7. The Alfond Inn at Rollins
Owned by neighboring Rollins College, The Alfond Inn offers modern accommodations about 20 miles northeast of Orlando, Florida’s major theme parks. The boutique hotel boasts an art collection, a large sunk-in pool and 10,000 square feet of meeting space. Recent guests loved the location close to restaurants and attractions in artsy Winter Park and said the staff was friendly and helpful. Past visitors also said the clean rooms don’t disappoint. The guest rooms are decorated with homey touches like bathrobes and slippers, flat-screen TVs and minifridges, and the marble bathrooms feature glass-enclosed showers. The hotel is also a popular choice for weddings because of its unique indoor and outdoor venues, such as a glass-topped conservatory overlooking the enclosed courtyard and verdant gardens. Plus, this property is a member of the Preferred LVX hotel family, meaning members of the I Prefer Hotel Rewards program can exchange accrued points for rewards certificates, which can be used to pay for stays.
8. Thompson Chicago
The Thompson Chicago sits in the Near North Side neighborhood, one block back from Chicago’s Michigan Avenue near Oak Street Beach and close to many attractions and restaurants. Recent guests loved the location of this Thompson property and all agreed that the decor in the lobby, including the large fireplace with its library feel, strike a nice balance between refined and homey. Past visitors said that everyone from the general manager to the doorman is congenial – and they’re especially skilled at remembering names here. The Thompson Chicago’s rooms offer a sleek, sophisticated design, featuring floor-to-ceiling windows with views of Lake Michigan and The Magnificent Mile, 400-thread-count Sferra linens and bathrooms with rainfall showers. Nico Osteria serves as the hotel’s Italian-inspired seafood restaurant, offering dishes like lobster spaghetti and swordfish pancetta, while the Salone Nico keeps up the European feel with an extensive wine list from Greece and Italy, although both dining options can be a bit pricey for some travelers’ tastes.
