Jonas Standee Best Western,
originally uploaded by Best Western River North Hotel Chicago.

This summer Best Western is sponsoring the hit TV series JONAS on Disney Channel. Best Western Rewards members who have two qualifing stays from June 21-August 16 can receive a free night voucher plus a JONAS cinch pack.

Tell us why you like the JONAS TV series and you could win an almost life-size  JONAS “standee” like the one pictured here. One blog entry will be chosen at random (one each month, June, July and August) to win!

Our favorite part of the JONAS TV series is that they are including Frankie…the Bonus Jonas!

The Chicago Blues Festival kicks off June 12 through June 14 in Grant Park. Each day of the FREE fest tells a different story about life, loss, independence and freedom and this year we will celebrate the life and work of Robert Nighthawk on the centennial of his birth. Daily Festival hours are from 11am to 9:30pm.

On June 12th, there will be a special 70th Birthday Party for Eddie C. Campbell! He is considered one of the most distinctive, original bluesman ever and is one of the last of the originators of the West Side sound of Chicago blues still performing. The celebration begins at 8:20pm, Friday on the Petrillo stage in Grant Park.

Saturday and Sunday belong to the women of blues! Bettye LaVette performs at 8:20pm, Saturday at the Petrillo stage. LaVette is one of the greatest soul singers in American music history and possesses an incredibly expressive voice that exudes a formidable level of strength and intensity as well as vulnerability. Closing out Sunday night (8:20pm on Petrillo) is Sharon Jones and The Dap Kings. Jones is considered a legend for making new music sound “old School.” And The Dap Kings, sometimes a back-up band to Amy Winehouse, have been sampled by everyone from Kanye West to Jurassic 5, together Sharon and The Dap Kings promise to funkify the Blues Festival.

What better way to celebrate the Real Pirates exhibit at the Field Museum than a Pirate and Pizza Party! Guests of the hotel are invited to attend the poolside celebration on April 18, 2009 from 4pm-6pm.

Complimentary pizza will be served and young pirates can enjoy the family friendly pirate themed actvites and games.

In honor of the Real Pirates exhibit at the Field Museum, we would like to see your Real Pirates!

Now through May 31, 2009 e-mail us a photo of your favorite person or pet dressed like a pirate and you will be entered into our random drawing. One Grand Prize winner will receive a complimentary two night stay at Best Western River North Hotel and four tickets to the Real Pirates exhibit at the Field Museum.

E-mail your entries to: contest@rivernorthhotel.com

Best Western River North featured in Best of the Midwest Magazine

We are pleased to announce that Best Western River North Hotel has been featured in the new edition of Midwest Living Magazine’s Best of The Midwest annual edition.

The average housekeeper at our hotel makes over 2,000 beds a year. With all that practice it no wonder the neatly made beds always look crisp. Did you every wonder how they achieve that look? The trick is in the “hospital corners” as they are called. In this video, Gladys our Assistant Housekeeping Manager demonstrates how to make a professional bed.

All of us here at Best Western River North are grateful when all of our hard work is recognized. Just last week on February 12, 2009 we had our annual inspection from AAA. Our evaluator was David Anderson and here is what he said about Best Western River North:

“Impeacably clean and well maintained hotel. Spacious rooms with high quality bedding, comfortable seating and good overall illumination. We are glad to continue your listing. Thank You.”

Also, National Geographic spotlights Best West River North in their Places of a Lifetime series. They recommend Chicago as a must see destination and the selected Best Western River North as one of the Best Hotels in Chicago.

We are also happy to announce that the Travel Channel has selected us as a choice for best moderate hotel in Chicago. You can click here for their information on Chicago Hotels.”

One of the goals of the River North Hotel is to provide our guests with a uniquely Chicago experience. Our lobby coffee service has been updated. Our new complimentary coffee was created by our friends at the Bridgeport Coffee Company in the historic Bridgeport neighborhood of Chicago. The locally roasted beans are not only organic but they are also Fair Trade Certified. Just one way we are trying to make a difference in your hotel stay, and the world.

2008 Toys for Tots Campaign,
originally uploaded by Best Western River North Hotel Chicago.

Thanks to the generousity of many River North Hotel guest and staff members, many kids will be having a happy holiday season. Best Western River North was able to donate a full box of new toys.

Best Western River North started the 2008 Holiday Season with a roar. The roar of an engine that is. In this years 2008 Magnificent Mile Lights Festival Parade, almost 1 million spectators viewed Best Western’s #99 NASCAR street car and our 10 foot Best Western helium balloon as Mickey Mouse lit up the famed Michigan Avenue. The parade was prodcast live on ABC7, and then syndicated to 44% of the nation. Other parade sponsors included, Walt Disney World, Harris Bank, American Girl Store and more!