Everything is done with an elevated sense of fun at The Alise Chicago, a Staypineapple Hotel in a gorgeous historic landmark building occupying an enviable corner of the Loop.
Why not show off an 11-foot crocheted pineapple to celebrate National Crochet Month? You can expect the unexpected in a hotel where the tagline is The Naked Experience.
Pieces of the Pineapple
After all, pineapples are a sweet, juicy, yellow, cheerful sort of fruit that comes in Mother Nature’s own humorous packaging, so what’s not to like? Family-owned and independently managed with a female at the helm, the Staypineapple boutique group has seven more urban properties (also in Seattle, Portland, San Diego, San Francisco) named after the universal symbol of hospitality.
And it’s smiles all around as my welcome drink is slid across the reception desk at check-in.
The Naked Experience
For all those who have thought “yuck” at the sight of dry clean only hotel bedspreads, throws, and cushions that are rarely changed between guest stays, Pineapple Hospitality has the answer.
The comfiest beds ever — new Simmons black diamond mattresses — are topped with a pair (so no one can hog the covers) of hypo-allergenic, fluffy, non-down European-style duvets. Freshly laundered is the only linen that will touch your skin.
Add soft, oversized towels, plush terry bathrobes and a pair of comfy slippers that are yours to keep. So, why not sleep in a little later?
The Pineapple Way
In the lobby, mini pineapple cupcakes, popcorn, pineapple infused water, free coffee and tea set the tone, so help yourself. Come for business, but say “So long” to cookie cutter corporate accommodation. Come for leisure, and borrow a bright yellow Staypineapple bicycle for your get-about-town exploration.
Pedal for only eight minutes to cover the half mile to Millennium Park where beloved public art means you can capture your own reflection in The Bean.
Reflect on 300,000 works of art among the treasures at The Art Institute of Chicago. Thanks to the foresight and generosity of a philanthropic 19th century female hotelier, Bertha Honore Palmer, one of the world’s best Impressionist art collections permanently resides here.
Inveterate pedestrians know The Alise is super handy to the State Street Chicago Cultural Walk, Magnificent Mile, river walks, theater, shopping, dining, and eye-popping vistas from the city’s spectacular sightseeing highs.
The National Historic Landmark
Big city energy meets old world charm at The Alise Chicago. Of course, complimentary high speed wi-fi is provided everywhere throughout the property, along with a complimentary fitness center.
Since 1895, daylight has streamed into the Reliance Building interiors through its large plate glass windows, known as the first ones installed in a “skyscraper” ground floor design. That transparency reveals plenty of lively socializing at Atwood, the hotel’s bar and restaurant named for the architect.
Come to Atwood to start your day with hot oatmeal, banana bread or a hearty breakfast. Meet up with friends, family, or colleagues for lunch or dinner. The wonderful location is matched by a bold and imaginative kitchen.
The Dash Adventure
Traveling alone? No worries, you have a new best friend waiting to keep you company. Meet Dash, the 10-inch Pineapple Hospitality mascot who is an adorable stuffed husky that you can even take home ($25) to brush his hair from his eyes. A portion of Dash’s adoption fee is donated to local animal shelters and humane societies. If you’d rather bring your own furry friend, just get in touch.
DETAILS:
The Alise Chicago
1 W. Washington Street
Chicago, IL 60602
(312) 940-7997
www.thealisechicago.com
Note: The author was a guest of the hotel. Opinions expressed are entirely those of the contributor involving no payment from The Alise Chicago or Pineapple Hospitality.
A career-long tourism, destination, hotel sales and marketing pro, Laurie Jo Miller Farr is a dedicated urbanite who loves walkable cities and has a knack for always finding the best public restrooms. As a San Francisco-based travel and copywriter, she enjoys views from its crazy signature hills following half-a-lifetime promoting her dual hometowns, a couple of oh-so-flat places: NYC and London. Her work is found online at USA Today, Yahoo, Eater, CBS, Where Traveler, and more. She tweets @ReferencePlease and posts on Instagram @lauriejmfarr.
