When we finally found our hotel, at the end of a long day of Chicago college visiting, we were pleasantly surprised that it was not just another hum-drum, modern high rise. We threw this trip together rather quickly, and I was honestly just happy to be able to book a room in downtown Chicago.
It was located on a quaint, tree-lined, narrow street neighbored by antique, brick apartments. Parking and unloading was not ideal, but this was the big city, not the suburbs.
As we entered, we felt like we'd stepped back in time, or landed in Europe. I could tell Happy Girl was intrigued.
We ascended in an elevator that barely fit the two of us and our suitcases. Our room was situated at the end of a
hallway. We probably could have come up the one flight of stairs, but it was pretty narrow, too.
Once inside the small but clean room, we appreciated the window air conditioner and our view of a genuine, Chicago ally.
The next morning we enjoyed our continental breakfast in a character-rich library setting.
On my walk to retrieve the car from an underground ramp several blocks away, I appreciated the beauty of this neighborhood, so very different than any place I've ever lived.
I'm guessing this neighborhood is not cheap living. It reminded me of neighborhoods by Lake Calhoun. I think I could get used to this kind of lifestyle if I was a young professional;)
Each building had a courtyard entrance that was filled with manicured foliage. It reminded my of one of my favorite books, The Secret Garden. And the architectural details on these old buildings. All this preserved history, with a modern high rise right down the block.
I can see why people fall in love with this city. The big-ness, the history and the modern, perfectly melded together. And there's so much to experience...much more than we could ever see in a day and a half visit!
I'll be back...for longer next time, and with less of an agenda.
Love the beautiful architecture.
Posted by: Cheryl Jarl | Monday, July 25, 2016 at 09:27 PM