A Stay at the Chicago Athletic Association Hotel

The Chicago Athletic Association Hotel is one of downtown Chicago’s most distinctive and historic places to stay, blending Gilded Age elegance with modern boutique design. Located directly across from Millennium Park, the hotel occupies a striking Venetian Gothic building originally completed in 1893 as a private men’s athletic club.

After more than a century as an exclusive club, the building underwent a major restoration and reopened in 2015 as a luxury hotel. Today, it retains many of its original architectural details, including marble staircases, stained glass windows, ornate fireplaces, and intricate woodwork. Walking through the property feels like stepping back in time, with spaces such as the Drawing Room offering a cozy, library-like atmosphere filled with vintage charm.

The hotel features around 240 guest rooms, each designed to reflect its athletic heritage with unique touches like pommel horse benches and vintage-inspired furnishings. Modern amenities are seamlessly integrated, ensuring comfort while preserving the building’s historic character.

One of the standout features is the hotel’s lively social spaces. The Game Room, set in a former boxing area, includes billiards, shuffleboard, and bocce ball, while the restored basketball court offers a playful nod to the building’s past. Dining is also a highlight, with multiple venues including a popular rooftop restaurant offering sweeping views of Millennium Park and Lake Michigan.

Overall, the Chicago Athletic Association Hotel is more than just a place to stay—it’s an immersive experience that celebrates Chicago’s history, architecture, and vibrant social culture.

Game Room at the Chicago Athletic Association Hotel

The Game Room at the Chicago Athletic Association Hotel is one of the property’s most lively and unique spaces, blending historic charm with playful entertainment. Originally the building’s billiards room when it operated as a private men’s club, the space has been transformed into a welcoming social hub open to guests and visitors alike.

Designed to reflect the spirit of old athletic clubs, the Game Room features dark wood interiors, vintage details, and a relaxed, club-like atmosphere. Guests can enjoy a wide variety of classic games, including billiards, shuffleboard, bocce ball, chess, and foosball, along with nostalgic favorites like skeeball and Pop-A-Shot basketball.

Beyond the games, the space functions as a full-service bar and restaurant, offering casual, shareable food inspired by classic concession and street fare, alongside craft cocktails, beer, and wine. The combination of food, drinks, and friendly competition creates a vibrant, social environment that appeals to both hotel guests and locals.

Positano on the Amalfi Coast of Italy

Perched dramatically along the cliffs of southern Italy, Positano is the jewel of the Amalfi Coast, a destination where pastel-colored houses cascade toward the shimmering Tyrrhenian Sea. Once a humble fishing village, Positano has transformed into one of Italy’s most iconic seaside escapes, celebrated for its steep winding streets, boutique shops, and sun-drenched beaches.

From nearly every vantage point, the town feels like a postcard come to life. Bougainvillea spills over balconies, narrow staircases replace traditional roads, and the scent of lemon groves drifts through the warm Mediterranean air. At the heart of town stands the Church of Santa Maria Assunta, crowned with its majolica-tiled dome and home to a revered Byzantine icon of the Black Madonna. Below it, Spiaggia Grande beach hums with life as boats bob offshore and visitors lounge beneath rows of colorful umbrellas.

Positano’s charm extends beyond its scenery. The town is known for its “Moda Positano” fashion, lightweight linen clothing, handmade sandals, and breezy summer dresses perfect for coastal living. Cafés and cliffside restaurants serve fresh seafood, handmade pasta, and locally grown lemons transformed into vibrant limoncello.

Whether arriving by boat along the coast or navigating the dramatic Amalfi Drive, the first glimpse of Positano is unforgettable. Sunsets paint the cliffs in hues of pink and gold, while evenings bring a romantic glow as lights flicker across the hillside. Both glamorous and relaxed, Positano captures the timeless allure of the Italian Riviera, inviting travelers to slow down and savor la dolce vita.