Suites & Eats
surge shows no sign of abating. Next spring a new 287-room Conrad launches overlooking the swank and swagger of Michigan Avenue, as does London House Chicago, which will breathe new life into the London Guardian Building author: Mark Hillsdon
Chicago
of Chicago’s prohibition-era skyscrapers. Yet, nestled up to the north bank of the Chicago River, with both the retail distractions of the Magnificent Mile and the cultural attractions of Millennium Park just a short walk away, there’s already a real sense of place about the hotel. You’re greeted by a cavernous lobby which
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despite its scale still manages to feel intimate, with a log fire, sumptuous seating and understated bar. Murals and artwork adorn the walls, many linking back to the city’s history. A wooden skyline, partly made from charred timber, is a reminder of the catastrophic fire that engulfed the city in 1871,
oews bucked the trend when the group decided to build its 52-storey hotel from scratch rather than renovate one
while the ornate, sweeping iron work is a nod to the city’s railroading past. The hotel has 400 sleek rooms, including 23
suites, with those at the rear offering great views over Lake Michigan. There’s a spa, fitness centre and pool leading out on to Streeterville Social, said to be the largest roof terrace in Chicago. While it may lack the views of other loftier eeries, it’s stylish and spacious, with drifts of prairie planting, a secluded yoga area and informal seating – perfect for cocktails or street food picked from an eclectic menu. The hotel’s main restaurant is the Argentinian- themed Rural Society, a maze of rooms designed to recreate a gaucho’s ranch, with a big emphasis on beef and steaks sizzling in the open-plan kitchen. Rooms from £190,
loews.com
Virgin territory Virgin’s first branded hotel opened earlier this year in the Old Dearborn Bank Building in Chicago and offers the laid-back feel you’d expect. Many of the 250 rooms, spread over 26 floors, come with quirky touches such as ceramic British bulldogs standing guard at the door, while hipster staff seem to run the hotel using iPads. Alongside Miss Ricky’s, a slightly overpriced all-American diner on the ground floor, you can also eat at the Commons Club, billed as cocktail retreat, workstation and eatery. But the star attraction is Cerise, the rooftop bar offering views of Chicago’s stunning skyline. Rooms from £138,
virginhotels.com
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The Cherry Circle restaurant’s menu is based on dishes from its heyday as a private club, while upstairs Cindy’s offers cocktails and views over Millennium Park.
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TTGLUXURY.COM WINTER 2015 DESTINATIONS
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Inspired makeover The Peninsula Chicago has redesigned 74 of its suites, which now come with LED touchscreen wall panels, hand- painted furniture and Pratesi linen. Rooms from £326,
chicago.peninsula.com
Enduring luxury With its sumptuous spa, superb NoMI Kitchen restaurant and reputation for spacious rooms, the Park Hyatt – close to Chicago’s Gold Coast – remains one of the city’s best-loved five-star hotels. Rooms from £190,
parkchicago.hyatt.com
London calling Soho House has transformed a six- storey warehouse into 40 rooms, with a clutch of restaurants, including the intimate Tavern and a rooftop pool. Rooms from £195,
sohohousechicago.com
Steak out Like all US cities, Chicago loves its steaks, and nowhere does them better than Boeufhaus. There’s a distinctly Germanic feel to the cooking, but surprisingly vegetarians can find enough on the menu too.
boeufhaus.com
Don’t leave without: Grab an authentic Chicago hotdog. Try Portillo (
portillos.com) with locations all over the city for a hotdog loaded with relish, tomatoes and pickle, served in a sesame bun.
Chicago is buzzing with a raft of hotels – some new, others reworkings of Art Deco gems. This year Loews, Marriott and Soho House have opened in the Windy City, and the
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