America’s “Second City,” Chicago is known for a lot of things but being a kid-friendly town may not be top of mind to most travelers. Yet this vibrant, historic and diverse city has a lot to offer vacationing families—from museums to sporting events to the grandeur of Lake Michigan and more—and the new Avenue Hotel, or “The Ave,” is the perfect place for guests with kids to stay.

avenue hotel chicago

A kids' room at Avenue Hotel

Open since March of this year, and located right on Chicago’s famed Miracle Mile, the Avenue is a luxury hotel with a difference—kids are most definitely welcome in its hip, trendy environs. In addition to its large Standard Rooms, Junior Suites and One Bedroom Suites, the Avenue offers three “Kid-Friendly Rooms” (with plans to create two more). Among the amenities in these 478-square-foot accommodations are vibrant rainbow colored bedding and accessories; globe lamps and children’s books; Fatboy Beanbag; Crayola bath products and bath toys; chalk board with dust-free chalk; and an in-room Wii gaming system. (Given the limited number of these rooms, agents are advised to book well in advance.) For a family of four, a Junior King Suite would run $469 per night, while the kids’ room would also be $469.

avenue hotel chicago

The bathroom of a kids' room at Avenue Hotel

“What makes us so great for family travel,” says Diane Howard, director of sales and marketing, “are our location, the spacious rooms and the kids’ themed rooms. The kids’ themed rooms are exceptional, as well as our programs in general for children—such as our behind-the-scenes tour of the hotel.”

The Avenue offers several packages for families, including the “Kids Are Cool Sports Rule Package,” with deluxe accommodations including two beds, a $20 game card for the ESPN Zone and Gatorade and pretzels upon arrival; the “Something Wild Package” featuring overnight accommodations with two queen beds, Lincoln Park Zoo admittance (always complimentary), Adopt-a-Zebra certificate and photo and an Avey the Avenue zebra stuffed animal; and the “Kids Are Cool Dress-Up Package,” which includes a dress-up chest, mommy/daughter manicure and cookies and milk upon arrival.

“The Sports Rule and Dress Up Packages are the most popular,” says Howard. “We also hope to partner with American Girl Place for a new package, but plans have not been finalized yet.”

For Bigger Kids

Of course, the Avenue is not all about the little ones; there are plenty of amenities and offerings of a more sophisticated nature for Mom and Dad. Among features included in guest rooms and suites, many of which offer panoramic views of the lake or the city, are a signature Zebra chair and iHome docking station in every room; high-definition LCD TVs; and complimentary wireless Internet. There are also iMac-equipped “Tech” rooms available.

Clients looking for a luxurious spa treatment after a day of running around with the kids need go no further than their guestroom. The Avenue’s in-room spa therapist use the exclusive FRESH brand of products, which incorporates the finest ingredients—both familiar and exotic, with sensuous textures and scents to create a gratifying multi-sensory experience. The hotel also has an outdoor rooftop pool as well as a well-equipped fitness center.

And, of course, there’s that location right on Michigan Ave., amidst the finest shops, restaurants and museums that Chicago has to offer—truly something for everyone in the family.
Agents should call 877-AVE-5110 for reservations and more information.

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Chicago Is a Kids’ Kinda Town

The Avenue Hotel makes it easy for parents of young children by offering its list of Top 10 activities for boys and girls to do while in Chicago:

Top 10 things to do if you’re a boy:
    •     ESPN Zone
    •     Top of the Sears Tower
    •     Boat Tour
    •     Dave and Busters
    •     Rain Forest Cafe
    •     Sporting event—Chicago is home to the Cubs, White Soxs, Bears, Bulls and Blackhawks
    •     Disney Store
    •     Lego Store
    •     Lucky Strike Lane
    •     Behind-the-scene tour of The Ave

Top 10 things to do if you’re a girl:
    •     American Girl Place
    •     Disney Store
    •     Build-A-Bear Workshop
    •     Navy Pier Ferris Wheel
    •     River Cruise
    •     Carriage Ride
    •     Children’s Museum at Navy Pier
    •     The theater
    •     Lunch at the Signature Room on the 95th floor of the John Hancock Center
    •     Behind-the-scene tour of The Ave