Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
The Peninsula Chicago
Taking design cues from the
chain's flagship Hong Kong hotel, The Peninsula Chicago mixes Art
Deco sensibility with modern, top-of-the-line amenities. Service is
practically a religion; when I visit, every staff member I pass makes a
point of greeting me. Although the lobby is impressively grand,
rooms are average in size (the “junior suites” are fairly small, with liv-
ing rooms that can comfortably seat only about four people). But the
hotel's in-room technology is cutting edge: A small “command sta-
tion” by every bed allows guests to control all the lights, the TV, and
room temperature without getting out from under the covers. The
marble-filled bathrooms have separate shower stalls and tubs, vani-
ties 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 bright, airy spa and fit-
ness 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. $525-$650
double; $795-$7,500 suite. AE, DC, DISC, MC, V. Valet parking $45 with in-out priv-
ileges. Subway/El: Red Line to Chicago. Pets accepted.
Amenities:
4 restaurants
(contemporary, Asian, eclectic, and European bakery); bar; indoor pool w/outdoor
deck; fitness center; spa; hot tub; sauna; children's amenities; concierge; business
center; 24-hr. room service; in-room massage; babysitting; laundry service; same-day
dry cleaning. In room: A/C, TV/DVD w/pay movies, fax, free high-speed and Wi-Fi
Internet access, minibar, fridge (upon request), coffeemaker, hair dryer, iron, safe.
Ritz-Carlton Chicago
Top-notch service and an open,
airy setting 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).
Service is the Ritz-Carlton's selling point, whether it's the “com-
pcierge” who helps guests with computer problems, or the “allergy-
sensitive” rooms that are cleaned with special nonirritating products
and come stocked with nonfeather duvets and pillows and hypoal-
lergenic bath products on request. Lake views cost more but are spec-
tacular (although in all the rooms, you're up high enough that you're
not staring into surrounding apartment buildings).
160 E. Pearson St., Chicago, IL 60611.
&
800/621-6906
or 312/266-1000. Fax 312/
266-1194. www.fourseasons.com. 435 units. $495-$635 double; $710-$4,000
