Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
88
The Peninsula Chicago
Taking design cues from the chain's flagship Hong
Kong hotel, the Peninsula Chicago mixes an Art Deco sensibility with modern, top-of-
the-line amenities. Service is practically a religion here. Rooms are average in size (except
for the rather small “junior suites, ” which hav e living r ooms that can comfor tably seat
only about four people). R ooms that ar e popular with families include suites with two
double beds, or adjoining r ooms that combine one r oom with a king-siz e bed and one
with two double beds. The hotel's in-room technology is cutting edge: A small “ com-
mand station” by every bed allo ws guests to contr ol all the lights, TV, and r oom tem-
perature without getting out fr om under the co vers. The marble-filled bathr ooms have
separate shower stalls and tubs, spacious vanities, and another “command station” by the
bathtub. A dd in the flatscr een TVs, and y ou've got a classic hotel that
's v ery much
attuned to the present.
Kids' amenities include a treat upon arrival: milk and cookies (or popcorn and soda if
they prefer). Rooms can be equipped with video games, D VDs, and a librar y of kids '
movies—make sure to r equest them when y ou make y our reservation. The bright, air y
spa and fitness center fill the top two floors—check out the view from the outdoor deck.
The spa has an Olympic-size pool, and one lane is always r eserved for family swim. The
20th-floor health club is also open to children, with no restrictions. You can obtain child-
care services through the concierge.
The sultry hotel bar—hidden from the lobby behind curved, leather-covered walls—is
a top spot for a romantic evening with your mate. The Lobby is the best in-hotel restau-
rant bet for families, with a kids' menu. Don't miss breakfast at Pierre Gourmet, located
just outside the hotel at the corner of S uperior and R ush streets, for some of the best
baked goods on the M agnificent Mile. The hotel's other restaurants, including the Ave-
nue and Shanghai Terrace, do offer childr en's menus, but I'd recommend that the meal
be an adults-only affair.
108 E. Superior St. (at M ichigan Ave.), Chicago, IL 60611.
&
866/288-8889
or 312/337-2888. F ax 312/
751-2888. http://chicago.peninsula.com. 339 units . $525-$650 double; $795-$7,500 suit e. Kids 17 and
under stay free in parent's room. Rollaways and cribs free. AE, DC, DISC, MC, V. Valet parking $45 with in/
out privileges. Subway/El: Red Line to Chicago/State. Pets accepted.
Amenities:
4 restaurants (contem-
porary, Asian, eclectic, and European bakery); bar; indoor pool w/out door deck; fitness center; spa; hot
tub; sauna; concierge; business center; 24-hr. room service; in-room massage; babysitting; laundry ser-
vice; same-day dry cleaning.
In room:
A/C, TV/DVD w/pay movies, fax, fr ee Wi-Fi, minibar, fridge (upon
request), coffeemaker, hair dryer, iron, safe.
4
The Ritz-Carlton Chicago
Perched high atop Water Tower Place, the Ritz-
Carlton casts a soothing presence on guests as they're deposited into the airy 12th-floor
lobby. 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 lo ve seat and
desk but not much more; the bathrooms are elegant but not huge. Suites are especially
suited to families, with an additional living area furnished with a sofa and chair, a writ-
ing desk, a second TV, and a stereo. Lake views cost more but are spectacular (although
in all the rooms, you're up high enough that y ou're not staring into surr ounding con-
dominium 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 can be deliv ered by room
service 24 hours a day.
Guests staying in suites are treated to a gratis wardrobe pressing upon arrival, person-
alized stationery, and fresh flowers. Service is the Ritz-Carlton's selling point, whether it's
the “ compcierge” who helps guests with computer pr
oblems or the allergy-sensitiv e
