I’ve always loved Chicago and take it as a sign of good things when I have a reminder of it. Whenever I have the opportunity to go to Chi town, I’m all in. I consider Chicago a cleaner quieter New York City.
Where to stay you ask? Well here are a few suggestions. Like New York, Chicago has many hotels. These are just a few of my favs. I prefer each one for different reasons depending on Why and With Whom I’m in Chicago. Some are better for business while others are perfect for personal.
It is always great to be stay at The Ritz Carlton. They have made some fabulous upgrades since my last stay in the rooms and restaurants. The thing that hasn’t changed is there amazing service! I love the location because it’s convenient to walk to a lot of attractions!
The Thompson Hotel. Within walking distance from the Ritz, the Thompson is elegant and has an ease to it. Stepping inside makes me feel calm and at ease. I feel like their motto should be There is no better hospitality than understanding. They treat me like an old friend, noting my preferences and seeing that I am always happy.
The Viceroy is a combination of historic and modern. They kept the Cedar Hotel’s original brick and terra cotta façade so guests can appreciate the city’s storied architectural past while modernizing the interior. It’s a great location to walk to many of the attractions and my room had an amazing view of the city and Lake Michigan.
On the other side of the city, in the Fulton Market District, sits Soho House. I seriously wanted to move into Soho House after my stay. It was the perfect blend of industrial and modern décor. The high ceilings, cement columns, open airy feel…..I can go on and on and on! The staff was so accommodating and down to earth. I kept discovering new areas in the hotel and one was as amazing as the other; the vibrant energy of the lobby, the enormous gym (seriously one of the largest hotel gyms I’ve seen), the secluded bar room with its cozy feel, the meeting space as well as the private theater, Cow Shed Spa and products!
There are even more restaurants to choose from than hotels but I wanted to highlight some I think you would enjoy.
Let’s start by grabbing a cocktail at Torali Bar in the Ritz. I had my first and very tasty Lemon Drop Martini. I highly recommend. It made me feel fancy!
If you are looking for great food and love football, head to Ditka’s. The décor is a historical tribute to football, it’s players and coaches. They even have a souvenir shop.
I couldn’t have asked for a better experience than the one I had a Gibsons. The bar was lively and made waiting for a table fun; chatting with the locals, people watching and listening to the piano player. The service and food were impeccable.
Funny story: While speaking to a gentleman who lived in the neighborhood, he explained to me that Gibsons is popular for another reason besides the good food. My curiosity was peaked so I asked why. He said the area is known as the Viagra triangle! I needed the deets so he spilled. Older wealthy men frequent the bars/restaurants in the area and meet beautiful young women. I could not stop laughing. He said to just be observant and I will notice. Sure enough, when we were leaving there were 3 Maseratis parked outside and the couples were as he described!
If you can’t get in to Gibsons (which happens sometimes) go right next store. Some of the best seafood I have ever eaten was at Hugo Frogs. It has a casual vibe with great service.
Feeling like Italian. I recommend RPM Italian. I went for the food but got the scoop to go with my entrée when I learned Bill and Giuliana Rancic are part owners in the restaurant.
If you want to step it up a notch Maple and Ash should be your destination. As I exited the elevator my eye was drawn to a looping chandelier that looked like a pearl necklace. The atmosphere is luxe and contemporary and the diners are dressed to the 9’s. The pampering starts as you are seated. The waiter brings a small house cocktail of gin, lemon and vermouth (made tableside). Then olives and a plate of cheeses is delivered. The food and service are over-the-top and you want for nothing.
Let us not forget brunch. Shaw’s Crab House is a famous brunch spot and it didn’t disappoint. You definitely need to bring your appetite. The options are endless. I would also make a reservation.
I am a bit of an activity’s girl. I like to really see my destination. Lucky for me Chicago has a lot to offer. I started with the Chicago Architecture River Cruise. It a one-hour tour of the Chicago river where you’ll see some of the world’s most famous buildings standing tall in the Chicago skyline. I am an architecture fan so I found this fascinating.
To see a variety of things, the vibrant, bustling area of the Magnificent Mile is home to upscale shops, luxe fashion outlets, cool restaurants, posh hotels and many Chicago landmarks.
Navy Pier is a great family spot to have fun, catch some remarkable views of Lake Michigan, go for a run and even ride the Ferris Wheel. Some fun facts about Navy Pier: Queen Elizabeth visited Navy Pier in 1959, the record for the longest Ferris Wheel ride was broken here (48 hours, 8 minutes, 25 seconds) and the Pier played an important role in World War l and World War ll.
Chicago’s Famous ‘Bean’ in Millennial Park is widely considered one of the greatest pieces of public art in the world. It is pretty incredible to see all the reflections in the bean. My advice is to go early if you are hoping for a photo. It gets really crowded and it’s hard to get a good shot.
Depending on the time of year you are in the windy city, you can always catch a game. Be it baseball at Wrigley Field, The Bulls playing basketball, watching the Blackhawks score on the ice or do what I did and see Da Bears play in Soldier Field.
After all that I need another drink. I’m a multi-tasker so I enjoyed an epic view of Chicago while grabbing a cocktail! If you’d like to do the same, head up to the 96th floor of 875 N Michigan Avenue (formerly John Hancock Center).
Whether you are in Chicago for business or pleasure; a week or weekend, there is always something to enjoy!
