As a people-pleasing millennial who hasn’t quite mastered the art of slowing down, the idea of a “staycation” sounded closer to the plot of a breezy beach read than a reality for my chronically on-the-go life. But as I sabered the top off of a chilled bottle of Champagne in one fell swoop and looked over a dreamy stretch of skyline atop the St. Regis Chicago, I exhaled deeper than I had in weeks. Confirmed: A short-but-sweet staycation at the city’s most buzz-worthy hotel was in fact the cure to combating the chronic “go, go, go” mindset wired deep within my brain. The St. Regis Chicago, which opened its doors last year, is a breath of fresh air. And as the first installment of The Artful Stay, we’re giving you an inside look at what makes the hotel an idyllic destination — for Chicagoans and out-of-towners alike.
Photography provided by The St. Regis Chicago
Setting
Towering 101 stories high in Chicago’s Lakeshore East neighborhood, you’ll find the city’s newest architectural gem, the St. Regis Chicago. The hotel, walking distance from downtown’s most alluring landmarks like Navy Pier, Millennium Park and the Art Institute of Chicago, just to name a few, offers business travelers and vacationers the convenience of a metropolitan location and the indulgence of lake and river views. Fun fact: The hotel is the third tallest building in Chicago and tenth tallest in the United States.
Vibe
Inspired by the city’s skyline views alongside Lake Michigan and the Chicago River, the St. Regis boasts an exterior design that reflects the city’s vibrant culture and energy. Led by architect Jeanne Gang, the hotel’s silhouette resembles a pyramid with its top shaved off — a shape repeated to form the structure of the tower. Inside its revolving doors you’ll find a lavish and modern design style by KTGY Simeone Deary Design Group and Gensler featuring hues of blue, striking geometric shapes found in the furniture and artwork, and tasteful interior details reminiscent of The Gilded Age.
Amenities
A signature amenity across the St. Regis brand since its inception back in 1904, the personalized butler service ensures that hotel guests’ unique preferences are honored with exquisite attention to detail. From unpacking and packing to coffee and tea services, the butler service is a commitment to excellence unlike any other. Other amenities include the complimentary house car, dry cleaning and pressing services, and a 24-hour in-room dining service should you need a late-night bite or early morning breakfast in bed. Oh, and don’t miss the evening sabrage ritual for your daily dose of bubbly; the practice dates back to the battles of Napoleon Bonaparte, who opened Champagne with his saber in both victory and defeat.
The Rooms
Showcasing the hotel’s signature water and sky-inspired color palette, the 159 guest rooms and 33 suites (some of the largest accommodations in Chicago!) offer exquisite river, lake and city views; signature St. Regis beds with Frette linens for an unbeatable night’s sleep; luxurious soaking tubs and separate rain showers to encourage moments of exhale following a busy day of work or sightseeing. The two-bedroom 4,600-square-foot Presidential Suite touts an unparalleled level of opulence featuring a marble-clad principal bathroom overlooking Navy Pier, personal fitness studio, and expansive living room complete with a dining table, private kitchen and an exclusive St. Regis Butler.
The Spa + Athletic Club
The 12,000-square-foot spa is nothing short of a dream. Upon check-in guests are greeted with a Champagne toast at the Celebration Bar and healthy snacks (the matcha balls were the perfect pre-massage lite bite!) in the Iridium Lounge, which is adorned with cozy-chic cream walls, soft fabrics and an inviting fireplace. The wellness haven offers everything from bespoke massage and facials to sound baths and meditation-focused services to leave you feeling renewed.
For guests focused on fitness goals, the hotel provides a fully-equipped gym and fitness studios — classes range from sound meditation and yoga to pilates and barre — to stay on track in the midst of travel. Not to mention a heated indoor pool, dry sauna and steam room to round out the wellness experience. An ideal workout experience, the cardio machines are strategically placed facing the floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the Chicago River to keep you motivated mid-stride.
Dining
“Superb” doesn’t begin to cover it when it comes to the St. Regis Chicago’s signature restaurants. Award-winning chef Evan Funke leads Tre Dita, a Tuscan steakhouse that doesn’t skip a beat with its innovative cocktails and traditional handmade pasta dishes. Its fiori di zucca (squash blossoms bursting with ricotta and Parmigiano Reggiano) is the perfect sharable small plate, while the pici cacio e pepe is a not-to-be-missed pasta dish cooked al dente and flawlessly balanced with just the right amount of pepe. The granita di pompelo is a light and refreshing meal topper featuring pink grapefruit, seasonal berries and limoncello zabaglione.
Meanwhile on the 11th floor, you’ll find Miru with its Japanese small plates and sushi headed by the esteemed chef Hasanobu Osaka. The all-day dining experience offers elevated breakfast options like the Tokyo Breakfast with grilled umami salmon, dashi tomago, and rice and miso soup, and healthy options like the egg white frittata and fresh pressed juices. Reserve a table in the evening and you’ll experience dishes like the salmon and truffle, a sumptuous signature raw item and the spicy bluefin tuna crispy rice. Don’t skip dessert —the coconut mango is a must-try tropical bite featuring coconut mousse, coconut cake and mango sorbet.
