PamelaPBS

I am planning a Chicago trip in December for several ladies. What is a good hotel on the Magnificent Mile that has a wonderful bar or lounge area? When we come in from shopping or dinner we like to have a drink and relax.

Thanks
PAM

hills27

I love Nomi at the Park Hyatt and the lounge at the Sofitel (1 block off Michigan)

Racy

Those are great suggestions! I have 2 additional offerings:

The InterContinental just opened a new wine bar with cheese pairings.

The James on Rush has a new hotspot lounge.

Cheers!
Tracy

JJ5

I listen to a radio show that has a different bar tender on each week.

The guy from the Four Seasons bar was voted one of the best in the country re some awards program.

They always mention the Hunt Club and the one right next door to that one, sorry, I can't remember the name. Those two are the dating scene- to be seen and see- places. One is younger set than the other. They talk about jumping the line to the "babies" next door.

Ditka's is supposed to have a good one too. And I have heard first hand about the Sofitel one too. Good was the rec.

GoTravel

The best place on the Magnificent Mile for a cocktail would be the top of the John Hancock Building.

Agree NoMi is nice.

Racy

Yes, the Hancock is fabulous, but frequently there's a line. Not to mention that the OP is arriving in December, when there's definately something to be said for not having the schlepp far for a cocktail.

I don't know the OP's age, but Four Seasons is a little on the more "mature" side than some of the other options (like Sofitel and James).

BTilke

The Sofitel bar is lively and fun. Sometimes quite crowded. It doesn't open til about 3 pm, I think.

The staff at the hotel have an upbeat French attitude. When a (female) colleague and I dined one evening at the hotel's restaurant, the French host cooed: "Oh it is such a pleazhurrre to show such lohhhveley ladeez to zehr table." He was just schmoozing around because it was a slow evening, but we all laughed and the food was good (and when I asked for something that was on the room service menu but not on the restaurant menu, they said that of course, it would be no problem).

jbass

The Pump Room Lounge at the Ambassador East Hotel was one of our favorites. Perhaps some local can give an updated opinion.

hills27

The Four Seasons is boring. Though they do pour a good drink. While the view at the Hancock is great, the drinks suck. Sofitel has a younger crowd than Nomi in the winter, but the rooftop at Nomi is my favorite in the summer. The Conrad also just opened a rooftop bar, but I haven't been yet.

imqueen2u

Let's see...there are always the "W" hotels, one is on Adams ( I think) in the financial district and the other one is on LSD (Lake Shore Drive). The one on LSD is way more baller style, but the one on Adams is nice too. Both have fabulous bars. (but they are not on Mich., but close to it).

Intercontinental is in the mix. There are so many fabulous bars in Chicago, you can't go wrong!