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Introduction and Booking
Being in downtown Chicago during Lollapalooza means you have no shortage of hotel options from Marriott, Hilton, and Hyatt, but dynamic pricing can make them pricey, especially if you’re booking with points. Initially, I booked six nights at the Hilton Hampton Inn Majestic Chicago Theatre District, using the fifth night free benefit, which cost me 350,000 Hilton points (approximately 70,000 per night). Down the street, the 150-year-old Palmer House Hilton offers similar pricing and is worth visiting for its grand lobby. Ultimately, I opted for the Cambria Hotel Chicago Loop – Theatre District, part of the Choice Hotels family.
The hotel is about a 10-minute walk from the Hilton. Booking with Choice Privileges points cost me 210,000 points (35,000 points per night). I rarely buy points, but I’ve found Choice offers good value for specific destinations. Points sales are frequent, with bonuses of 30-40% or even 50% through the U.S. Travel Association’s “Daily Getaways” program, which has now been discontinued. This typically reduces the cost to approximately 0.5 US cents per point (~0.67 CAD), making it a cost-effective option. Buying points on a card you’re working toward a minimum spend with also helps earn a welcome bonus.
A key limitation of Choice Privileges is that points redemptions typically open only 100 days in advance; however, this has been relaxed to up to 50 weeks out, making it easier to plan. My final out-of-pocket cost was about $1,050 (at 0.05 USD/point) or roughly $175 per night—tax included. For a 3-star hotel just a 20-minute walk from Grant Park (GP), which hosts Lollapalooza, this was an excellent value compared to hotels that often exceed $500/night during Lollapalooza. It also compared favourably to the Hilton booking at 350,000 points, which did not include a fifth-night-free perk.
Getting there and Check-in
From O’Hare Airport (ORD), I took the Blue Line to Washington Station. Since I was in town for a week, I bought a 7-day transit pass for $25—a solid investment for multiple daily rides. From Washington Station, it was just a one-minute walk to the hotel. The Cambria is adjacent to the James M. Nederlander Theatre, a block from the Chicago Theatre, and close to Macy’s and Walgreens—a very central downtown location. Getting to Lollapalooza was simple: exit the hotel, walk two blocks to Michigan Avenue, then head south to the festival entrances—under a 20-minute walk.
Welcome Desk
I wasn’t expecting any upgrades since I don’t have status with Choice Hotels, and Lollapalooza week ensures high occupancy downtown. Check-in is at 3 PM, and check-out is at 11 AM (later if you have a status upgrade). The reception desk is located on the 9th floor, where friendly and knowledgeable staff provide helpful information about the city. In front of the desk, there’s a small marketplace for snacks and drinks. A convenient touch, especially since the hotel doesn’t offer a complimentary breakfast.
Marketplace
Cambria Hotel Chicago Loop – Deluxe King Room
I booked a Deluxe King Room—a corner suite, which was a plus since it was quieter. To the left of the entrance was the bathroom with a stand-up shower and amenities from Pure by Gloss, including shampoo, conditioner, soap, and body wash. Next to the bathroom was a full-length mirror with three hooks for hanging clothes. Beside that was the closet with eight hangers, an ironing board, and an iron. A mini-fridge and a countertop with two glasses were also provided.
Deluxe King Room
Walking into the main area, there was a suitcase stand to the left and a king-sized bed with two nightstands to the right. A 49-inch flat-screen TV was in front of the bed, with a marble desk and an ergonomic leather chair underneath. Below the TV was a microwave and a coffee machine with complimentary pods. In front of the bed was a three-seater couch—nice for relaxing.
Corner Suite
Coffee Station
Room Amenities
The view was limited—mostly the lit-up sign of the neighbouring James M. Nederlander Theatre, a typical downtown Chicago view of buildings or walls. However, the room was very spacious, more than enough for two people. I appreciated the microwave and fridge, especially since there’s no complimentary breakfast.
Washroom – Deluxe King
Cambria Hotel Chicago Loop – F&B options
The hotel’s on-site restaurant, Intermission Bar and Kitchen, serves American fare and hosts a daily happy hour from 4 to 6 PM—$6 beer, wine, and margaritas. I checked it out on my first night—great value to kick off the trip. Though breakfast wasn’t included in my redemption, there were plenty of nearby breakfast options, given the hotel’s prime location.
Intermission Bar&Kitchen
Restaurant Seating
For an excellent local recommendation, the Dearborn restaurant is just across the street—my advice: skip the hotel breakfast and explore the vibrant Theatre District’s culinary scene.
Other Amenities
Gym: Located on the 10th floor, accessible via room key and open from 6 AM to 11 PM. It features free weights, medicine balls, yoga balls, mats, three treadmills, two elliptical machines, two stationary bikes, towels, a water station, and a bathroom with a scale. Modest but well-equipped for a decent workout.
Hotel Gym
Game Room: On the 5th floor, accessible with your room key. It’s a cozy space with a foosball table, pool table, large-screen TV (sports), and plenty of seating—a nice spot to unwind.
Hotel Game Room
14th Floor Theatre: The Cambria is home to Teatro ZinZanni—a dinner theatre show with a four-course meal. Though not a direct hotel amenity, it’s a unique experience.
Takeaway
I’d rate my stay an 8/10 overall. The hotel has a solid 4/5 rating on TripAdvisor, and I’d agree. The room was spacious, the amenities were solid, and the staff was friendly and helpful. The price I paid, achieved through the strategic use of Choice points, offered exceptional value compared to other downtown options. Choice Hotels doesn’t get much exposure in the points and miles community, but it’s worth a look if you’re seeking value and flexibility. I’d consider staying here again during peak downtown events like Lollapalooza.
