I once wrote a review of the Hotel Allegro, which somehow thanks to me, was truncated. I would like to expand a bit upon that review as I have just finished my 2011-2012 Lyric Opera Season and have spent six nights at the Allegro. First, the staff is just great, so friendly, so helpful. Once this year I had to arrive early for a luncheon at noon and was sure my room would not be ready until the usual 3:00 P.M. hour, but it was ready and I did not have to schlepp around luggage.
The location is just fabulous as the Hotel is located on Randolph which is really alive these days as to musicals. The Restaurant 312 located in the Hotel has turned into an outstanding Italian locale and the pastas are really great, and not expensive as Chicago prices go. I certainly can recommend dining there once while one is in Chicago. The lobby of the hotel is so pleasant and though busy, it is almost always quiet. A nice place for a conversation and at 5:00 P.M. there is complimentary wine.
The rooms are small as this Hotel was built in think in the 1920’s, but has been so beautifully renovated , but the rooms are impeccably clean and comfortable and though the bath is also small, the plumbing is modern and it has a great shower. Of course, if one wants larger rooms or even a suite, they are available, but I began my traveling around fifty years ago with Europe on Five Dollars a Day-now, an hour or less ,and so I seek out moderately priced places as long as I am pleased with the service, the room, etc. Chicago has some fabulously opulent Hotels, but one can always just pop in for a drink or whatever. Buen viaje. T. Doran