zainab

Trying to decide between these three Chicago hotels. Looking for central location, excellent service, luxurious surroundings, modern decor and non stuffy atmosphere. The cost is pretty much the same for the period I'll be in Chicago. all input is welcome. Thanks.

cher_cher

The Park Hyatt definitely fits all three but I still would say Peninsula even without setting foot in the place. If you do end up at the Hyatt, NoMi has excellent food but the waitstaff ignore you. I'm actually not sure if they're really ignoring you or if they think they're doing you a favor by leaving you alone. It's irritating regardless. The restaurant is beautifully designed with this big bank of windows that jut out from the buidling structure so it's as if you're floating in the air. Last time we were there a massive thunderstorm came and went. It was truly spectacular!

The spa has great services, as well. The effects of my facial lasted over a month!

One of my measures of a really good hotel is its fitness room. Theirs is one of my favorites, with an indoor pool and elliptical trainers with individule LCD TVs, bowls of apples, a woman constantly keeping you watered and toweled and all that wonderful stuff.

cher_cher

Hit the reply too soon!

The location is right about in the middle of N. Michigan Avenue, a long walk or 10 min. cab ride to the Art Institute but super convenient to shopping.

I'm a frequent business traveler and female so need to have a balance between efficiency, technological savvy, service, and, for lack of a better word, romance in the hotels I frequent. This hotel actually has it all. And the decor is gorgeous, modern, high touch, but warm and comfortable.

zainab

Cher-Cher --

Thanks for the info on the Park Hyatt. Sounds like a great hotel ... So why would you recommend the Peninsula instead of it?

travleis

I've stayed at all three.
I now choose the Peninsula each time.
Location is great (FS is all the way north on Michigan), service is very good (FS is still better), rooms are newer and much more to my liking (I always get an Executive Suite).
The Peninsula was the #1 rated hotel in the USA by Zagat last year.
This year's Conde Nast Traveler rankings also rank the Peninsula above the FS and Ritz, both much higher than the P Hyatt (whose rooms are much more mainstream than the others).

cher_cher

"The Peninsula was the #1 rated hotel in the USA by Zagat last year."

That's why, zainab! As a brand, The Peninsula is just above and beyond Hyatt. Though I love Park Hyatt and try to stay at their properties whenever I can. If you can get similar rates, go for The Peninsula.

coolcamden

unless you're in Singapore. the Peninsula is really bad.

sorry, can't resist.

cher_cher

Ahem. Apparently you've never been to the HK Peninsula?

coolcamden

the HK Peninsula is absolutely first class, first rate. I can't forget the white gloved door attendances (4 of them) and the $15 USD vodka martini off the lobby bar. The Sing Peninsula leave A LOT to be desired.