So, you’re looking at hotels in Chicago and the Jaslin Hotel Chicago IL pops up. It’s sitting right there in Chinatown, looking all modern and sleek, and you’re probably wondering if it’s actually a good idea to stay outside the Loop.
Honestly? It might be the smartest move you make for your trip.
Most people think if they aren't staying on Michigan Avenue, they’re missing out. But here’s the thing: Chicago's downtown can be a bit of a sterile, expensive ghost town after 6:00 PM once the office workers head home. Chinatown, where the Jaslin is planted, is the exact opposite. It’s loud, it smells like ginger and sesame, and it’s alive.
The Jaslin Hotel isn't some century-old historical landmark. It opened its doors in 2016. It’s a 101-room boutique spot that feels fresh because it was built from the ground up to be exactly what it is—a clean, efficient home base for people who want to actually see the city without paying $400 a night for a gilded lobby they’ll never sit in.
Where Exactly Is the Jaslin Hotel Chicago IL?
Location is everything. If you've never been to Chicago, "Chinatown" might sound like a long trek from the bean (Cloud Gate) or the museums. It’s not.
The address is 261 West Cermak Road. Basically, you’re right at the gateway of one of the most vibrant neighborhoods in the country. You're a four-minute walk from the Cermak-Chinatown Red Line station. That’s the "L" train for us locals. From there, you can be in the heart of the Loop in about 10 minutes. If you’re heading to a game or a concert at Soldier Field, you’re looking at a very manageable distance.
McCormick Place is also just down the street. Business travelers often get stuck in those massive, soulless convention hotels. The Jaslin is a much more human-scale alternative. You can walk to your meetings during the day and then grab some of the best dim sum in the Western Hemisphere for dinner.
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The Room Situation: Small But Mighty
Let’s be real. If you’re looking for a sprawling suite where you can host a 20-person cocktail party, this probably isn't the place. The rooms are a bit snug.
Some people complain about the square footage, but it’s very "New York style"—efficient. The beds are pillowtop with down comforters, which is a nice touch for a 3-star property. You’ve got your 42-inch flat screens, free WiFi that actually works (25+ Mbps, which is decent enough for Zoom calls), and coffee makers.
What’s surprisingly great are the views. Because the Jaslin isn't surrounded by skyscrapers on every single side, the upper floors get these sweeping looks at the Chicago skyline. Looking north from Chinatown at night is one of the best "secret" views in the city. You see the Sears Tower (yeah, we still call it that) and the whole cluster of the South Loop glowing.
What You Get in the Room
- Pillowtop mattresses (actually comfortable, not like those cardboard hotel beds).
- In-room safe and a desk.
- Mini-fridge for those leftover pork buns.
- Walk-in showers with decent water pressure.
The Starbucks Factor
Here is a weird bit of trivia: the Jaslin Hotel is home to the first Starbucks in Chicago’s Chinatown.
Now, I know what you’re thinking. "I’m in Chinatown, I want tea!" And you should get tea. But having a reliable caffeine station in the lobby is a life-saver when you’re jet-lagged or trying to navigate the CTA at 7:00 AM. The Starbucks here actually blends in with the neighborhood's aesthetic, which is a nice little design detail most people overlook.
The Parking Headache (And How to Fix It)
Parking in Chicago is a nightmare. Period.
The Jaslin Hotel Chicago IL does not have its own private parking garage. If you pull up expecting a valet to whisk your car away for free, you’re going to be disappointed.
However, there are public lots everywhere nearby. Most guests end up using the lot about 500 feet away on Princeton Avenue. It usually runs around $19 to $25 a day, which, for Chicago standards, is actually a steal. If you’re savvy, you’ll use an app like SpotHero to snag a cheaper rate in one of the nearby South Loop lots.
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Eating Your Way Out the Front Door
You aren't staying here for the room service. You’re staying here for the food within a three-block radius.
Directly across the street is a Walgreens for your essentials. But more importantly, you’re steps away from:
- MingHin Cuisine: Award-winning dim sum. Get the short ribs.
- Strings Ramen: If it’s cold out (and it’s Chicago, so it probably is), their hell ramen is a rite of passage.
- Chiu Quon Bakery: The oldest bakery in the neighborhood. Get a BBQ pork bun. It costs less than a gallon of gas and tastes way better.
- Qiao Lin Hotpot: If you want a long, interactive dinner, this is the spot.
Safety and the "Vibe"
Is it safe? This is the question every traveler asks.
Chinatown is a busy, well-lit, and generally safe area. Because it’s a major tourist hub and a residential neighborhood, there are always people around. The Jaslin has a 24-hour front desk and the staff are multilingual (English, Mandarin, Cantonese, Spanish).
The vibe is "no-frills professional." It’s not a party hotel. It’s not a "luxury resort." It’s a clean, modern building where you can sleep soundly and wake up in a place that actually feels like a distinct part of Chicago, rather than just another generic street corner.
Practical Advice for Your Stay
If you’re booking a trip, keep these things in mind to avoid any "surprises."
- Housekeeping is limited. They usually do a full clean once per stay. If you need extra towels, you just have to ask the front desk. They’re nice about it.
- Check-in is at 3:00 PM. If you show up early, they have a luggage storage room. Drop your bags, go get some bubble tea at Chinatown Square, and come back when the room is ready.
- The gym is small but open 24/7. If you’re the type who needs a treadmill at 2:00 AM, you’re covered.
- No Pets. Sorry, Fido has to stay home for this one.
Actionable Next Steps
If you’re planning to stay at the Jaslin Hotel Chicago IL, start by checking their direct website for "Advanced Purchase" rates, which are often significantly lower than the big booking sites. Once your room is secured, download the Ventura or CTA app to your phone; you’ll want to load a Ventra card so you can hop the Red Line without fumbling for change. Finally, map out a walking route to Ping Tom Memorial Park. It’s less than a 10-minute walk from the hotel and offers a riverfront view of the city that most tourists completely miss.