Where to Stay - Chicago 2005 - page 89

in-room technology is cutting edge: A small silver “command station” by every
bed allows guests to control all the lights, curtains, and room temperature with-
out getting out from under the covers. The marble-filled bathrooms have sepa-
rate shower stalls and tubs, vanities with plenty of room to sit, and another
“command station” by the bathtub. Add in the flatscreen TVs and you have a
classic hotel that's very much attuned to the present.
The sultry hotel bar is already one of the city's top spots for romantic assigna-
tions (or confidential late-night business negotiations). The hotel's four full-serv-
ice restaurants include Shanghai Terrace, with cuisine reflecting the Peninsula
Group's Asian properties (if you're here in nice weather, snag a table on the out-
door terrace overlooking Michigan Ave., but be prepared to get dizzy when you
see the bill). The bright, airy spa and fitness center fill the top two floors and
make a lovely retreat (especially the outdoor deck).
108 E. Superior St. (at Michigan Ave.), Chicago, IL 60611. & 866/288-8889 or 312/337-2888. Fax 312/751-
2888. http://chicago.peninsula.com. 339 units. $445-$455 double; $500-$4,500 suite. AE, DC, DISC, MC, V.
Valet parking $36 with in/out privileges. Subway/El: Red Line to Chicago/State. Pets accepted. Amenities: 4
restaurants (seafood, Asian, Continental, and European bakery); bar; indoor pool with outdoor deck; fitness
center; spa; hot tub; sauna; children's amenities; concierge; business center; 24-hr. room service; in-room mas-
sage; babysitting; laundry service; same-day dry cleaning. In room: A/C, TV w/pay movies (VCRs and DVD
players upon request), fax, dataport, minibar, fridge (upon request), coffeemaker, hair dryer, safe.
Ritz-Carlton Chicago Top-notch service and an open, airy set-
ting make this one of Chicago's most welcoming hotels. Perched high atop the
Water Tower Place mall, the Ritz-Carlton's lobby is on the 12th floor, with a
large bank of windows to admire the city below. Not surprisingly, the quality of
the accommodations is of the highest caliber, although the standard rooms aren't
very large. Doubles have space for a loveseat and desk but not much more; the
bathrooms are elegant but not huge (for extra-large, lavish bathrooms, request a
“Premier” room or suite on the 30th floor). Guests staying in any of the hotel's
suites are treated to a gratis wardrobe pressing upon arrival, personalized sta-
tionery, Bulgari toiletries, and fresh flowers. Service is the Ritz-Carlton's selling
point, whether it's the “compcierge” who helps guests with computer problems,
or the “allergy-sensitive” rooms that are cleaned with special nonirritating prod-
ucts and come stocked with nonfeather duvets and pillows and hypoallergenic
bath products on request. Lake views cost more but are spectacular (although in
all the rooms, you're up high enough that you're not staring into surrounding
apartment buildings).
Families will find this luxury crash pad quite welcoming. Every child receives
a gift and can borrow toys and games from a stash kept by the concierge.
PlayStation and Nintendo are also available, and kids' food is available from
room service 24 hours a day.
Whether or not you stay here, the Ritz-Carlton is an elegant place for after-
noon tea, served at 2:30 and 4:30pm in the lobby. The hotel's excellent Sunday
brunch in The Dining Room includes a special buffet for children replete with
M&Ms, macaroni and cheese, and pizza.
160 E. Pearson St., Chicago, IL 60611. & 800/621-6906 or 312/266-1000. Fax [phone]. www.fourseasons.
com. 435 units. $395-$535 double; $545-$4,000 suite; weekend rates from $310. Valet parking $36 with in/out
privileges; self-parking $25 with no in/out privileges. Subway/El: Red Line to Chicago/State. Pets accepted.
Amenities: 4 restaurants (French, American); 2 lounges; indoor pool; health club with spa, Jacuzzi, and sauna;
children's programs; concierge; business center; 24-hr. room service; in-room massage; babysitting; laundry serv-
ice; same-day dry cleaning; premier suites. In room: A/C, TV w/VCR and pay movies, fax, dataport, minibar,
hair dryer.

Kids