Tucked just off the city’s famed Magnificent Mile is a one-of-a-kind Windy City gem: the Peninsula Chicago. Marrying Midwestern hospitality and Far East graciousness, the five-star stay was recently awarded two keys in the Michelin Guide’s inaugural ranking of American hotels. But the accolades don’t stop there. The distinguished downtown destination has also claimed Forbes Five-Star and AAA Five-Diamond Awards since its 2001 debut, plus it snagged the Travel + Leisure World’s Best Award for Best City Hotel in the continental United States last year. Simply put, it’s the poshest place in town.
Photography provided by the Peninsula Chicago
That’s no small feat in a city known for its hospitality. What puts the Chicago Peninsula a cut above is its incomparable combination of plush guest accommodations, delectable dining options and unparalleled amenities. Oh, and did we mention the art? The legendary global hotel group founded nearly a century ago emphasizes alluring, evocative art across its portfolio of 12 properties.
Let’s start with those spacious guest rooms and suites that effortlessly blend elegance and ease. All 339 of them are exquisitely appointed with classic décor, custom Pratesi linens, marble bathrooms (complete with soaking tubs), and a state-of-the-art technology system that lets travelers fully personalize the ambiance — from lighting to temperature to music to match their mood. Many of them offer stunning city views, but the Peninsula Suite takes the cake when it comes to vistas. Boasting 3,600 square feet of opulence up on the 18th floor, it also has a private 2,000-square-foot terrace primed for alfresco relaxation.
The Peninsula Chicago’s inviting eateries keep guests totally satiated throughout their stay. The swanky Shanghai Terrace has been voted the best Chinese cuisine in the city and has four Forbes Stars of its own — all for good reason. Chef de Cuisine Elmo Han helms the kitchen, dishing up fresh takes on Shanghainese, Cantonese and Sichuanese classics. The dim sum is delicious (particularly the dumplings), and the Peking duck is not to be missed.
The lush Lobby offers breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea and dinner in a grand setting. A newly introduced highlight is the gueridon dinner service, where shareable entrées like tomahawk steak, chateaubriand and dover sole are finished tableside. Adding to the delight is live weekend piano entertainment.
Afternoon tea is also getting a fun refresh this summer, with a playful Art of Tea program where families get to decorate cookies with Executive Pastry Chef Jamie Caudy and plan out their own tea party with Director of Catering Jennifer Clarke. Those activities are complemented by a specially commissioned installation by artist Timothy Paul Myers that greets guests. Rounding out the onsite dining options are European-style cafe Pierrot Gourmet (perfect for an inspired breakfast) and Z Bar, which serves up inventive cocktails and marvelous Michigan Avenue views.
The pampering doesn’t stop there. The spa and wellness center sitting atop the hotel is an unrivaled urban oasis. Signature offerings include customized massages, facials, and body treatments, but the half-day spa retreats are the real indulgence, combining the aforementioned elements for supreme relaxation. The indoor pool, meanwhile, clocks in at half-Olympic size and is complemented by a hot tub, an outdoor sun terrace and sweeping vistas through the floor-to-ceiling windows.
Taken altogether, it’s easy to see why the Peninsula Chicago keeps earning accolades galore. A seductively secluded retreat that’s still just steps away from all the action, the standout property has perfected a glamorous Windy City getaway.
