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Photo via The Kimpton Gray
In a world saturated by A-list rewards statuses and platinum preferred prestige, hospitality brands are finding new and exciting ways to keep up with the Joneses. The following Chicago hotels are stepping up their game with some seriously luxurious amenities and individualized service meant to impress their guests and keep them coming back for more.
Kimpton Gray Hotel {122 West Monroe Street; 312.750.9012}
Located in Chicago’s Loop, the Kimpton Gray Hotel has formed a partnership with Trunk Club to create custom Gray “Trunks” for purchase. For the traveler with a wardrobe malfunction, lost luggage, delayed in Chicago due to winter weather (it’s happened to all of us!), or who didn’t pack properly for the weather in general, The Gray will provide a gift card to use towards the purchase of a “Trunk” at Trunk Club’s Chicago Clubhouse (which is just one mile from the hotel). The “Trunks” consist of sophisticated yet ever-so-stylish wardrobe essentials for both men and women.
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Virgin Hotels Chicago {203 North Wabash Avenue; 855.946.6600}
The flagship property from Virgin Hotels, this Chicago loop locale offers a complimentary social hour for its guests—beer, wine, and cocktails included—every day. When was the last time you had an open bar of craft cocktails for free? Exactly. But probably the most standout amenity is the hotel’s “No Nickel & Diming” policy, which facilitates an effortless and stress-free stay for guests. Free Wi-Fi for all guests, early check-ins and late check-outs at no additional costs, and unbeatable, street-level mini-bar prices are included in this sweet package deal.
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Park Hyatt Chicago {800 North Michigan Avenue; 312.335.1234}
Park Hyatt Chicago on the Magnificent Mile is nothing short of magnificent, especially when it comes to guest services. The hotel offers highly personalized amenities for guests, including a butler service for those in need of relaxation. Should you so desire, the butler will even draw a signature bath for you in your room’s deep-soak tub, complete with candles, aromatherapy, and the hotel’s signature scent from Le Labo. It’s a luxurious, impossible-not-to-relax experience.
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Photo via Radisson Blu Aqua Hotel, Chicago
Radisson Blu Aqua {221 North Columbus Drive; 312.565.5258}
From Modern Tea by the fireplace to rooftop swimming with sweeping views of the city, Radisson Blu Aqua provides its guests with experiences that no other hotel can (partially because it is one of the few hotels in Chicago with a pool on the roof!). But one of its more impressive programs is the VIPup Package, designed for guests with very important pets. The package includes (but is not limited to) a plush dog bed and bowls for food and water, toys, “canine cuisine” on offer from Filini, gourmet treats, a stroller on request—yes, a stroller—and even an optional one-hour photo shoot with French Portraits.
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The Godfrey Hotel {127 West Huron Street; 312.649.2000}
Located on the roof of the Godfrey Hotel, I|O Godfrey is a high-end, indoor-outdoor rooftop lounge that draws crowds of both visitors and locals alike. With Chicago’s subzero winter temperatures, the hotel found a way to keep the rooftop in play year-round, providing guests with unparalleled views of the city even in the dead of winter: igloos. Yes, igloos. The lounge transitions into a winter wonderland during the cold months, and is decked out with heated, clear-domed igloos for guests and up to 10 of their nearest and dearest—hot, large format cocktails included.
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The Robey Hotel {2018 West North Avenue; 872.315.3050}
The new kid on the block, The Robey Hotel is small but mighty. One of the best things about the hotel is its size: The boutique hotel prides itself on creating lasting, personalized memories for each of its guests. Prior to check-in, the hotel reaches out to nearly every guest to find out why they’re coming to town—a wedding, a music festival, what have you. The Robey will cater to the occasion, sending a bottle of Champagne to the bride-to-be, or any other timely amenity.
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Photo via Sofitel Chicago Magnificent Mile
Sofitel Chicago {20 East Chestnut Street; 312.324.4000}
Sofitels across the world treat their guests to an experience they refer to as “cousu main.” Translation: tailor-made. Chicago’s offerings have ranged from protein-filled snack packs for a guest in town running a marathon to a room decked out in Bears paraphernalia for a child’s first pro football game. One of the most over the top, custom-designed experiences, though, was for a couple in town for the first time to celebrate their 47th wedding anniversary. The hotel’s pastry chef created a Croquembouche—a French pastry typically served at weddings—which was waiting for them upon their arrival alongside a photo of Chicago 47 years ago.
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Photo via The Ritz-Carlton Chicago
The Ritz-Carlton Chicago {160 East Pearson Street; 312.266.1000}
Attached to Water Tower Place, the newly renovated Ritz-Carlton Chicago is home to some of Chicago’s most sought after rooms, and with good reason (beyond just its prime location). Ritz-Carlton guests have direct access to the shopping center from the hotel. Prior to your shopping spree, wake up with La Colombe and housemade Quinoa Granola or stop in for lunch at The Café with majestic views of the Chicago skyline. Finish the day with a modern Italian meal at the acclaimed Torali Italian-Steak where you can enjoy an aperitivo to settle your stomach for another round of eating tomorrow.
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dana hotel and spa {660 North State Street; 312.202.6000}
dana hotel and spa, located in the heart of River North, is all about exposing their guests to a unique and experiential stay, complete with a ride over the city in a helicopter. dana’s Helicopter Package begins with a cocktail at Apogee, the hotel’s elevated cocktail lounge, before guests are driven in a private car to the helipad where they’ll fly high above the city on a twilight ride. The package includes a stay-in suite, which is stacked with floor to ceiling windows, spa showers, and an in-room wine rack.
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The Alise Chicago {1 West Washington Street; 312.940.7997}
Formerly Hotel Burnham, The Alise Chicago goes out of its way to accommodate guests of all kinds—two legs and four! The downtown hotel offers guests with furry friends an array of amenities to ensure their pet is just as comfortable as they are, including doggie beds, water bowls, snacks, and doggie bags to take on the road when guests take their pooches out to explore the city. Additionally, each room has a stuffed Husky named Dash, so your four-legged friend has a buddy to play with. Dash is also available for “adoption,” and all proceeds are donated to animal rescue organizations.
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The Peninsula Chicago {108 East Superior Street; 312.337.2888}
As you probably expected, The Peninsula Chicago has got it all. There’s a pet program for VIPs (Very Important Pets), programs appealing to families like “Camp Peninsula” and “Peninsula Academy,” which features baking classes and helicopter tours, and 24-hour in-room dining. But probably the best offering is the Peninsula’s “Keys To The City,” which provides guests with perks and benefits to Chicago experiences such as a private tour of Vosges Haut Chocolate “Chocolate Temple.”
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The Langham, Chicago {330 North Wabash Avenue; 312.923.9988}
The Langham, Chicago is a contemporary, upscale hotel, with a modern American dining restaurant, sweeping views of Lake Michigan and the Chicago River, and a staff that takes hospitality to the next level in every way (even the most unexpected). Just one example of this was displayed via a New York Times crossword puzzle, wherein the concierge created a word game and collaged it into that week’s paper for a guest who was planning a proposal. The paper was handed off to the proper recipient, and by the time she completed the puzzle, it spelled out, ‘Will you marry me?’ A proposal (and puzzle) to remember!
By Lisa Elbert
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