 to the Monroe St exit, turn right onto Monroe St (east) and proceed approximately 12 blocks to the hotel on the right.

Taxis ($26–$35 from Midway; more than $36 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. Preferred limo service is also available for more than $36. Fee(s) subject to change without notice.

Travelers taking the train from O'Hare ride the blue line to Monroe and walk one block east to the hotel. From Midway, travelers take the orange line to Adams & Wabash and walk one block north and one block west to the hotel.

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.

Big Downtown - Designed in the spirit of Chicago’s 1940s heyday, this sophisticated but fun restaurant serves steaks, pastas, pizza, and sandwiches, adjacent to the elevated train tracks outside; a model train runs overhead inside the restaurant. A section of booths emulates fancy dining cars, complete with old-fashioned suitcases stored on racks above the seats. The restaurant is open for lunch and dinner.

French Quarter - This lobby restaurant with a New Orleans motif is open daily for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Specialties include steaks, chops, barbecued ribs, and prime rib. During breakfast and lunch hours, diners may also choose a buffet.

Amenity highlights: Among the oldest continuously running hotels in the country, this hotel has added modern touches in both safety and technology. One entire floor is a conference center, with 40,000 square feet of meeting space and business services. The hotel’s 10,000-square-foot, state-of-the-art health club features personal trainers, an indoor pool, a steam room, and a sauna. Even the famous Empire ballroom with its gold leaf, mirrored walls, and crystal chandeliers has audio-visual capabilities.

Insider tip: Guests traveling with children should allow for some play time near the hotel’s French Quarter restaurant. Mini-benches are set up along one side of the entrance for viewing children’s programs, and artist easels and magnet boards are set up on the other side.

Valet parking:
$26-35 per day. In/out privileges. Underground/covered/secured lot.
Self parking:
$16-25 per day.
Note: Fees may not include tax and are subject to change without prior notification.