You’ve seen the photos. Those massive, twelve-foot vaulted ceilings and the kind of industrial-chic windows that make you feel like you’re starring in a moody noir film set in the 1940s. That is the vibe of the Hotel Blake Chicago, but honestly, if you just book it thinking it's another cookie-cutter Marriott or Hilton, you’re missing the point entirely.
Located at 500 South Dearborn Street, this isn't just a place to crash after a deep-dish pizza coma. It’s the old Morton Building. Built back in the 19th century, it’s literally tucked into the heart of historic Printer's Row. You can still feel the "Old Chicago" energy here—the grit, the history, and that specific South Loop charm that the shiny skyscrapers of River North just can’t replicate.
The Reality of Staying at the Hotel Blake Chicago
Let's get real for a second. If you’re looking for a rooftop pool with a DJ and $25 cocktails, you’re in the wrong neighborhood. The Hotel Blake Chicago is a boutique experience that leans heavily into its "Ascend Hotel Collection" identity. It’s upscale, but it’s understated.
People often get confused about who actually runs the place. It’s part of the Bluegreen Vacations portfolio now, which means you’ll see some timeshare-adjacent branding, but don't let that spook you. It operates like a standard, high-end hotel for the rest of us.
Why the Room Layouts are Weird (in a Good Way)
Because this is a historic building, the rooms aren't all uniform boxes. Some are massive. Some have slightly awkward corners. But almost all of them benefit from those soaring ceilings I mentioned earlier.
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- The Bathrooms: They’ve mostly been updated with rainfall showerheads and Ayo Natural body products. It’s a nice touch that makes a 100-year-old building feel modern.
- The Sleep Quality: They use Egyptian cotton sheets and pillowtop mattresses. Since it’s in the South Loop, it’s generally quieter than the Magnificent Mile, though you’ll still hear the occasional L train rumble or a distant siren. That’s just Chicago music, basically.
- The Tech: You get the standard flat-screens and free Wi-Fi, but the real "feature" is the 24-hour business center. It actually feels like a workspace, not just a closet with a printer.
Is it actually "Downtown"?
Technically? Yes. But "Downtown" in Chicago is a big area.
If you stay at the Hotel Blake Chicago, you are in the Loop’s quieter, more intellectual cousin: the South Loop. You are steps away from the Harold Washington Library (the one with the massive green owls on the roof) and a very short walk to Grant Park.
If you’re here for the Chicago Marathon, this is basically holy ground. You can walk to the start line while everyone else is fighting for an Uber from the North Side.
Neighborhood Gems You Can't Miss
Most tourists stay in the hotel and eat at the on-site Meli Café. Now, don't get me wrong, Meli is great. Their organic eggs and fresh-squeezed juices are legendary for a reason. But if you don't step outside, you're failing at travel.
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- Sandmeyer’s Bookstore: Just down the street. It’s an independent, family-owned shop in a gorgeous historic building. It smells like old paper and soul.
- Kasey’s Tavern: One of the oldest bars in the city. No frills. Just good beer and history.
- Printer’s Row Park: A tiny, beautiful slice of green where locals actually hang out.
The Stuff Nobody Tells You
There are some quirks you should know before you put down your credit card. For one, the parking is valet and it's pricey—we're talking $60 a night or more. That is standard for Chicago, but it still stings. If you can, take the Blue Line from O’Hare or the Orange Line from Midway. The LaSalle and Van Buren stations are just a couple of blocks away.
Also, as of late 2025 and heading into 2026, the building has been undergoing some structural foundation repairs. It’s an old building; it needs love. Most of the work happens during business hours (8 am to 5 pm), so if you're a late sleeper or working from your room, you might hear some "character-building" noises.
The elevators can be a bit slow too. Again, 19th-century bones. Just plan an extra three minutes if you’re rushing to a meeting at McCormick Place, which is only about two miles away.
The Verdict: Who is this for?
The Hotel Blake Chicago is for the traveler who wants to feel like they actually live in Chicago for a few days. It’s for the person who prefers a library to a nightclub.
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It’s perfect for:
- Business travelers who need to be near the Loop but want a room that doesn't feel like a hospital suite.
- History nerds who appreciate the Morton Building's spot on the National Register of Historic Places.
- Museum-goers who want to be within walking distance of the Art Institute and the Field Museum.
It is not for the person who wants a "scene." The lobby is stately and beautiful, but it's not a place where influencers are posing for selfies. It's a place where people drink coffee and read the morning paper.
Actionable Tips for Your Stay
If you’ve decided to pull the trigger on a booking, here is how to do it right:
- Request a High Floor: The views of the South Loop architecture are much better once you get above the 6th floor.
- Check the Event Calendar: If there’s a massive convention at McCormick Place or a race in Grant Park, prices here triple. Book at least three months out for those dates.
- Skip the Hotel Dinner: Meli Café is elite for breakfast and brunch, but they often don't serve dinner. Walk over to Gino's East for pizza or Umai for some of the best sushi in the neighborhood.
- Use the L: Don't waste money on Ubers. The "Library" stop is right there. It connects you to almost every line in the city for a few bucks.
The Hotel Blake Chicago isn't trying to be the trendiest spot in the Windy City. It’s trying to be a solid, historic, and incredibly comfortable anchor in a neighborhood that has seen the city grow up around it. It’s a bit rough around the edges, a lot of bit classic, and honestly, one of the best values you can find in the South Loop if you know what you're looking for.