Breakfast Hotel in Downtown Chicago

Question

Visiting Chicago with a 8 year old, Idea is visit all the museums and do touristy stuff . Staying in for 5 nights. What will a good option to stay with free basic Breakfast like coffee, toast, milk, fruits. I have short listed Hampton Inns in Chicago downtown/magnificent mile. Leaning more towards the downtown but the pictures look dated rooms. Any other options you would like to recommended or help choose between the two ?

Answer

It’s great that you're planning to visit Chicago with your 8-year-old and explore all the museums and tourist spots! When it comes to finding a hotel with free basic breakfast in downtown Chicago, you have some great options, including Hampton Inns. I'll break down a few things to consider, as well as a few alternatives to Hampton Inns that might be a good fit for your stay.

1. Hampton Inn Chicago Downtown/Magnificent Mile:

The Hampton Inn in downtown Chicago on the Magnificent Mile is a solid choice, especially for families. As you mentioned, it offers a free basic breakfast, which typically includes items like coffee, tea, toast, fruit, and some other light options. This is very convenient for families, as you don’t have to spend extra money on breakfast every morning. However, you noted that the pictures of the rooms look a bit dated, which is a valid concern. While the hotel is in a great location—close to shopping, restaurants, and tourist attractions—it might not offer the most modern or spacious rooms. If you're okay with slightly older décor and don’t mind a more basic atmosphere, this is a fine option.

2. Alternatives to Consider:

Here are a few other hotels that offer free breakfast and are family-friendly. They might have a more modern feel, so it’s worth looking into them as well:

Hyatt Place Chicago/Downtown – The Loop: This hotel is located in the heart of downtown, near Millennium Park, the Art Institute of Chicago, and other key attractions. The rooms are spacious and modern, and they offer a free hot breakfast, including scrambled eggs, fruit, and coffee. The location is very central, making it easy to access museums and other tourist spots with your family.
SpringHill Suites by Marriott Chicago Downtown/River North: This is another great option for families. The hotel is located in the River North area, close to the Magnificent Mile and not far from Navy Pier and Millennium Park. They offer a free hot breakfast with options like eggs, fruit, yogurt, and baked goods. The rooms are spacious and newly renovated, offering more modern décor than some other options.
Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Chicago Downtown: Located near the Riverwalk, this hotel offers easy access to major tourist spots like the Navy Pier and museums. They also provide a free breakfast, which includes a good variety of items like oatmeal, fruit, coffee, and pastries. The rooms are contemporary and well-maintained, with good amenities for families.
Homewood Suites by Hilton Chicago Downtown: This is a great choice if you need a bit more space and flexibility. They offer larger rooms or suites with kitchenettes, which can be helpful when traveling with kids. The free breakfast includes a mix of hot and cold items, such as eggs, waffles, fruit, and pastries. It’s located near the River North area, close to major attractions.

3. Things to Consider:

Location: Since you're traveling with an 8-year-old, staying in a central location is key. Look for a hotel that’s close to the attractions you plan to visit, such as the Field Museum, the Shedd Aquarium, the Art Institute, and Millennium Park. Being in a walkable area, like the Magnificent Mile or The Loop, can save you time and transportation costs.
Room Size: If you’ll be staying for 5 nights, the size and comfort of your room will matter, especially with a child. Some hotels offer suites or rooms with extra space, which could be helpful if you need a little more room to spread out after a day of sightseeing.
Free Breakfast Options: While free breakfast is a great perk, the quality and variety can vary. If your family prefers a more substantial breakfast, look for hotels that offer a hot breakfast with items like eggs, bacon, and yogurt in addition to pastries and fruit.

4. Final Decision – Hampton Inn vs. Alternatives:

If you’re leaning toward Hampton Inn but are concerned about the dated rooms, consider the alternatives I’ve listed. Hyatt Place and SpringHill Suites by Marriott offer more modern rooms and also provide free breakfast. Both are located near the attractions you’ll likely want to visit, so you can’t go wrong with either of them. However, if you’re on a tighter budget or prefer the location on the Magnificent Mile, the Hampton Inn is still a solid option, especially with its convenient breakfast service and central location.

Overall, I recommend looking at the amenities and the room photos to see which hotel aligns best with your family’s preferences. Either way, you’ll be close to Chicago’s best attractions, making your trip enjoyable and convenient!

Breakfast Hotel in Downtown Chicago

More Chicago Travel Questions

The attractions mentioned in this question

Popular Destinations

Popular Travel Questions