In a forever-transforming area that’s been dubbed trendy due to its population of the city’s coolest art, stylish restaurants situated off-the-beaten path and collection of chic boutiques stands a historic Art Deco building in the middle of the bustling Six Corners. Finally, a cool hotel has opened its doors in one of Chicago’s most happening neighborhoods, going where no hotel has gone before (literally). The hotel’s mid-century modern design and dark gray palette meet Wicker Park’s cultural, arts-obsessed community…industrial meets chic; masculine meets…well, THE STAYCATIONERS. Forget about ordering an Uber back to your hotel downtown. Now, you can stay over in the neighborhood you actually want to spend your nights in — enter The Robey.

THE SPOT: The Robey | 2018 W North Ave, Chicago

THE STATS: 69 guest rooms, French-American cuisine in Café Robey, simple design-centric setting made to enjoy life’s simple pleasures — coffee and newspaper — in Robey Lounge, #views and sexy nightcaps at Up & Up and the rooftop Cabana Club

PERFECT FOR: Detouring from the touristy downtown area and exploring a neighborhood less frequented by the general public, or to enjoy tasty food and drinks in a relaxed, attractive environment.

Let’s slip into something a little more comfortable. Something denim perhaps? If that doesn’t sound on par with your typical lounge attire, it’s because you haven’t rolled around in 400-thread count sheets wearing The Robey’s signature soft denim robes. Seemingly minimalistic, yet seriously self-indulgent — symbolic of the hotel’s understated yet luxe theme. THE STAYCATIONERS may have woken up snugly, but they didn’t wake up sans bedhead. Enter Stylisted. With rosé on the way, stylists Abbey and Eliana helped the girls go from sleepy to stunning.

THE STAYCATIONERS threw off the denim robes in exchange for — wait for it — more denim, in keeping with the all-American vibe. Thanks to stylist Elizabeth Margulis and courtesy of Felt, the lineup of fab looks was made up of AMO blouses, 3×1 jumpsuits, Opening Ceremony button ups, and GCDS jackets. Even our wardrobe rode in style — inside sleek Raden suitcases.

Modest is not to be mistaken for mundane — the fine craftsmanship of the pieces in every room builds a distinct character for the space. Though unassuming at first, the intrigue gradually builds as you eagerly uncover more of the hotel, discovering exactly what you’ve been looking for. From the mid-century Dunbar sofa in the lobby to the skyline view behind the glass-walled Up & Up lounge, the retro-meets-modern allure just keeps on going.

Photo cred: Madeline Northway

We wouldn’t exactly call a day at The Robey ‘hard,’ but we did work up an appetite in front of the camera. Naturally, a decadent meal from Café Robey was in order. It may have only been a party of three, but missing out on even one of the menu items would’ve been sinful. The crew started things off with salmon in truffle sauce, clam linguini, and Montauk calamari and asparagus risotto…*trails off*

Keep up with THE STAYCATIONERS as they take over new hotels in new cities each month. This round made possible by The Robey and Raden.

Special thanks to our guest staycationers Shai Chung and Julia Daoud; outfits by Felt and stylist Elizabeth Margulis; hair and makeup by Stylisted.

Photography by the beautiful Madeline Northway for THE STAYCATIONERS. Follow her on Instagram here.

Contributed by Staycationer-at-Large Nika Sagalchik.