🇺🇸 Chicago, United States
Arlo Chicago
📍 168 N Michigan Ave, Chicago, 60601
Photo: official website
Your stay — Arlo Chicago
Live forecast for your dates · what's on · air quality & pollen📅 Pick your check-in & check-out above to unlock your day-by-day forecast, what's on during your stay, and live air quality & pollen for Chicago.
The Property — Arlo Chicago
Arlo Chicago makes a play for the design-conscious budget traveller: think pared-back industrial chic, concrete floors, and floor-to-ceiling windows that frame the Loop’s canyons. The lobby feels like a coworking space that forgot to close — all exposed brick, communal tables, and a coffee bar that actually does decent flat whites. It suits someone who wants a clean, central base without paying for a minibar or turndown service.
Chronicles of Chicago
Chicago was incorporated in 1837 as a transport hub on the Chicago River, then exploded after the Great Fire of 1871 cleared the way for modern skyscrapers. The Home Insurance Building (1885) is often called the world’s first skyscraper; Louis Sullivan and Frank Lloyd Wright later gave the city its architectural spine. Today, it’s a gritty, self-confident place of neighbourhood enclaves, deep-dish pizza, and lakefront culture — less tourist-trap than New York, more rooted than LA.
Best Time to Visit
Full Chicago guide →Best months
May, June, September — highs of 20-26°C, low humidity, and the lake breeze keeps things pleasant. You can walk the Riverwalk without melting or queue for the L without freezing.
Peak / festival surge
July is peak: temperatures hit 29°C, the Taste of Chicago floods Grant Park (usually early July), and Lollapalooza packs the city late in the month. Hotel rates often double — Arlo’s base room can jump from £120 to £250+.
Budget shoulder season
April and October are the sweet spot: highs around 13-16°C, room rates 30% lower, and the city feels quieter. You’ll need a jacket, but you won’t hit the humidity or the high-season crowds.
Weather & packing
Chicago’s weather is famously erratic — it can swing from 30°C to 15°C in a single day in July. Pack layers you can strip off; a light jacket that’s windproof is non-negotiable for the lakeshore.
Live City Briefing — Chicago
- The Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) has completed major track work on the Blue Line’s O’Hare branch — expect fewer delays but still check service alerts before heading to ORD.
- The Chicago Riverwalk has opened its newest segment west of Lake Street, with public art installations and kayak launches — good for a pre-dinner stroll.
- Navy Pier is running extended summer hours until midnight on weekends, with free fireworks shows on Wednesdays and Saturdays.
Your Perfect Room
✨ AI-generated · Jul 2026Before you check in to Arlo Chicago, here's what to know about choosing the right room.
Best rooms to request
Request a high floor on the west side (facing the river/Garland Court) for quieter conditions and a city view without the full roar of Michigan Avenue.
Rooms to avoid
Avoid rooms on floors 2–5 on the east side (facing Michigan Avenue) – street traffic from this main artery is constant, especially during morning and evening rush hours.
Best views
East-facing rooms give a direct shot of Michigan Avenue and the skyscrapers. West-facing rooms overlook the Chicago River and the Wrigley Building – more scenic and less noisy.
Quietest floors
Floors 10 and above, particularly on the west side, are far enough from the street to muffle traffic noise and away from the lobby/bar area.
🔊 Noise notes
Michigan Avenue is a 24/7 traffic artery with buses, taxis, and emergency vehicles. The hotel’s ground-floor bar and restaurant can generate low hum on lower floors, especially Friday and Saturday nights.
Insider tips
1) If driving, pre-book parking at a nearby garage via a discount app – the hotel’s valet is pricey. 2) Ask for a west-facing room at booking: these are usually quieter and have better views without extra cost.
- Call the hotel directly 24–48 hours before arrival and ask for a specific room type
- Add a note in your booking comments field
- Ask at check-in — front desk staff can often accommodate if a room is available
Hotel Facilities — Arlo Chicago
Free basic Wi-Fi for up to 5 devices at 15 Mbps; premium upgrade $9.95/day for 50 Mbps and streaming support; no login required after registration
Two lifts serving all seven guest floors; no stairs-only sections
Digital PressReader access via lobby tablet or personal device code; no physical newspapers
Check-in from 15:00; early bag-drop allowed anytime; late check-out until 13:00 for $50, 14:00 for $75, subject to availability
Free for same-day before check-in or after check-out; overnight storage not available
Step-free main entrance with automatic doors; two accessible rooms on lower floors; no accessible route to rooftop bar (stairs only)
No on-site or valet parking; nearest public garage is 1 S Franklin St (Self-Park) at $45/night; no EV charging on property
Fees, Taxes & Deposits
City / tourist tax: 16.5% room tax plus $4.50/night tourism fee
Deposit & card hold: full room + tax charged at booking; $100/night incidental hold on credit card at check-in
Faith & Dietary Nearby
- Church: Seventeenth Church of Christ Scientist (460 m · ~6 min walk)
- Church: First United Methodist Church of Chicago (1.2 km · ~15 min walk)
- Place of worship: Mathews Chapel (1.3 km · ~16 min walk)
- Church: St. Peter's Church (1.3 km · ~16 min walk)
Local Lifestyle & Recreation
Millennium Station/Pedway — 483 m · ~6 min walk
Chicago Riverwalk — 449 m · ~6 min walk
Chicago Architecture Center — 226 m · ~3 min walk
Joan W. and Irving B. Harris Theater for Music and Dance — 514 m · ~6 min walk
The Watering Hole — 805 m · ~10 min walk
5-Minute Radius Essentials
Chase — 498 m · ~6 min walk
CVS Pharmacy — 258 m · ~3 min walk
7-Eleven — 502 m · ~6 min walk
Mercury Tours 1 — 149 m · ~2 min walk
Money & Currency
Get a travel card →US Dollar, USD
ATMs are ubiquitous throughout downtown Chicago; avoid airport exchange counters which offer poor rates—withdraw USD from ATMs using your home bank card instead.
Credit cards and contactless payments (Apple Pay, Google Pay) are standard everywhere; cash is less common but still accepted at most venues.
15-20% at restaurants (pre-tax total), $1-2 per drink at bars, $1-2 per bag for hotel bellhops, and 15-20% for taxi/rideshare drivers.
Eat, Shop & Travel on a Budget
Cheap car hire →Use the CTA 'L' instead of taxis/rideshare for most trips—the Loop area is extremely walkable and well-connected by public transit. Many museums and attractions offer free admission on certain weekdays or have reduced-price evening hours; check ahead. Buy groceries or snacks at supermarkets rather than tourist-area convenience stores, which mark up prices significantly.
Good to know — Chicago
Type A/B · 120V
safe
USD ($)
Emergency Contacts
ChicagoAll emergency services in Chicago, United States are reached by dialing 911. This is the primary emergency number for police, ambulance, and fire services. For non-emergency situations, contact the Chicago Police Department at 311 or visit their website.
💡 Save these numbers in your phone. In life-threatening emergencies, call immediately.
Where to Eat
Book a table →💡 Booking tip: For popular restaurants in Chicago, book at least a week ahead — especially for weekend evenings and during festival season.
Your arrival at Arlo Chicago
🕒 Check-in is from . Arriving earlier? Most hotels store luggage free — just ask at reception.
🧭 First things nearby: cash · Chase — 498 m · ~6 min walk — pharmacy · CVS Pharmacy — 258 m · ~3 min walk
🚐 Pre-book an airport transfer →Getting Around
Downtown Chicago / Local neighborhoods → London House Chicago, Near Chicago River
💡 Routes 156, 2, 6 serve the Wacker Drive area. Ventra card recommended for faster boarding. Best for local exploration.
Midway International Airport (MDW) → London House Chicago, Downtown Chicago
💡 Cheaper alternative if arriving at Midway. Orange Line connects to Red/Brown lines for downtown access.
O'Hare International Airport (ORD) → London House Chicago, 85 East Upper Wacker Drive
💡 Avoid peak hours (7-9 AM, 4-7 PM). Airport taxis offer flat rates from taxi stand on baggage claim level.
O'Hare International Airport (ORD) → London House Chicago (Clark/Lake Station nearby)
💡 Most economical option. Blue Line runs 24/7; transfer at Clark/Lake for walking distance to hotel. Download Ventra card app.
About Chicago
Wikipedia ↗
Chicago is the most populous city in the U.S. state of Illinois and in the Midwestern United States. Located on the western shore of Lake Michigan, it is the third-most populous city in the United States, with a population of 2.74 million at the 2020 census. The Chicago metropolitan area has approxi...
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best rooms at Arlo Chicago?
Request a high floor on the west side (facing the river/Garland Court) for quieter conditions and a city view without the full roar of Michigan Avenue.
Which rooms should I avoid at Arlo Chicago?
Avoid rooms on floors 2–5 on the east side (facing Michigan Avenue) – street traffic from this main artery is constant, especially during morning and evening rush hours.
Is Arlo Chicago noisy?
Michigan Avenue is a 24/7 traffic artery with buses, taxis, and emergency vehicles. The hotel’s ground-floor bar and restaurant can generate low hum on lower floors, especially Friday and Saturday nights.
Which rooms have the best views at Arlo Chicago?
East-facing rooms give a direct shot of Michigan Avenue and the skyscrapers. West-facing rooms overlook the Chicago River and the Wrigley Building – more scenic and less noisy.
What are insider tips for staying at Arlo Chicago?
1) If driving, pre-book parking at a nearby garage via a discount app – the hotel’s valet is pricey. 2) Ask for a west-facing room at booking: these are usually quieter and have better views without extra cost.
What time is check-in at Arlo Chicago?
Check-in at Arlo Chicago is from null. Check-out is by null.
Does Arlo Chicago have Wi-Fi?
Free basic Wi-Fi for up to 5 devices at 15 Mbps; premium upgrade $9.95/day for 50 Mbps and streaming support; no login required after registration
Is there a city or tourist tax at Arlo Chicago?
16.5% room tax plus $4.50/night tourism fee
When is the best time to visit Chicago?
May, June, September — highs of 20-26°C, low humidity, and the lake breeze keeps things pleasant. You can walk the Riverwalk without melting or queue for the L without freezing.
Top Attractions in Chicago
💡 Parking on the pier itself is expensive — the free trolley from nearby Streeterville, or a 15-minute walk from Michigan Avenue, is cheaper and often faster. Summer weekends get very crowded by afternoon; mornings are quieter.
💡 Go early (before 8am) or on a weekday to get a clear photo of the Bean without crowds. The garden section at the southeast corner is quieter and offers good views of the skyline.
💡 Start at the Riverwalk entrance near Michigan Avenue bridge. Go at sunset for good lighting on the skyscrapers. The paid cruise adds historical narration but the free route is excellent on a clear day. Allow 1 hour.
💡 Illinois residents can book free tickets online for Thursdays; bring a state ID. Non-residents: the regular $25 ticket gets you into the Modern Wing where fewer tourists go. Give yourself 2-3 hours.
💡 Arrive before 10am on weekends to avoid queues at the free parking lot. The zoo is compact; two hours is enough for a thorough visit.
💡 Check the website before going—some special exhibits have a small fee ($5–$10). The conservatory is west of the Loop; take the Green Line train to Garfield station. Allow 1–2 hours.