The Peninsula Chicago
Consistently ranked as the top hotel in Chicago, The Peninsula prides itself on its traditional Asian service (read: impeccable). Since opening this location in 2001, the luxury downtown hotel has been awarded numerous accolades, including prestigious Forbes Five Star and AAA Five Diamond awards every year. Even its restaurants are award winning. Shanghai Terrace was voted the number one Chinese Restaurant in Chicago by Zagat Survey, offering Cantonese delicacies amidst a 1930s supper club décor. Have a hand-crafted cocktail on the rooftop terrace at Z Bar, or enjoy the legendary Afternoon Tea at The Peninsula’s elegant contemporary American restaurant, The Lobby. The Peninsula’s amenities; location; views of the Magnificent Mile, Michigan Ave, and The Water Tower; and excellent service make the stay worth the price tag. (We didn’t even get to the two-floor spa and indoor pool.)
Photo: Courtesy of The Peninsula Chicago
- 108 E Superior St
- Chicago, IL 60611
The Langham Chicago
The Langham offers the perfect blend of convenience, stylish comfort, legendary service, and timeless British style in an iconic Chicago landmark, a skyscraper designed by renowned architect Mies van der Rohe. Situated in downtown Chicago, the hotel is an ideal base from which to explore the city or conduct business--just minutes from the Loop, Grand Park, Navy Pier, and The Magnificent Mile, featuring majestic views of the cityscape, the Chicago River, and Lake Michigan. The Langham Club is a private luxurious haven for guests located on the uppermost floor of the hotel. The 3,000 square foot lounge features panoramic views of Chicago, a breakfast buffet, all-day refreshments, afternoon tea, premium bar service, and hors d’oeuvres for an extra $145/day. (Membership comes with dedicated butlers!) It’s contemporary American restaurant Travelle offers world-class, seasonal cuisine, and Pavilion is home to The Langham Afternoon Tea with Wedgwood. There’s no excuse for missing a workout while on your trip with the hotel’s state-of-the-art Fitness Centre. Reward yourself at The Langham’s award-winning wellness retreat, Chuan Spa.
Photo: Courtesy of The Langham Chicago
- 330 N Wabash Ave
- Chicago, IL 60611
The Gwen
The Gwen captures the glamour of downtown Chicago in the 1930’s with its iconic Art Deco grandeur. It’s 21st Century amenities include in-room spa services, 24-hour valet, complimentary bikes, and a Saturday yoga class. The historic hotel is located on Rush Street, near Michigan Avenue giving guests easy access to Chicago's famous attractions, jazz clubs, theaters, and shopping on the Magnificent Mile. The hotel has unrivaled dining, with its rooftop restaurant, Upstairs at The Gwen, where you can sip creative cocktails and sample light fare al fresco against the backdrop of panoramic views of the Magnificent Mile, surrounded by tabletop fire pits. The Circa Restaurant and Lounge offers Midwestern cuisine, while the Circa Lounge is perfect for a nightcap.
Photo: Courtesy of The Gwen
- 521 N Rush St
- Chicago, IL 60611
The Gray
Chicago’s newest Four Diamond Hotel, the Kimpton Gray Hotel in The Loop, is opulent yet modern. Set in a historic building that is considered a Chicago landmark, the award-winning boutique hotel sets itself apart with its location and amenities. Borrow one of the hotel’s bikes to visit nearby attractions--Willis Tower, Union Station, State Street Shopping, Millennium Park, Grant Park, and Buckingham Fountain are all within one mile, while Maggie Daley Park, Navy Pier, Field Museum, Shedd Aquarium, Adler Planetarium, and Soldier Field are all within 2.5 miles. Rooms come with a yoga mat so you don’t have to pack your own. Forget your Lululemon? You can borrow that too! There’s a nightly social hour in the lobby living room, and an upscale bar, Vol. 39, offering elevated classic cocktails. Enjoy Peruvian and Argentinian street food-inspired small plates under the retractable glass roof at Boleo, The Gray’s South American influenced rooftop restaurant and lounge.
Photo: Courtesy of The Gray
- 122 W Monroe St
- Chicago, IL 60603
Chicago Athletic Association
“Echoes of banging billiard balls, tossed poker chips, and clinking glasses resonate through the halls” of this 1893 Venetian Gothic landmark. Reserved for the elite and privileged for over 100 years, the Chicago Athletic Association is a historic monument to Chicago’s past on the doorstep of Millennium Park. The central Chicago Loop hotel along the Chicago Cultural Mile on Michigan Avenue boasts panoramic views overlooking downtown Chicago, including the iconic Millennium Park, the Art Institute of Chicago, and Lake Michigan, just steps from the Chicago Symphony Center and the Theater District. The rooms are inspired by the athletic heritage of the building, paired with a new-world design aesthetic that highlights 20th-century-inspired craftsmanship and attention to detail. There’s seven dining options on premise, including late-night options: Cindy’s rooftop terrace, restaurant, and bar overlooking Millennium Park, the Cherry Circle Room, the Game Room (café by day, bar by night), the Milk Room, and they have their own Shake Shack--plus 24 hour in-room dining service!
Photo: Courtesy of Chicago Athletic Association
- 12 S Michigan Ave
- Chicago, IL 60603
Thompson Chicago
This Gold Coast boutique hotel is self-described as “sophisticated yet cool, timeless with an edge, stimulating and comforting”. The Thompson Chicago is located on the edge of Michigan Avenue and The Magnificent Mile, just a short distance away from Lake Michigan. The unique downtown Chicago luxury hotel has stylish, loft-like, urban industrial bones, accented with warm American woods and clean, mid-century lines. Take in the evocative art and curated book collection while surrounded by sumptuous leather, velvet, and flannel.
Photo: Courtesy of The Thompson Chicago
- 21 East Bellevue Pl
- Chicago, IL 60611
The Robey
At Wicker Park and Bucktown’s bustling six-corner intersection of Damen, Milwaukee, and North Avenues is the towering, 203 foot tall Art Deco masterpiece that is The Robey. Formerly known as the Northwest Tower, the skyscraper was originally built as an office in 1929. The Robey also has 20 Annex Lofts that were converted in the neighboring warehouse, built in 1905. The industrial-style space features original exposed surfaces, polished concrete floors, and 10ft ceilings, infused with boutique finishes and custom-designed furniture, plus 180-degree views of the city skyline! Onsite dining options include modern American fare from Cafe Robey (for brunch, dinner, a cocktail, or glass of wine). Then there’s the second floor lounge, the Cabana Club, where you can sip on something and enjoy the view of the John Hancock building while listening to live music or vinyl DJ sets. The Up Room is the 13th floor rooftop lounge, AND there’s a rooftop pool, making this Wicker Park hotel a great choice for the summertime months.
Photo: Courtesy of The Robey
- 2018 W North Ave
- Chicago, IL 60647
The Talbott Hotel
Located in Chicago’s Gold Coast Historic District, this newly renovated boutique hotel is just steps away from the iconic Magnificent Mile on Michigan Avenue. The Talbott Hotel boasts timeless modern architecture, top-of-the-line amenities, and exceptional service.
Photo: Courtesy of The Talbott
- 20 E Delaware Pl
- Chicago, IL 60611
