Business + leisure = bleisure! This fun word is the ideal expression of what so many people strive for both personally and professionally: balance. Most business travelers appreciate that their job brings them to exciting cities, but due to meetings and business schedules, they often leave a city without seeing its soul. A 2022 Forbes survey found that 55% of business travelers would like to extend their business trips to improve work-life balance. Furthermore, a study by National Car Rental, revealed that business travelers who add leisure time to their trips report better work-life balance (91%) compared to those who don’t (79%).
“Our hotels are strategically situated in Chicago neighborhoods that are practical in terms of easy access to the main business districts without sacrificing character. We want our guests who are traveling for work or leisure — bleisure, if you will – to be able to work in a space that’s quiet and comfortable, quickly get to meetings and return to a neighborhood with a pulse,” says Jonathan Gordon, Founder of The Neighborhood Hotel.
The Neighborhood Little Italy and The Neighborhood Hotel Lincoln Park offer suites that have been deigned with every traveler in mind. Each suite is equipped with a full kitchen with special details like local coffee grounds, Moccamaster brewers and Gibson’s seasoning salt. The WIFI is fast and secure while the living rooms and kitchens are spacious enough to set up a work station without infringing on the solitude of the sleep chambers. In-unit washer/dryers eliminate the need to overpack while luxury towels and linens add to the comfort. Cozy throw blankets made by The Weaving Mill [a local company that also supports Envision Unlimited — a nonprofit that helps adults with developmental disabilities] grace every bed in Little Italy.
Maybe your bleisure trip begins or ends with your family joining after the work portion of the trip is finished? The Hotels have a partnership with Baby’s Away — a local company that delivers and assembles any baby gear that’s needed.
As the leisure aspect of your journey unfolds, a guide to the neighborhood with tips from long time locals is found on every suite’s coffee table. In Little Italy, take a walk down Taylor Street and grab a slice of pizza at Pompei or sit down for a classic, Italian meal at Tufano’s! Check the United Center schedule if you’re up for a Bulls game, Blackhawks game or a concert — it’s minutes away and always lots of fun! If the weather is great, book a river cruise through the Chicago Architecture Foundation and learn about the incredible buildings throughout the city as you float along the Chicago river. Don’t miss Millennium Park (concerts in the summer, face fountains and a supreme playground) and the countless Chicago museums. If you’re looking to stay close, grab a set of bocce balls in the lobby to use on the courts next door.
Dive into leisure in Lincoln Park with a classic Chicago style hot dog at The Wiener’s Circle next door to the hotel or a deep dish pizza at nearby, Lou Malnati’s! End the evening with classic, Chicago blues at a celebrated local spot: Kingston Mines! Head down the block for breakfast at Colectivo, stroll to the Green City Farmer’s Market before you hit Lake Michigan for a dip, walk or bike ride [Divvy is your bike source]. The Lincoln Park Zoo is free and incredible for families and adults while North Pond is serene and lovely.
Maybe your bleisure travel includes your co-workers! Bring your team to The Neighborhood Hotel New Buffalo or Grand Beach for the ultimate retreat in Southwest Michigan [90 minutes from downtown Chicago]! Our historic yet modern locations offer a unique backdrop for your retreat’s success. With versatile accommodations that can host up to 50 guests at a single property, we provide all the essential amenities, from well-appointed rooms to spacious communal areas. Whether you’re planning a yoga retreat, wellness getaway, or corporate event, our commitment to creating exceptional retreat experiences sets us apart.
Find the work life balance with us — BOOK NOW!
About The Neighborhood Hotel
The Neighborhood Hotel was founded in 2020 by travel enthusiasts who enjoy spaces that inspire, comfort and fuel. Each suite is well equipped for short and longterm stays (i.e. kitchens, laundry, etc.). The Neighborhood Hotel transforms old buildings with compelling history into well outfitted apartment style hotels that honor the old while representing the now. The vibe is fresh and fun with rooms that are stocked to support everyone from the homebody to the adventurer. The hotels provide a basecamp for the explorer and a sanctuary for the traveler who needs to recharge, reset or just chill. The suites are simple and clean, punctuated with accents that bring the right amount of pop. The Neighborhood Hotel has locations in Chicago: Lincoln Park, Little Italy, West Loop (2025 opening) and Southwest Michigan: New Buffalo and Grand Beach.
Read about TNBHD in: Architectural Digest, Midwest Living and CN Traveler!
Connect with @the.neighborhood.hotel on Instagram and LinkedIn!