The 5 Most Luxurious Hotels in Chicago
Hosting spas that you can easily lounge in for hours, art collections to drool over, decadent dining and service that makes you feel special and important, a luxury hotel isn't solely about a pricey nightly rate. Chicago is home to all the posh big brands--Four Seasons, Waldorf Astoria, Peninsula, Ritz-Carlton and Park Hyatt--but there are also some boutique options that aim to make your Chicago stay perfect.
Waldorf Astoria Chicago
Why it made the list
Tucked into the tony Gold Coast area, the hotel has a full-on spa that's dreamy as well as an indoor lap pool. In the lobby is an emerald-green wall behind the check-in and a sparkly light fixture above. Two Michael Mina concepts (both French by design) are scrumptious and on weekends there is a jazz brunch (at Margaux). Even the standard-sized rooms are so chic you'll want to Instagram the heck out of them--or maybe upgrade to a suite? (Need convincing? The super-deep marble soaking tub in the Waldorf Suite is flanked by a separate dressing area.)
The Ritz-Carlton Chicago
Why it made the list
Fresh off a major $100-million renovation in 2017, the lobby at this hotel connected to Water Tower Place is stocked with world-class contemporary art (such as the Czech hand-blown-glass installation, called "Flying Wave;" and a piece by Roy Lichtenstein) and a new Italian-themed steakhouse called Torali. To deepen the luxe even further, pay $200 more per day for access to the 15th-floor Club Lounge, serving food and drinks all day long. Also in the hotel: Rooftop at Torali, updated baths in all suites and a lobby bar. Spa treatments include the Sole Reviver foot treatment.
The Peninsula Chicago
Why it made the list
From afternoon tea to Cantonese-cooking classes (like what's served in the 1930s-themed Shanghai Terrace), this hotel--celebrating its sweet sixteen in 2017--is a definite option for foodies but also anyone who likes to be pampered. The Asian-inspired spa on the 19th and 20th floors is adjacent to a stunning 20-foot indoor pool. The pool area spills out to a Sun Terrace with chaises for a little slice of heaven. Pierrot Gourmet's all-day dining starts with Banana Foster Waffles for breakfast before easing into items like Boeuf Bourguignon for lunch and dinner. Drinks and bites are served at the Michelin-starred Lobby. The smallest room is 530 square feet and awash in pretty blues.
Four Seasons Hotel Chicago
Why it made the list
A half-block off North Michigan Avenue and its designer-label shopping, the hotel's spa is a true retreat with a 50-foot indoor pool and servicing some of the city's best facials. Allium's lunch menu features elevated "hot dogs" and lobster nachos plus some vegan options, too, and dinner might mean the "surf & turf" burger folding in beef, pork and lobster. Rooms are either lake-view or city-view, with elegant color palettes (blues, silvers, whites and purples).
The Drake
Why it made the list
Perched at the top of the Mag Mile, life back at the hotel (which debuted in 1920) is pretty sweet. Italian-marble baths and Lake Michigan views from bed (some rooms only) are two major perks. Despite having 535 rooms (plus 74 suites), every guest is treated to a glam setting. Afternoon tea is served in Palm Court (past guests include Princess Diana) and swinging-jazz acts mingles with classic cocktails at Coq d'Or, with its wood paneling and red-leather seating. Within the hotel are shops that include Chanel (swoon).
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