Location, Longevity, and Cookies at the DoubleTree Magnificent Mile

The DoubleTree Magnificent Mile provided one night accommodations. All opinions are mine and weren’t influenced at all by the bottle of sparkline wine and the chocolate covered strawberries they sent to the room. That cookie, however…

Conveniently located in the middle of Streeterville is the DoubleTree Magnificent Mile. This Hilton property is situated right on the corner of Ohio Street and North Fairbanks Court, making it an ideal hotel whether you’re shopping or hitting the tourist hot spots. 

East of the bustle of Michigan Avenue is a relatively quiet enclave called Streeterville. Filled with high rise condos, hospitals, and restaurants, there’s a lot packed into this small area, including Chicago’s most popular tourist attraction and several hotels. While it’s certainly no Mayberry, this neighborhood is close to the excitement of the Magnificent Mile and Navy Pier without the crowded sidewalks and (fewer) blaring horns.

The DoubleTree has a lot more going for it than just location. When you check in you’re presented with a warm chocolate chip cookie. We also happened to be checked in by a woman named Cookie. When I asked her if she was the famous DoubleTree cookie, she said “of course!” Whether you get a cookie or a Cookie, it’s a welcoming way to begin your stay.

The rooms themselves are comfortable, featuring bench seats in the windows, microwaves, refrigerators, and coffee makers. A large desk, roomy reading chair, and WiFi make the room more than just a place to sleep, although with their “Sweet Dreams Sleep Experience” bedding, you won’t have any trouble catching some zzz’s.

While there is a myriad of dining options nearby, if you prefer to dine in you can get room service offering the cuisine of Markethouse. For breakfast you can dine in the restaurant or pick up something quick at the on-site Einstein Brother’s Bagels. In the afternoons and evenings the lobby lounge is a popular hang-out for business travelers. Both Markethouse and Lobby Lounge use produce that’s grown on the hotel’s fifth floor rooftop garden.

All of that is great, and alone make the DoubleTree worthy of a stay or staycation. But what really impressed us was the staff.

Any traveler knows that you can have the best food, the fluffiest comforters, the most exquisite view, and it won’t mean a thing if your staff isn’t happy to be there. Longevity is a key indicator in how well-run a business is, and this is especially true in the hospitality industry.

The DoubleTree Magnificent Mile seems to be doing something right. As I was waiting for Jim to retreive the car from the self-park garage the bellman told me he’d been working there for fourteen years.

When I expressed astonishment he said there were plenty of employees who’ve been there longer than he has. From Carlos, who’s been working in the kitchen for 38 years, to Antonia, who’s been in housekeeping for 34 years, to Alfredo, who’s a relative newcomer with only 24 years at the concierge desk, the hotel is filled with staff who have made the DoubleTree a career.

Considering that people switch jobs in the service industry frequently, that’s an achievement that speaks volumes.

If you’d like to take advantage of this hospitality, check out the several packages they offer before making your reservations. Here are a couple of these special deals:

Girls Getaway

  • $50 gift card
  • Two complimentary drinks
  • Free appetizer
  • Late checkout

Pier Fun Package

  • Four tickets to Pier Park
  • Navy Pier savings book
  • In-room movie
  • Complimentary overnight parking

The DoubleTree Magnificent Mile is located at 300 E Ohio St, Chicago, IL. Reservations can be made on their website or by calling 312-787-6100.

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