Chicago Smart Splurges

Smart Splurges

Organizing an ideal Chicago agenda that assures rewarding cultural encounters, memorable hotel stays, and select high-end perks that add up to trip-of-a-lifetime memories isn’t just a matter of spending more money – with so many choices, you’ve got to know where more to spend it. From hotels offering just the right combination of location, historical ambiance, and state-of-the-art élan to destination-defining culinary and shopping experiences, our Chicago Smart Splurges may require a slight increase in your travel budget, but they're absolutely worth the extra dollars!

Smart Splurge    Great Value
This extravagant hotel’s wow factor is undeniable. The lobby features soaring white-marble walls that lead to a gold-domed lounge infused by the sounds of live music, courtesy of a small orchestra or band perched atop the balcony. The hotel’s numerous accolades have noted its smart blend of contemporary and classic styles; its state-of-the-art electronic system (which allows guests to control the temperature, lights, and even the curtains from the comfort of their own bed); its posh spa (also one of the country’s best); and its terrific dining establishments – including seafood, Asian, and a European bakery – which offer unrivaled sophistication and superb cuisine. The hotel’s 339 luxurious guest rooms are some the largest in Chicago and are decked out in a chic, classical style suffused in soothing colors and soft linens. Most rooms offer stupendous city views, a comfortable sitting area with an overstuffed sofa and coffee table, and over-the-shoulder lighting for bedtime reading. All units have marble bathrooms that come with a separate shower and tub, a hands-free phone, TV, and mist-free mirrors.

2008 SMART LUXURY WINNER
Old-World Class

The Pen is that rare luxury hotel that is frequented by world travelers and locals alike. You’ll see couples on dates in the gold-domed lobby, sampling decadent desserts or catching a jazz performance, and local power brokers sipping finely crafted cocktails at the bar. The superior rooms are the largest anywhere in the city, and the hotel is parked in the center of the city’s prime shopping district. Best season for value: spring.

Great Value Alternative: City Suites has Art Deco rooms close to Wrigley Field and the best nightlife in the city. From $200/night; www.cityinns.com

See more Smart Luxury Award winners

 

108 E. Superior St.; Chicago, IL; 312-337-2888; www.chicago.peninsula.com
Tags: luxury | hotel | expensive | swimming pool | editor pick | smart luxury winner
The Hyatt chain is Chicago based, so naturally its flagship property is a real stunner. In addition to its perfect Magnificent Mile location (it doesn’t get more Chi-town than this), its living room boasts the stunning Piazza del Duomo Milan by artist Gerhard Richter, although the real masterpieces are the rooms themselves. Eastern-facing rooms overlooking Michigan Avenue are true gems although all contain marble baths, oversized work desks, individualized climate control, and more. Restaurant NoMi is still the talk of the town, especially for the collection of Dale Chihuly blown glass in the dining room.
800 N. Michigan Ave.; Chicago, IL; 312-335-1234; www.parkchicago.hyatt.com
Tags: luxury | hotel | expensive
Wrigley Field
The Chicago Cubs may never win the World Series, but spending an afternoon swilling beer in the bleachers at this ivy-covered neighborhood ballpark should be a compulsory part of every visitor’s experience.
1060 W. Addison St.; Chicago, IL; www.cubs.mlb.com
Tags: family | spectator sport | things to do
At the bar and restaurant on the 95th and 96th floors of the John Hancock building you can have...more
875 N. Michigan Ave.; Chicago, IL; 312-787-9596; www.signatureroom.com
Tags: restaurant | expensive
Chef Homaro Cantu’s marriage of food and science has rocked the culinary world. Think servers...more
845 N. Michigan Ave.; Chicago, IL; 312-491-0058; www.motorestaurant.com
Tags: trendy | restaurant | expensive | notable chef
Pops for Champagne
Great jazz exists city-wide in Chicago, but Pops tops them all when it comes to atmosphere. The elegant champagne bar (over 100 varieties on offer) lures thirty- and forty-somethings with fizzy libations and primo people watching in a simultaneously modern and classic space with cool blue accents and state-of-the-art sound complementing the building’s original stone walls and low ceiling.
601 N. State St.; Chicago, IL; 312-266-7677; www.popsforchampagne.com
Tags: nightlife | lounge | live music
“The Donald” is determined to put his indelible stamp on Chicago’s dining...more
401 N. Wabash Ave.; Chicago, IL; 877-458-7867; www.trumpchicagohotel.com
Tags: restaurant | expensive | new american
The Windy City isn’t big on late dining, but for an only-in-Chicago experience, head to...more
108 E. Superior St.; Chicago, IL; 312-337-2888; www.peninsula.com
Tags: restaurant | views | expensive | new american | fine dining | continental
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