A Warm Winter Stay in Chicago

​For our family visit to Chicago, The Level Chicago - Fulton Market couldn't have been more perfect! We loved having the extra room to spread out with a living area, full kitchen, multiple bedrooms, all with amazing views and large closet space, and even a washer and dryer. There is also a balcony, which would be fantastic in the warmer months. The amenities, such as the spa (great hot tub) and the sky lounge on the 31st floor, provided terrific views (don't miss the Chicago skyline view at night - it's a great family photo background.) Everything is kept very clean. The staff is also incredible. They are ALL so helpful and friendly. This hotel is a special find as it's not in a very touristy area, but you can easily Uber/Lyft or walk (about 1.5 miles away) to sightsee and tour Chicago. 

The Level Chicago Fulton Market is located on the first floors of the Onni Fulton Market Apartments so it shares space with residents. The high-level security and thorough check-in process is needed for this reason. It's easy enough to do, and worth it as the extra space and amenities are more than you typically get in a city hotel - we truly enjoyed our stay here and wouldn't hesitate to book it again.

Fulton Market District @VisitChicago

Amazing view from every room

Lots of indoor/outdoor spaces within the hotel and apartment building

View from 31st floor at Level Chicago - Fulton Market

One of the many public areas to lounge

The sunset views!

1 of the 3 bedrooms in our room 711

Indoor hot tub with a view

Another lounge with large TV

Hungry? Even though the hotel doesn't have a restaurant, the restaurants surrounding the Level Chicago Fulton Market are the best in the city and easily walkable. There are also grocery stores nearby (I recommend stocking the kitchen with Chicago's famous Garrett popcorn to snack on.) Don't miss trying the famous Chicago deep dish pizza. It's easy enough to enjoy it in your own kitchen at Level Chicago Fulton Market. We tried Pequods Pizza and it is a winner! What makes Pequods Pizza special is the decadent caramelized crust. It has a smoky taste and a crispy bite. I loved the sausage, although some of our family preferred the pepperoni. Try either one and you are in for a treat. But if you need a sweet treat, donuts are my go-to. Voodoo Doughnut is sinfully delicious. It's an easy walk from Level Chicago Fulton Market and you can order ahead and it will be ready for you to pick up. Or if you are exhausted from a busy day of exploring Chicago, you can get delivery to satisfy your sweet tooth. 

Full kitchen with all appliances and dishes included. BYOP (Popcorn)

Pequods Pizza 1/2 Pepperoni and 1/2 Sausage

Yes! That is a Bacon Maple Doughnut you see

Only a 1.5 mile walk or short Uber or Lyft ride from Level Chicago Fulton Market, you'll find yourself in the heart of the famous landmarks in Chicago. Take in the Chicago Riverwalk, The Bean, and the luxury stores on The Magnificent Mile.

At night, you are close to some of the most famous restaurants in Chicago in West Loop and Fulton Market area. There are so many to pick from! We decided on Alla Vita for Italian and Swift & Sons Chicago for an amazing steakhouse. They were both fabulous and didn't disappoint! If you want to go there, I highly recommend you make a reservation on Open Table. Alla Vita starts taking reservations 60 days in advance and the popular times are taken within hours. 

Arancini

Alla Vita's Chicken Parmigiana

Wood Fired Table Bread (taleggio, orange blossom honey, black pepper)

Absolutely stunning ceiling!

Heavenly Ricotta Dumplings

Here we are!

I ordered all the classics at Swift & Sons Steakhouse, including the filet shown below. Others at our table ordered the Australian Waygu and bone-in filet. Plus, I was able to take my personalized birthday menu home - that was a fabulous surprise! We are still talking about the steaks we had at Swift & Sons. I highly HIGHLY recommend dining here for a special or any occasion. 

Most flavorful filet! Béarnaise sauce on the side

My favorite, a Wedge Salad

A special birthday treat was the menu. Plus an Old Fashioned

For breakfast, Beatrix's is an easy walk to the heart of Fulton Market. Their caramel pie is one of the best desserts I've EVER had! I'm still dreaming of it.

Beatrix Fulton Market

Light & Fluffy Lemon Pancakes (and they were!)

THIS Caramel Pie!

Did I mention our fabulous winter visit to Chicago was in February? Don't hesitate to go to Chicago during the winter months! This is a great time...less crowds, easier to get prime reservations, and still lots to see. We loved staying where we could walk easily to dining and sightseeing. If it's cold, there are plenty of Uber/Lyft cars to take you where you want to go. We were only visiting for 2 nights, but staying at the Level Chicago Fulton Market made it easy to relax and see the warm sights of Chicago. Have you visited here? Let me know what was your favorite place to stay, eat, and shop! 

My review was based upon our own experiences booking the places I researched. As always in My Virtual Vacations, I was not paid or provided any promotional materials for my review (although if Lettuce Entertain You, the owner of Beatrix wants to send me a Caramel Pie, I wouldn't turn it away!)