A Boutique Hotel Just Opened In Chicago’s Little Italy

03.01.2024 - 19:43 / forbes.com

Chicago is well known for its reputation as a city of neighborhoods. Vibrant as ever, Little Italy, sometimes pooled with University Village, is one of the best communities in Chicago. While this area was once predominately home to Italian immigrants, it is now made up of diverse residents in no small part due to urban renewal and the proximity to University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC), Rush University Medical Center, UI Health, United Center, and Cinespace Studios.

For visitors who are interested in a unique stay that really feels like an quintessential Chicago apartment, look no further than The Neighborhood Hotel, which just opened its second location in Little Italy right on historic Taylor Street this past October. (A third property is set to open in Fulton Market in 2025.) Every bit as lovely as their original location in Lincoln Park, a stay at this boutique hotel rewards travelers with walkable access to a plethora of restaurants, shopping, and green spaces, as well as other popular neighborhoods like The Loop, South Loop, West Loop, Greek Town, and Pilsen.

Located in the former National Italian American Sports Hall of Fame, The Neighborhood Hotel is closely knit to the Windy City’s Italian American history. Be sure to sample delights at nearby Mario’s Italian Lemonade, established in 1954 and open seasonally; Pompei Restaurant, well-known since 1909; or Conte di Savoia, operating since 1948.

Check out the small bocce court next door—you can borrow a bocce set from the hotel, or stroll to Arrigo Park (known as Peanut Park by locals) for fresh air and a bit of exercise. See pre-Civil War Victorian architecture with an outing to Church of the Holy Family, one of the five buildings to survive the Great Chicago Fire of 1871. Spend time learning about Jane Addams, a social reformer and the first American woman to receive the Nobel Peace Prize, at the Jane Addams Hull-House Museum. You’ll find that there’s no shortage of things to do, sights to see, and places to eat.

Guests at The Neighborhood Hotel can expect to experience the comforts of home, yet with a modish urban flair where pops of pastels brighten up each room throughout the open floor plan. Choose from one of the 35 suites, which vary in size. The King & Queen Suite is the largest with two bedrooms, the Large One Bedroom is equipped with a sleeper sofa, and the Standard One Bedroom is perfect for two guests.

Once you’ve made your booking, you’ll be given a private punch code to enter the building and your suite for the duration of your stay. You’ll have everything you need at your home-away-from-home, including a kitchen, lounge area, and even a yoga mat so you can keep up with your health routine. There’s great coffee in the kitchen, but