There’s no reason a Chicago weekend of museums, shopping and a show shouldn’t include plopping onto a plush bed that you won’t have to make the next morning.
Several new hotels recently opened around town, from simple to swanky.
The Langham
330 N. Wabash Ave.
312-923-9988
The blocky Mies van der Rohe skyscraper (the former IBM office building) belies the sophistication within. Female service staff are clad in light pink Chanel-inspired suits, and Langham Club access includes a personal butler who will lovingly draw you a bath with rose petals, essential oils and Canard-Duchêne Rosé Champagne. Each of the 268 guest rooms and 48 suites feature marble and limestone bathrooms and impossibly comfortable mattresses. Acupuncture, oriental herbs and traditional Chinese medicine will soothe aching muscles and improve circulation at the Chuan Spa. Travelle showcases Chef Tim Graham’s innovative Mediterranean cuisine (start with pita balloons with muhammara and chickpea panisse) and afternoon tea at the Pavilion is the most elegant in town. The scones are to die for.
The Godfrey Hotel
127 W. Huron St.
312-649-2000
This Cubist-inspired building captures a sleek, modern aesthetic, including a marble and white elliptical lobby. Guests enjoy L’Occitane bath products and can control the TV via smartphone in all 221 rooms. On the fourth floor, the 15,000-square-foot IO Roofscape is Chicago’s largest rooftop lounge and sports a two-level fire pit. A retractable sunroof keeps out the cold but channels beachy summer vibes year-round. Chef Riley Huddleston, formerly of The Aviary, gets scientific with cocktails, testing the pH of citrus and measuring sugar ratios to add complexity to classic margaritas and gin and tonics. Food ranges from small bites, like lamb “lollichops,” to heartier burgers and risotto.
Thompson Chicago
21 E. Bellevue Place
312-266-2100
Around the corner from the Oak Street and Michigan Avenue boutiques, this 247-room hotel aims for edgy, understated luxury. Deeply hued tweed upholstery and grand bookcases greet you in the lobby, contrasting with a sweeping black iron and brass mesh staircase. Guest rooms feature brighter color palettes, floor-to-ceiling glass windows and L-shaped velvet sofas. Three penthouse suites include private balconies. Enjoy Italian seafood and fresh pastas from Nico Osteria, from the guys behind Blackbird and Big Star, while people-watching on the sidewalk terrace. Chef Erling Wu-Bower (formerly of avec) is also responsible for banquet and in-room dining options, so treat yourself to breakfast in bed.
Aloft Chicago City Center
515 N. Clark St.
312-661-1000
If you’re a Starwood Preferred Guest, rack up points at this LEED-certified, pet-friendly hotel. Clean, simple lines in the 272 rooms plus a pop soundtrack create an upbeat, young vibe. Beatrix is a great casual dining option and kid-friendly, too. There’s something for every palate on the menu at this Lettuce Entertain You restaurant. We love their fresh-squeezed juices and can’t resist the angel food muffins from the pastry case. Bliss Spa toiletries, free bottled water and complimentary Wi-Fi are nice perks, and you can’t beat the location. In the heart of River North, this hotel is just steps from Michelin-starred restaurants, Chicago nightlife and Navy Pier.
Kinzie Hotel
20 W. Kinzie St.
312-395-9000
The former Hotel Amalfi gets a makeover, paying homage to John Kinzie, Chicago’s first permanent settler. Vintage 19th century maps and compasses in the 215 guestrooms are a nod to the explorer, as is the sixth floor “double cross” lounge, inspired by the controversial Kinzie’s silversmith days. Enjoy a drink and complimentary small bites in the lounge from 5–8 p.m. each evening. Although the hotel does not have a full-service restaurant, in-room dining is available courtesy of Harry Caray’s and a complimentary continental breakfast of fresh fruit, pastries, cereal, juice and coffee is available on every floor each morning.
Even more boutique hotels are on the way: We are looking forward to the late summer opening of Soho House (113-125 N. Green St.), where photos, mobile phones and suits are strictly verboten. And we can’t wait to see the rock-star suites at Sir Richard Branson’s first-ever Virgin Hotel (203 N. Wabash Ave.), set to open this fall.
