When I was editing the design magazine in Chicago (but living in Detroit), I had to travel back to Chicago every few months and stay for a day or two. I always stayed in the same old frumpy hotel: The Whitehall Hotel, which used to be a private club back in the ’50s. We had trade with a bunch of hotels downtown, and the Whitehall—by almost all measures—was the least fancy, the least hip. The folks responsible for booking my reservation were always questioning my request: “Are you sure you wouldn’t rather stay [insert sterile modern box with a bustling business center and windowless gym lined with rows of treadmills]?” Nope. I’ll take the worn brick façade, faded green awnings, and painfully slow elevators (that can hold only two people and a small piece of rolling luggage at a time) any day of the week. The rooms are predominately innocuous—from the tacky, quilt-like bedspreads to the ubiquitous hotel art hanging on the nude-colored walls. I admit, most of the décor choices are not in good taste—and there might even be a plastic plant in the lobby. But still…in its own dated, slightly daggy way (I say this with the greatest affection), the old gal has character. And it certainly isn’t sterile.
In the name of comfort over bells, whistles and business centers (doesn’t everyone have an iPhone these days anyway? And do people still fax stuff?), I’ve rounded up the ultimate designtripper list of unsuspecting business hotels. Of course, they aren’t business hotels by definition (and you won’t earn any “points” staying here), but they do a quietly impressive job of catering to business travelers with thoughtful, inconspicuous perks.
From left: original Whitehall Club logo; Porches (photo via); Lute Suites; Olde Bell Inn; The Greenbrier
[Disclosure: This post is sponsored by The Marriott Rewards® Credit Card from Chase]
20 April 2012 | Amatourist Said:
is that disclosure true, or just good quality irony?
20 April 2012 | Meghan Said:
Both! Or accidental irony. I didn’t realize that The Marriott Rewards Card was part of my Chase Sponsorship. I decided not to change my post, and so far, they’ve been supportive.
26 April 2012 | Amatourist Said:
as well they should be. i travel a fair bit for business as well, and typically find myself holed up in the types of places that are really good for nothing more than making me feel like I need to change my path in life. but this has inspired me to do my homework and find the spots with a little more, as you say, character.
27 June 2017 | http://notioncoiffure.xyz Said:
F*ckin’ awesome issues here. I’m very glad to peer your article. Thanks so much and i am looking ahead to contact you. Will you kindly drop me a e-mail?
27 June 2017 | http://muzichitz.xyz Said:
I have recently started a blog, the info you offer on this site has helped me greatly. Thank you for all of your time & work. “The achievements of an organization are the results of the combined effort of each individual.” by Vince Lombardi.
27 June 2017 | http://pkraw.xyz Said:
What i do not realize is in fact how you’re not really a lot more neatly-appreciated than you might be now. You’re so intelligent. You understand thus significantly when it comes to this subject, produced me for my part believe it from a lot of various angles. Its like women and men aren’t fascinated except it is one thing to do with Woman gaga! Your own stuffs outstanding. All the time handle it up!
28 June 2017 | top 3 hair growth products Said:
You have observed very interesting points! ps nice site.
28 June 2017 | co proti padání vlasů Said:
Very interesting information!Perfect just what I was searching for! “…obstacles do not exist to be surrendered to, but only to be broken.” by Adolf Hitler.
28 June 2017 | behandling av haravfall Said:
Some really superb blog posts on this site, regards for contribution. “The key to everything is patience. You get the chicken by hatching the egg, not by smashing it.” by Arnold Glasgow.
29 June 2017 | faire pousser les cheveux Said:
Very interesting points you have remarked, appreciate it for putting up. “Pleasure and love are the pinions of great deeds.” by Charles Fox.
29 June 2017 | kaalheid Said:
I gotta bookmark this web site it seems very useful invaluable
30 June 2017 | el crecimiento del cabello Said:
I will immediately grab your rss as I can not to find your e-mail subscription hyperlink or e-newsletter service. Do you’ve any? Please permit me recognize in order that I may just subscribe. Thanks.
30 June 2017 | für haarwachstum Said:
F*ckin’ amazing issues here. I am very glad to look your article. Thanks a lot and i’m having a look ahead to touch you. Will you please drop me a mail?
30 June 2017 | syitä hiustenlähtö Said:
You can certainly see your enthusiasm within the paintings you write. The world hopes for even more passionate writers like you who are not afraid to say how they believe. Always follow your heart. “Every man serves a useful purpose A miser, for example, makes a wonderful ancestor.” by Laurence J. Peter.
06 October 2020 | Nippon Said:
Your work seems to be informative. Thanks!!
21 June 2021 | Rakhinationwide Said:
Amazing work!! Looking for more from you.