The Chicago Athletic Association (CAA) is an elite, hidden, multifaceted space in the heart of the Loop. Located directly across from Millennium Park, the CAA is primarily an established hotel for tourists to take refuge in from busy Michigan Avenue. Additionally, there are multiple bar and restaurant options awaiting inside, including rooftop bar Cindy’s and a Shake Shack; however, I think the gem of this hotel is their Drawing Room.

This grand room is designed entirely out of wood with large working fireplaces and plush chairs and couches for hotel guests and tourists to sit upon. The vibe of the space is akin to a library in the Harry Potter book series or an Ivy League university study lounge. There are plenty of tea, coffee, libation, and light snack choices on their menu for when a waiter stops by. For those looking for more activity, right across the Drawing Room is a Game Room, complete with a pool table, bocce ball, and shuffleboard.

You’ll often see a group of employees in this spot during an after-work happy hour outing. There are plenty of ways to explore this hotel’s public spaces and it’s a spot to bookmark and rest in after strolling through Millennium Park or the Art Institute.