Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Luxury might be the watchword here, but the look is anything but stuffy: The
lobby feels like a sleek modern art gallery. German painter Gerhard Richter's
Piazza del Duomo Milan
masterpiece is the visual centerpiece of the space, pro-
viding ample evidence of what visual treats lie in store for guests. Rooms feature
Eames and Mies van der Rohe reproduction furniture, and window banquettes
with stunning city views (the windows actually open). The bathrooms are espe-
cially wonderful: You can pull back a sliding cherrywood wall and enjoy a view
of the city while you soak in the oversize tub.
Families often book connecting rooms, one with a king bed and one with two
double beds. Every room has CD and DVD players with a flat-screen TVs, and
the concierge will loan from the hotel's library of DVDs (including kids' movies)
at no cost. The health club is only open to those over 16, but the pool welcomes
kids—and it's a stunner, with city views looking south and bronze-colored tiles.
If you plan to spend significant time at American Girl Place, ask about the
hotel's special package, which includes breakfast for two at the hotel, outfits for
the doll, and a special turndown service—for your child's doll, too, of course.
The “Kids-cierge” program for children up to age 14 includes a backpack with
a camera, maps, and coupons to redeem at the hotel, including a coupon for a
tour of the behind-the-scenes workings of the hotel, which includes the kitchen
(kids get a cookie and chef 's hat), housekeeping, and more.
The crown jewel of the Park Hyatt is NoMI, a restaurant nestled on the sev-
enth floor. Serving French-inspired cuisine and featuring an
Architectural
Digest
-worthy interior, with an adjoining outdoor terrace, NoMI (an acronym
for North Michigan) continues to receive stellar reviews. Parents will want to
book a sitter for an evening out here—it's far too chic to be kid-friendly.
800 N. Michigan Ave., Chicago, IL 60611.
&
800/233-1234
or 312/335-1234. Fax 312/239-4000. www.
hyatt.com. 203 units. $375-$425 double; $695-$3,000 suite. Kids 18 and under stay free in parent's room.
No rollaways; cribs free. AE, DC, DISC, MC, V. Valet parking $36 with in/out privileges. Subway/El: Red Line to
Chicago/State.
Amenities:
Restaurant (French/American); lounge; indoor pool; health club w/Jacuzzi and spa;
concierge; business center w/computer technical support; 24-hr. room service; massage; babysitting; laundry
service; 24-hr. dry cleaning. In room: A/C, TV w/DVD player and pay movies, dataport, minibar, coffeemaker,
hair dryer, iron, CD player.
The Peninsula Chicago
Do believe the hype. The first Midwest loca-
tion from the luxury Peninsula hotel group promised to wow us, and it does not
disappoint. 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: In fact, in 2004 frequent travel-
ers ranked this hotel number-one in North America for service (and among the
top 10 worldwide).
Rooms are average in size (except for the rather small “junior suites,” which
have living rooms that can comfortably seat only about four people). Rooms
that are popular with families include suites with two double beds, or adjoining
rooms that offer one room with a king bed and one with two double beds. The
hotel's 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
without getting out from under the covers. The marble-filled bathrooms have
separate shower stalls and tubs, spacious vanities, and another “command sta-
tion” by the bathtub. Add in the flat-screen TVs and DVD players, and you've
got a classic hotel that's very 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, DVDs, and a
