Where is The Talbott Hotel located?
The Talbott Hotel is ideally located at 20 E. Delaware Place, in the heart of Chicago’s affluent Gold Coast neighborhood. It’s just one block from the shopping of Michigan Avenue (otherwise known as the Magnificent Mile) and Oak Street, where all the tony boutiques are (Hermes, Prada) and a few blocks from the dining and nightlife of Rush & Division streets. The location is a perfect spot from which to explore Chicago: You’re right near everything but on a quiet street so you’re not constantly in the thick of things. Nestled between State Street and Rush street, The Talbott Hotel resides on a tree-lined street populated with horse-and-carriage rides, sidewalk dining, a great cupcake bakery (More), a cute doggie couture shop and an Intermix boutique on the corner. Starbucks is right across the street from the hotel. Popular attractions such as Navy Pier, Millennium Park and the Art Institute of Chicago are just 10 minutes by taxi.
-
On October 16The Talbott Hotel answered the question:
Where is the best Chicago shopping?
The best area for shopping is along Michigan Avenue and Oak Street. -
On October 1Forbes Travel Guide Inspector answered the question:
What are the five best amenities for kids at The Talbott Hotel?
If you’re traveling with your kids, you’re in luck — The Talbott Hotel has some great amenities for them. Here are the five best amenities for children at the Forbes Travel Guide recommended hotel.
1. Free in-room computer system. Kids will love sitting on the bed and playing with the Square[i]. This Apple Mac mini system transforms the flat-screen television into a computer for surfing the Internet, Skype or streaming Netflix. It also plays DVDs and iPods. The system is also secure: All content, including documents, images, Internet browsing history and recorded television programs, is deleted once you check out.
2. iPads in the Lobby. When in the lobby hanging out, children are welcome to borrow one of two iPads at the front desk. They can curl up on one of the couches in front of the fireplace and read, surf and play.
3. American Girl packages. Special packages that partner with American Girl Place, which is just a few blocks from the hotel, are a huge hit with girls. This doll mecca is one of 11 nationwide and includes shopping, a restaurant, a doll hair salon, special activities and events. In short: It’s a destination unto itself, and families travel from across the country to visit.
The Talbott Hotel features three different American Girl Place packages that start at $185 per night. Each includes milk and two Sprinkles cupcakes at turndown, complimentary continental breakfast for two and an American Girl foldout doll bed. Package upgrades include a horse-drawn carriage ride from the hotel to American Girl Place, which definitely add a fairytale sparkle to any little girl’s day in the big city.
4. Chocolate (or cupcakes!) at turndown. What kid doesn’t like candy? You’ll find at least two pieces of chocolate atop the bed at turndown. If parents or caregivers want to go the extra mile, you can make arrangements with the hotel to have fresh cupcakes from Sprinkles bakery ready for the kids when you return to your guest room.
5. A concierge desk ready with ideas. Consider the hotel’s concierge desk your child’s fairy godmother. The Talbott Hotel is the only Chicago hotel where each member of its concierge desk is a member of the prestigious Les Clefs d’Or, an international concierge organization that doesn’t admit members easily. What does that mean for you? The concierge will go out of his or her way to grant your — or your child’s — wish. -
On October 1Forbes Travel Guide Inspector answered the question:
What five words describe the style of The Talbott Hotel?
The Talbott Hotel offers an elegant getaway in the heart of Chicago’s Gold Coast. Family-owned, this hotel resembles an English Manor that we could go on and on about. But, if we had to sum up the style of The Talbott Hotel in five words, these are the ones we would use.
1. Regal. This is not your cookie-cutter, sleekly modern hotel chain. The ambience is reminiscent of a cozy, English manor — only, in the heart of the well-heeled Gold Coast neighborhood of Chicago. The Forbes Travel Guide recommended hotel retains an aristocratic atmosphere without being stuffy.
2. Upscale. From the lobby’s mahogany-lined walls to its portraits of horses, hounds and hunting parties, The Talbott Hotel definitely evokes affluence and old-money. It’s like stepping into the British Prime Minister’s private club in the English countryside.
3. Personal. The Talbott is a refreshing departure from bigger hotel chains in that its smaller size (149 rooms) allows for a more intimate atmosphere. As the guest, you definitely come first. Staff here is incredibly friendly and eager to go out of their way to ensure you have a pleasant stay. Little things, such as asking about your morning yoga class upon your return, are personal touches you just don’t find in the mega-hotels. Coming back to The Talbott Hotel is like coming home to a temporary family.
4. Tech-Savvy. For a hotel with such an old-world ambience, The Talbott Hotel is on the cutting edge of in-room technology. Not only can you access free high-speed Wi-Fi throughout the hotel, but rooms are also equipped with an incredibly cool piece of technology: the Square[i]. This is an Apple Mac mini system that’s connected to the room’s high-definition television. From the comfort of the bed or couch, you can use the television to surf the Internet, Skype, play music from your iPod, stream Netflix or play DVDs. The system is also secure: All content, including documents, images, Internet browsing history and recorded television programs, is deleted once you check out. The Talbott Hotel is the first U.S. hotel to offer this amenity, which allows you to leave the personal laptop at home.
5. Green. As one of the first Green Seal-certified hotels in the nation, The Talbott Hotel will appeal to the eco-conscious traveler. Particularly prominent in all guest rooms is an optional “eco-mode” — a one-touch button that alerts staff wirelessly that you needn’t have your bed and bath linens replaced daily. It also adjusts the room temperature when you’re not in it. -
On October 1Forbes Travel Guide Inspector answered the question:
Is there a jogging route near The Talbott Hotel?
The Talbott Hotel is near one of Chicago’s most treasured jogging routes: the 18-mile Lakefront Trail. You can pick up this paved jogging path at Oak Street Beach, which is several blocks from the Forbes Travel Guide recommended hotel.
Winding along Lake Michigan past parks, beaches, gardens and colorful concession stands, the Lakefront Trail (open from sunrise to sunset) is a fantastic place to run, bike, skate or walk — so pack accordingly, especially if you plan to brave a Chicago winter along the lakefront path. (And people do!) In summer months, the path can get crowded with beachgoers, so it’s best to run early or late.
We recommend bringing a camera during your run, too, as the Lakefront Trail offers some of the most spectacular scenery in town. The Chicago skyline views are especially dramatic. -
On October 1Forbes Travel Guide Inspector answered the question:
What is the locker room like at the gym at The Talbott Hotel?
The locker room at Equinox Gold Coast, the gym where guests of The Talbott Hotel get to work out, is immaculate and expansive, decorated in eco-inspired hues of green, cream and brown. Locker space is ample. Each locker comes with two wooden hangars and guests can secure a temporary lock by leaving their driver’s license with the front desk.
The bathroom sink and vanity area is stocked with hair dryers, razors, cotton swabs, mouthwash and Kiehl’s lotion. The shower area is stocked with fluffy towels, and each shower includes Kiehl’s bath products. The locker room also includes a separate steam room and direct access to the junior Olympic-sized lap pool. A SuitMate machine spins a bathing suit dry in 10 seconds.
Equinox is two blocks from the hotel in the 900 North Michigan Shops building on Michigan Avenue. -
On October 1Forbes Travel Guide Inspector answered the question:
What is the kids' room service menu like at The Talbott Hotel?
There isn’t a kid-specific room service menu at The Talbott Hotel; however, the menu boasts a wide range of items that should satisfy even the pickiest tastes.
The room service menu features a classic American hamburger that is probably the most kid-friendly option.
Room service is available 24 hours a day, with a limited “Late Night” menu from the hours of 9 p.m. to 6:30 a.m. The kids, however, will likely be asleep during this time (here’s hoping!). -
On October 1Forbes Travel Guide Inspector answered the question:
Does The Talbott Hotel have 24-hour room service?
The Talbott Hotel can satisfy hunger cravings morning, noon and night with its 24-hour room service. Items range from classic comfort food for dinner to specials on a late night menu, which is available from 9 p.m. to 6:30 a.m.
Breakfast items range from yogurt with fruit and French toast stuffed with bananas and mascarpone cheese to a bakery basket with preserves, butter, fruit and coffee or tea. Whatever it is you’re craving, you’ll be able to find it on the menu. -
On October 1Forbes Travel Guide Inspector answered the question:
What kind of entertainment is offered at the bar at The Talbott Hotel?
The Talbott Hotel features a beautiful bar that boasts the same classic European elegance of the Forbes Travel Guide recommended hotel’s lobby. The bar, adorned in carved wood décor evoking an old-world private club, does not offer any special entertainment save for a flat-screen television perched on a wall to the right of the bar. This is not a sports bar, however: The volume on the television is kept low, so you can enjoy the music that plays in the bar and restaurant area.
We found that the people watching and spontaneous conversations provided ample entertainment. Because the bar is situated in the well-heeled Gold Coast neighborhood and near tourist-friendly Michigan Avenue, it gets a nice mix of affluent neighbors, business travelers and sightseeing hotel guests bellying up to the bar in the evenings.
-
On October 1Forbes Travel Guide Inspector answered the question:
What signature drinks does the bar serve at The Talbott Hotel?
Signature drinks at The Talbott Hotel change every three to four months, at the whim of those managing the bar and wine selection. Be sure to ask the bartender for the most recent menu selection when visiting. The bar featured two drinks that tickled our taste buds before the dinner hour: the Restaurant Spritzer and its version of the Manhattan. The Restaurant Spritzer is served in a martini glass and made with Grey Goose L’Orange vodka, Aperol, Lillet Blanc, orange juice and soda. The Manhattan is made with Bulleit bourbon. -
On October 1Forbes Travel Guide Inspector answered the question:
What bars does The Talbott Hotel have?
The Talbott Hotel features a beautiful bar that boasts the same classic European elegance of the hotel lobby. The bar, adorned in carved wood décor evoking an old-world private club, boasts a robust list of wine that changes every three to four months and a changing selection of signature cocktails. It’s a great place to enjoy a drink before heading out for a night on the town or for a nightcap prior to turning in.
The bar boasts an extensive wine menu, and about 70 percent of the wines hail from Italy in keeping with the restaurant’s Italian heritage. The bar offers more than 25 wines by the glass, with all of the varieties you’d expect to find in an upscale bar — pinot grigio, chardonnay, cabernet, Chianti, malbec and more. Prices range from an $8 Riesling to a $99 glass of Laurent-Perrier champagne. -
On October 1Forbes Travel Guide Inspector answered the question:
What is the closet like in a regular room at The Talbott Hotel?
The sliding closets at The Talbott Hotel provide plenty of space to hang coats, slacks, shirts and more. We counted ten wooden hangars (what can we say, we’re thorough). Inside the closet you’ll find a safe (which can fit a personal laptop), several laundry bags, two plush bathrobes, extra bedding and blankets for chilly nights and a full-sized umbrella for rainy days.
