I headed north a few weeks ago for my usual birthday week trip into Chicago, planning on visiting with some friends, eating my weight in pasta and fresh fish, and taking a beat to sit on the beach and soak in some of the sun that rises every day over Lake Michigan.
I’ve had such a long-standing relationship with both the city as well as the Ambassador Hotel, so it was a little nerve-wracking to stay somewhere new, but my relationship with the Ambassador had to come to an end after the last several visits had been less than great (read about that here). However, after an unexpected stay at the Ritz-Carlton in Dana Point earlier this year, the experience was lovely enough to encourage me to give the RC in Chicago a try, and I’m so glad I did.
Located a little further South, and just a block off of Michigan Avenue at Water Tower Place, I was a little hesitant at the idea of a more centralized location, thinking that- especially on a busy holiday week and weekend- the noise and crowds would be less than ideal. However, insulated from the Mile by Water Tower Place, and with residential Streeterville to the East, it was much quieter here than expected.
Walking in the street level lobby, I was happily surprised to see a Lichtenstein Interiors on the wall, modern furnishings, and statement flooring. This look continued upstairs to the reception area, where black-and-white tile floor and funky seating gave way to the glass-ceilinged cafe. Upon check-in, we were greeted by name, and while we were awaiting check-in, spotted an incredible scene with the family in front of us. They had two small children, and the front desk attendant disappeared into a room behind check-in, reappearing seconds later pulling a Red Flyer wagon stuffed with toys of all kinds, telling the kiddos to pick out something they’d like for their stay. What a sweet gesture, and one that made the parents feel- I’m sure- like VIP guests.
Our room was a City View King, and, while it was the lowest room level, was exceptionally well-appointed, with North-facing views of both the Hancock Tower as well as the sailboats on Lake Michigan off of Oak Street Beach. The bed faced the windows, so in the mornings, I awoke to the sunrise over the water. A corner sofa, eating area, bar, and kitchenette were all at hand here, while the bathroom- the bathroom– was swoon-worthy. Wide double vanity with multiple lighting options, private toilet space, and an enormous glass and tile shower with rainfall shower head… If anything, it was inspiring for any future bathroom renovations at home (and, to be honest, the bathroom at the RC in Dana Point was just as lovely, though the color scheme there was much more Southern California than Windy City).
While we didn’t try any of the dining options here, aside from the lobby’s Torali Bar and the cafe, the restaurants look fantastic, and seem to get consistently wonderful reviews. We were, however, surprised one day with a bottle of bubbles and a gorgeous tray of chocolate-dipped strawberries, which made for a pretty perfect pre-dinner snack one evening.
I know that the Ritz-Carlton brand of hotels has a long history of making guests feel well-cared for, important, and as if they have entered into a space that’s theirs alone (using names, glasses of champagne at check-in, turn down service), but my second experience with them as a hotel is going to lead to a third.. and fourth.. And hopefully, a years-long relationship. If nothing else, one trip has solidified this beautiful space as my new go-to in my favorite city.
** this post is not sponsored in any way. all thoughts and opinions are my own **
** photos via the Ritz-Carlton Chicago website **
Leave a Reply