If you’ve ever stood on the corner of Dearborn and Harrison, you’ve probably felt it. Chicago has this way of making you feel tiny, especially with the glass towers of the Loop looming over you. But then there’s the Hotel Blake Ascend Hotel Collection. It doesn’t try to scrape the sky. Instead, it sits firmly in its 19th-century boots, offering a vibe that’s more "old-world library" than "corporate lobby."
Honestly, most people booking a room in the South Loop just want a bed near the Bean. They miss the point. Staying here is basically a history lesson you can sleep in.
The Morton Building Mystery
Let’s clear something up right away. People call this the "Morton Salt Building." It’s a common mistake. While the name "Morton" is literally carved into the stone above the door, it’s not for the salt guy. It’s for Levi P. Morton, a former U.S. Vice President who bought the place back in 1909.
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The building itself was designed by William Le Baron Jenney. If that name sounds familiar, it should. He’s the guy who basically invented the modern skyscraper. But with the Hotel Blake, he went a different route. Instead of just cold steel, you get these ornate, decorative flourishes at the base that feel incredibly grounded.
It’s heavy. It’s solid. It’s 1896 captured in masonry.
Why Hotel Blake Ascend Hotel Collection Still Matters in 2026
In a world of automated check-in kiosks and "minimalist" rooms that feel like hospital wards, the Hotel Blake Ascend Hotel Collection is refreshing. It’s a boutique experience that hasn’t lost its soul. The lobby is a weird, wonderful mix of 1940s glamour and Zen-like calm. Think low black tables, gauzy curtains, and enough dark wood to make you want to start a cigar collection.
You aren't just a confirmation number here.
The rooms? They’re huge. Seriously. Because it’s an old office building (and later a loft space), the ceilings are often 12 feet high. You get these massive windows that actually let you see the city, rather than just a sliver of the building next door. If you’re lucky enough to snag a corner room, the natural light is almost aggressive in the morning. It’s great.
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Survival Guide: Navigating the South Loop
Printer’s Row is one of those neighborhoods that feels like a secret even though it’s right in the middle of everything. It used to be the hub of the Midwest's printing industry. Now? It’s where you go to find the best bagels and quietest streets in downtown Chicago.
- Breakfast is a non-negotiable: Meli Café is attached to the hotel. Don't skip it. They do this fresh-squeezed juice bar and serve organic eggs that actually taste like eggs. Their homemade seasonal marmalades are legendary. Try the Challah bread. Just do it.
- The "L" is your best friend: The Harrison (Red Line) and LaSalle (Blue Line) stations are two blocks away. You can get to O'Hare or Midway without ever touching a steering wheel.
- Walk, don't ride: The Art Institute and Millennium Park are a ten-minute stroll. If you head south, you’re at Soldier Field or the Field Museum in twenty.
What Nobody Tells You About the Stay
Let’s be real for a second. It’s a historic building in the heart of a major city. You're going to hear things. The "L" train rumbles nearby. The city breathes outside your window. If you’re the type of person who needs total sensory deprivation to sleep, this might be a challenge. But most guests find the "downtown hum" oddly soothing.
Also, the valet situation. It’s $60 a night. Yeah, it’s steep. But that’s Chicago for you. The hotel offers unlimited in-and-out privileges, which is a lifesaver if you're actually planning to use your car to explore neighborhoods like Wicker Park or Logan Square.
The bathrooms deserve a shout-out too. Rainfall showerheads are standard. After a day of walking 15,000 steps on concrete, that water pressure feels like a religious experience. They use these natural Ayo body care products that don't smell like chemicals, which is a nice touch.
The Room Breakdown (Pick Wisely)
Not all rooms at the Hotel Blake Ascend Hotel Collection are created equal. You have choices, and your choice dictates your vibe.
The Standard King is your workhorse. It’s got the desk, the ergonomic chair, and the Lavazza coffee maker. It’s perfect if you’re in town for a conference at McCormick Place (which is super close, by the way).
Then you have the King Parlor Suites. These are the "I'm treating myself" rooms. Separate living areas, more space than some New York apartments, and those vaulted ceilings that make you feel like royalty.
- Check your view. Some rooms face the interior or alleys; ask for a Dearborn Street view if you want the "city lights" experience.
- Request a bathrobe. They don’t always leave them in the room, but they’ll bring them up if you ask.
- Use the fitness center. It’s 24 hours. It’s not a massive Equinox, but it’s got everything you need to burn off that deep-dish pizza from Gino’s East around the corner.
Is it worth the price?
Kinda depends on what you value. If you want a sterile, predictable room with a "brand standard" smell, go to the Marriott. But if you want a place with creaky floorboards (occasionally) and a lobby that feels like a film noir set, this is it.
The value is in the location and the character. You’re staying in a building that has survived the Great Depression, two World Wars, and the rise of the internet. There’s a weight to that history.
Your Chicago Game Plan
If you’re staying at the Hotel Blake, here is how you should spend your first 24 hours.
Drop your bags at the 24-hour reception. Walk over to Harold Washington Library—it’s right there—and look at the roof. The gargoyles are massive. Then, grab a coffee at Cafe Deko. It’s a newer spot nearby with an Art Deco interior that rivals the Blake's.
For dinner, you’ve got options. Umai for sushi is right across the street. Or, if you want something heartier, Half Sour has some of the best classic American food in the South Loop. Their trivia nights on Tuesdays are actually fun, not just awkward.
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Actionable Next Steps for Your Stay:
- Book directly or via Choice Privileges: Since this is an Ascend Hotel Collection member, you can use or earn points. Often, the member rates are $20–$30 cheaper than Expedia.
- Check the Event Calendar: Printer's Row often has book fairs and local markets. If your stay overlaps with the Printer's Row Lit Fest, you're in for a treat.
- Pack light, walk more: The South Loop is one of the most walkable spots in the country. Forget the Uber; use the 10-minute walk to the Art Institute to see the architecture of the Monadnock Building on the way.
- Ask for the history: The concierge usually has some cool stories about the building's transition from offices to lofts to a luxury hotel. It’s worth the five-minute chat.
The Hotel Blake isn't just a place to crash. It’s a piece of the city's fabric. Stay there because you want to feel like a Chicagoan, not just a tourist.