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Chicago Marriott Downtown
- 33 reviews
- Neighborhood:
- Magnificent Mile
"I am no hotel aficionado, but I had the opportunity to stay in this particular hotel for my first visit to the Windy City. The location…" read more »
76 reviews for Peninsula Hotel Chicago
It's hard to imagine how a palace of pure luxury and exemplary customer service exists in the middle of a tough town like Chicago. I think this is simply the best hotel in this city. I stayed here several times and all the times the service was simply impeccable. The rooms are comfortable and the beds and the bedding are excellent - very comfortable. The food is great as well. I had room service, also I had breakfast buffet, and the food in their Japanese restaurant, and the tea service, of course. It has all worked out perfectly for me.
The gym is fantastic. I once had to stay at another hotel about ten blocks away just because they were sold out for the convention at the Peninsula. So, I got up very early morning, checked out of my crappy hotel and hiked to the Peninsula, bags and all, had breakfast buffet and then went to work out. I like to do stair master. And the stair masters here are fantastic -they show you the terrain you are doing and it keeps the workout from getting boring. I selected "around the world" and did one hour on the stair master - an unprecedented amount of time for me - in a flash. The view is incomparable and very uplifting and inspiring.
I think if you live in town, you can actually get membership in the gym and work out. Highly recommend it. I would move in here and live here, if I could. But, I would have to be much richer, I think for that to happen.
Amazing service, food is amazing, and the staff is fantastic. High prices definitely get you better treatment and you pay for it. My only issue is the standard rooms, were ok. Not great, not bad, but definitely NICE.
Again, the service was impeccable from the moment you walk in and the amazing attention to detail is great.
My room was a little awkward as the TV unit was mounted a unit that swiveled out so it looked odd and the room layout was odd. But overall a great experience.
The power of positive energy!
Not just a hotel.....but a place where people are happy, take pride in their jobs and existence...and transfer that on to you! The most noticeable thing truly is the kindness of the staff! The rooms are comforting. Love the music in the bathroom among other things.
We tried the afternoon tea which was totally delectable with champagne and live violin playing in the background. More excitement came from hanging out by the pool and trying one of the Ayurvedic Hollistic journey spa treatments...I was so relaxed that I passed out during the entire treatment...The Classic Manicure and Pedicure were also to die for....and they were able to fit me in one night after dinner. This hotel has everything under one roof....which makes you never want to leave!
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Best hotel anywhere. Used to get a $200 company rate and loved every second. I could live here. Really.
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The Peninsula Chicago, like all their properties, is spectacular. Whether visiting the windy city for business or pleasure, this property delivers the goods.
The bedrooms are spacious. The bathrooms exceed expectations. It is hard to imagine better service. You will enjoy your experience.
Worth a detour.
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My review may be 4-stars, but don't get me wrong, the Pen is spectacular.
I got a room with a bunch of girl friends for access to the rooftop deck as a change of pace to enjoy many cocktails and girl talk before going to the chocolate bar. As soon as my cab pulled up, a hand was there to help me out and my luggage was already out of the trunk. I had three different people offer their assistance with my one small wheeled case (carrying a blender and snacks).
The room is nice, but what makes it extraordinary is the bathroom. Oh. my. gosh. The bathtub is fabulous! I stayed later than my friends just for the chance to soak. Love the recessed tv above the tub. Even the shower is great---in a separate stall from the bathtub. Tons of counter space for multiple girls to touch-up makeup---sink and a separate vanity.
The rooftop deck is right off of the pool. It's a nice spot with views over Michigan Ave. What we were most impressed with was the water---silly, but hydration is important when consuming alcohol. The hotel offered cucumber water and strawberry water near the pool for guests. Tasty.
The chocolate bar is delicious! I wish my stomach hadn't filled up after only two trips so I could get a little more value for the $30 price tag. I wasn't impressed with my white chocolate truffle martini----the raspberry had too much of the fruit cough medicine aftertaste for me. The Lobby is gorgeous and our service was outstanding.
The reason I bumped off one star is the entertainment center is unnecessarily complicated. Three women with advanced degrees couldn't get the speakers to play my docked iPod. Later, the sound went off while trying to play a DVD. We had to have a person come fix it, which took him a few minutes to sort out. The next morning, the sound no longer worked when playing the tv. I really only would've knocked off a 1/2 star, but that's not an option.
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Great spa and pool side. Nice and beautiful!
My guy was in town, and I was super excited when he told me he booked the Pen.
Here's what I love:
- It is gorgeous. The lobby, rooms and lounge. I love everything about it.
- The people. Their HR department deserve an award for hiring the most friendly and helpful people. There is zero pretentiousness and all smiles. They win.
- The beds. Believe the hype. You will sleep like a baby.
- Oversized marble bathrooms. This is a girl's dream bathroom. Adam kept asking me... "What the heck are you doing in there? Are you ok?" I was checking out the large vanity area, huge soaking tub and luxury bath amenities (sadly not Molton Brown anymore)! Their plush towels make you feel like you are wrapped up in a cloud.
- Morning newspapers - you get the Financial Times, WSJ and Tribune.
- Mood lighting button. This is just awesome.
This is my favorite place in Chicago. It makes me deliriously happy.
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Always perfect. Period. One of my favorite hotels in the world - a reason in itself to go to Chicago.
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Is there a better place to stay in Chicago.....i say not. A beautiful oasis situated in the heart of Michigan Avenue. The service is impeccable but not over the top......I could live in the rooms! Very tastefully decorated and the bathrooms are awesome.....spacious glass shower....dual sinks....and a tv to be viewed while in the bathtub. The Lobby restaurant is a must go for breakfast/brunch....the ginourmous windows and high ceilings provide a unique ambiance. The rooftop lap pool and workout room is one of the best i've seen for a city hotel. I love it here.....sorry Four Seasons
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After what seemed like a whirlpool of downward spirals, a trip to Chicago couldnt have come at a better time. I was hesitant on going at first because i had so much on my plate, but being invited to a grand celebration for my hard work, why would i deny myself? I earned it.
This was my first time in Chicago so i was a tiny bit excited. I was only in town for one night, but still, it was totally cool getting to visit a new place. When i arrived at the Pen Hotel, i was almost in awe. Its gorgeous. Completely gorgeous. Marble floors, beautiful art decor, and an extremely helpful and pleasant staff. Ive always said that staying in hotel rooms alone can sometimes be a little sad. But my room at the Pen was more than beautiful. And huge! For a one night only stay i was surprised they gave me a suite. First thing i did was put my bag down, and heave myself onto the big plush bed. Comfortable beyond belief. Then i got up to gaze at the city below me....the view was amazing.
My room did not fall short of anything. It was beautiful, classy, clean and very spacious. The ballroom where the celebration was being held, was even more gorgeous than the hotel itself. It was so fancy i felt a little out of place. I think i cleaned up nicely though....took the lip ring out, tried to cover up as much of my tattoos as i could, had the long curly locks flowing and the crimson lips on display. I scored great contacts in Chicago should i ever want a change of pace. Sweet!
Upon my departure from the hotel, they arranged a car service for me back to the airport....without me having to ask. 5 stars all the way. This trip was just what i needed to put a smile on my face. If you're ever in the area and you want to splurge and live fancy for a day, the Peninsula Hotel is a wonderful option. This place will not disappoint you.
Who doesn't love a luxury hotel!
When in Chicago, this should be the first stop - then compare all others to it. I primarily judge a luxury end hotel by two factors, then everything else follows: Check in service, and the room.
I would say the check in process is the only thing that kept me from giving this place 5 stars. She was friendly enough, and did her job ok...but this is one of the highest end branded hotels in the world. First, there were two of standing at the check-in counter - 2 men. a) she didn't ask how many keys were needed b) did not ask what other name should be listed on the room. During my 5 night stay here, I noticed check in asking every other guests (male/female check in couples) these two questions. (Hmmm - recognize your demographic with high disposable income!) FYI - top service hotel at check-in: Every "W".
Ok, the other check in question - which daily newspaper would you like? Which she rattled off 5 - one being the local Chicago Trib, then the other top contenders. We chose the Wall Street Journal - Every morning we have a wonderful Peninsula cloth bag on our door knob...with a different paper every morning - not the WSJ. A quick note at the front desk a few days later fixed this.
Ok - the room: AWESOME! Bed was like a cloud, Wide screen TV swings out to face room or bed. Docking for your iPod is connected to the TV/audio system for full control of your iPod from the room. Separate dressing area with drawers, and a bathroom almost the size of the expansive room - complete with TV, and 2 phones - one next to the commode, and a hands free version next to the sunken tub.
Your own fax machine with private number, and full room light controls from bedside, complete with nighttime dimming option.
Are you getting the picture of fabulousness?
Check out my other reviews of the bars and restaurants within "The Penn"
this is the place where my fiancee asked me to marry him so of course it's definitely as good as it gets :). he got a suite and worked with the people at the peninsula to surprise me with the proposal and an engagement party with our friends and family. turns out if you get a suite you get a $50 food credit for the chocolate bar. yumyum.
-beautiful hotel with an awesome location
-friendly and accommodating staff
-chocolate bar
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Before booking our wedding here, we stayed for the weekend just to get a true feel for if the amenities and luxury were worth the price. We didn't let them know this was the reason we were staying because we didn't want any biased attention. Walking through the elevator doors that evening, it was love at first sight. From the moment we walked in, the lobby attendant was on it and got us the info and key right away. We were whisked to our suite, put our stuff down and went running back down for dinner. The food at the avenues restaurant was marvelous and I can now see why they won all those award. The next day there was a wedding going on so we were luckily able to pop our heads in just for a quick glance of how it was all handled. We liked what we saw, and booked with them. Months later, after putting together so many details, it was time for our wedding day. The entire staff was attentive to us not only on our wedding day but before and after our wedding, making sure everything was just right. I realize its a bit more money to get married here, but it is so worth it if it falls within your budget it is very much worth every penny. When you have a wedding here, there is a fantastic ballroom as well as cocktails on the terrace. Your friends and family will be impressed. The rooms are pricey so to be fair to all budgets it would be courteous to get a room block at a more economical hotel in addition to the Peninsula so that everyone is able to attend for the weekend. Overall the experience was a dream come true and I couldn't be happier with it.
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So I've never actually seen the rooms here, but I've spent enough time at the bar, in the lobby, and at the restaurants to know this is one swanky hotel. And you know you're at a nice hotel when you get up from working on the couches in the lobby (yep, I'm guilty of stealing their wi-fi on a few occasions) and the staff runs over to fluff the pillows you left behind.
Besides the free wi-fi in the lobby and elegant atmosphere they have a very impressive afternoon tea. I've had my share of high tea over the past few years. That's what happens when all your friends get married...you pretend you're all grown up and have high tea bridal showers. I've had tea at the Ritz, Drake, and Peninsula...and the Peninsula blows them all away! Delicious finger sandwiches (the chicken salad is especially tasty), a basket of delicious scones (can't eat just 1), and incredible desserts. And just when you think you've died and gone to heaven with all this delicious food and a pot of tea (the vanilla bean is especially good) they bring over an individual souflee for each person.
There's no need to actually stay at the Peninsula (although I'm sure it's ridiculously nice) when you can enjoy all these fabulous benefits...
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Best hotel in the city.. Best spa also.. Great food, service, location...
Wonderful. From the impeccably decorated lobby to the richly appointed rooms, the Peninsula never disappoints aesthetically. Perfect service as well. Even the room service is delicious. Will definitely be enjoying many a "stay-cation" at the Peninsula.
The only less-than 5 star aspect to me was the spa - and there was nothing actually wrong with it, it was just smaller and less luxurious than I expected. But not enough to detract from my overall rating.
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Ventured here once for an Easter Brunch. Considering I am a candy-holic this was truly my heaven.
The ambience was beautiful. The candy decor alone was impeccable and a little unreal. They had bowls of candy and desserts everywhere! What more could you ask for?
Staff was great during our brunch. Very fun and great experience! If you can ever try, it's well worth it!
This is probably my favorite hotel to stay in around the Chicago downtown area. I've stayed here several times and haven't had a complaint yet. Great service, absolutely amazing rooms and views of the city, and great location for access to the downtown shopping and the Rush Street bars/restaurants. They will bend over backwards to assist you, and in my opinion, customer service and a good bed are what make or break a hotel; both are phenomenal here.
As everyone else on here seems to point out, if you're willing to spend the coin, than this is the place to stay in Chicago.
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I've never stayed at this hotel, I've only been to the bar/lounge area.
But I gotta say, I loved it. Sometimes (okay, most of the time) I'm just not in the mood to sit in a crowded bar, not hear anything anyone's saying, listening to bad music, etc. So when some friends and I (and Josh, too) needed a place to grab a drink after dinner at the Rosebud, someone suggested the Peninsula because he had been there for work-related drinks and really liked it.
The atmosphere is really nice. Think contemporary but homey (thanks to the really nice seating area next to the fireplace). The drinks were pricey, but they were sooooo good. Worth the $12 price tag (martinis). It was a mixed crowd: some young professionals, some older people and definitely some out-of-towners ... but it was a nice place where you could hear yourself talk and have space to breathe.
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We got a comped room here from my husband's work. It's more than words can describe. The room was impeccable. The bathroom was so large, there were three telephones in it. The bathtub had a television above it. I took a bubble bath, drank some champagne and watched the cubs blow it. It was fantastic. Except for the Cubs blowing it.
There is a drink in the bar called the Jet Li. It's 12 bucks but absolutely amazing. Patron Silver, Pear Puree, Cranberry Juice and ginger ale. I highly recommend it.
The bed was super comfortable. The view of the water tower was great! Definitely the best hotel that I have ever stayed at!
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As far as I am concerned, this is the best afternoon tea in the city - hands down. The service is beyond reproach. The presentation is perfection and they offer a wonderful variety of teas. To my knowledge, this is the only hotel in the city which offers afternoon tea where you can request extra finger sandwiches and scones and NOT be charged more. A very nice perk indeed, and trust me - the sandwiches, scones, cookies, mini quiches and tarts and sweets are wonderful! You will also be treated to a piping hot mini sweet souffle fresh out of the oven - just before your 3 tiered plates of treats arrive.
And the tea room is beautiful - you truly feel like you are Marie Antoinette having tea with her ladies. The ceiling must be 50 feet high - lots of use of the color gold - great lighting - and the room looks east towards Michigan Avenue so there is lots of light. I took my mother here last year who had never been to tea before and she counts this as one of her best outings in Chicago. The Peninsula also features wonderful live music from a balcony overlooking the tea room - cello, violin, harp and at the holidays they had a woman in a ballgown serenading us with opera music. Just exquisite! A little pricey - but well worth the treat.
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Haven't stayed there yet (or eaten at Avenues...sigh) but the afternoon tea in the terrace/veranda/whatever they call it is ample, filling, well-prepared, elegant and fun. Servers struggle to properly pronounce the french names of the various pastries without a hint of irony or embarrassment, which provides a side of amusement for free.
Best place in town to take a visiting mom...
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I had the best massage of my life here. I wish I could remember her name... hmmm...she's about 5'2'' and runs marathons.
: ) Memory issues.
The whole spa experience was top notch. The receptionsts handled a logistic hiccup smoothly. The facilities are very comfortable. I would recommend you go very early to your appointment (and I am perpetually tardy) to enjoy the full experience.
I also ate at the patio of the restaurant here and it was beautiful. I had a braised tofu dish that was impeccable. If only I could get my hands on that recipe!
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edited 11/20/06:
I went to the tea here yesterday and it was great. I actually don't like tea much but I can imagine if you like tea you would have loved it. I had the vanilla bean. I had the added glass of champagne and it was very good. The service was exemplar. I got there early and the staff was very attentive, offering me reading material while I waited. The tea sandwiches were extremely tasty, and the server graciously refilled them several times--I wasn't expecting that considering that some of them were lobster salad. Very nice way to spend the afternoon with friends or family.
I hope to go back for the chocolate buffet on Fri/Sat nites or the jazz and dessert night on Thursdays.
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This review is based on my experience a few years ago. I assisted with the planning and organizing of a fundraising event for a celebrity charity and the service from first inquiry about their facilities through the end of the event weekend were outstanding. (We even needed a mannequin at the last minute for the auction and they got us one). The rooms were amazing--they have lights all along the bottom of the wall to guide your way to the bathroom, and the tub has a speakerphone and TV. My friends rented the Presidential Suite (or whatever it was called--their best one), and it was like something out of MTV cribs, with a gazillion rooms, a jacuzzi with Bose on the terrace, a formal dining room, grand piano, etc, etc. No wonder they have been rated top hotel in the country--the staff were warm, friendly and helpful and the rooms were beautiful.
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I'm still in awe. I just spent one night there with my wife and we are still smiling. I also did spend some time there a few years ago but on a corporate trip (and so I didn't get to enjoy a lot of time in my room)
We stayed in a King Grand Luxe room on the 16th floor over Michigan Ave. The room was quiet and luxurious. I just enjoyed hanging in the room reading a book while listening to classical music over the room sound system. The room also has incredible mood lighting. The staff is friendly, discrete and amazingly helpful and polite. It's amazing how you feel like the most important person in the world during the 24 hours you spend there.
The bathroom is also spacious and comfortable. I let myself soak in the bathtub for an hour just to relax. Here too, you can watch TV or listen to the radio (or even use the phone if you feel the sudden urge to brag about were you are to your best friends)
The concierge service made reservations for us at a local restaurant and we enjoyed a room service breakfast the next morning. They will literally bring the restaurant table to your room. Forget breakfast buffet at the Holiday Inn with the powdered eggs, you get here exactly what you want at the time you want it and you get to enjoy it on the room couch. No stay there is complete unless you have experienced room service.
We also enjoyed a late night coffee and desert at The Lobby downstairs. The Peninsula Coffee (a blend of coffee, chocolate and Grand Marnier) was divine. I highly recommended it but be aware that it is a strong drink.
The attention to detail is wonderful. It's just like taking a vacation without even leaving Chicago. I think I will go back there for my next wedding anniversary and this time, my wife wants to enjoy a dinner at Avenues in the room too (yes, yes, room service also serves from any of the Peninsula's restaurants !).
All this definitely comes at a price and not everyone can afford it. But I say; if you want to celebrate a very special occasion, it's something to try at least once in a lifetime. Oh, and since it was a very special occasion too for my wife and I, we were treated with a bottle of Champagne and some chocolate covered strawberries on our arrival.
It was perfect and I'm still grinning stupidly :-)
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The Peninsula... What else can you say about a perfect night within the confinds of a suite and the immaculate service.
A friend was in town for the week and the night started with friends and family sitting about, catching up, getting acquainted and enjoying a lovely spread of hors d'ourves and cocktails.
What really made me smile as the light switches, i felt bond-esque with the many little switches on the phone, dimmers, mood lighting, sound. It was the perfect control center for a night in the room.
Jumping on the bed ( i mean, sitting on the bed ) was delightful. but what struck me the most was the luxurious bathroom. I could live in the bathroom if there was just a little chaise... start the bubbles and bring the champagne... I'm ready for a little rendezvous.
Enjoy your night, I know I did.
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Posh as F!
I did a corporate show there, and they let us order whatever we wanted off the room service menu. I should have gone bigger, but I went for the Sirloin Cheeseburger. It took an hour to get there and was overcooked, but it was good.
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Best hotel in Chicago. I love staying here for a myriad reasons, including:
1. Excellent champagne time (errr, I mean, tea time)
2. Shanghai Terrace is a fantastic restaurant with a truly unique view of Chicago
3. The bar is full of great people who have great tastes.
4. The rooms, although not the nicest in Chicago (see the Park Hyatt for this) are comfortable and classy.
5. The location is choice. Just around the corner is RL (my favorite bar in Chicago.
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We had both our wedding ceremony and reception at The Peninsula and it was absolutely magical. Our wedding coordinator, Jennifer Clarke, made the entire process stress free even though we got married very quickly. We were able to secure a summer date even less than five months out, and got married on a Sunday. Jennifer was very hands on and was able to help us with everything from suggesting vendors (all of which were impeccable), to helping us find the perfect wine during our food tasting (which was SO. MUCH. FUN) and even told me when I was supposed to walk down the aisle. She is very professional, kind, and has great taste.
The amenities at The Peninsula are perfect for a summer wedding. We began with having people gather outside the main ballroom, where they waited to be led inside to the half ballroom, which had been decorated by the Epoch floral studio. After the ceremony we had cocktails and appetizers on the beautiful outdoor patio, which was decorated with chaise lounges. After the cocktail hour the ballroom was transformed with a dance floor, dinner tables and the window curtains had opened to show the Chicago nighttime skyline. The patio was left open so during the night people could go out and enjoy the fresh air and view. My favorite moment from the evening was when my new husband and I got to have our first married moment alone sitting on one of the lounges and looking up at the night sky. At the end of the evening we stayed in the complimentary honeymoon suite, which had been decorated with rose petals and a bottle of champagne. I'm so happy we chose to have our wedding at The Peninsula, and would not have changed anything for the world.
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Top notch hotel with top notch service. If you have the money (a lot of money), this is the place to stay on the near north side of Chicago.
The Peninsula Hotel bar is a great place to meet after work to see and be seen or to end your night out in the city. The martini's are great and the service is impeccable. While I like to sit at the bar- there are chair groupings throughout that allow for a more intimate setting. Just a note of caution- this place can get packed on the weekends.
Even the "bar food" has a special touch to it. Try the mini-burgers topped with cheddar or Brie cheese and a pickle slice or how about the veggie panini sandwich with roasted mushrooms, peppers and eggplant? Yum. Even the bar snacks are good- but ask for a fresh bowl as they sometimes leave a half filled bowl on the bar.
Love to sit and watch the people go through- sometimes an older crowd and other times a young crowd- but always a Chicago crowd. Hmmm . . . I wonder where the guests at the hotel go to drink?
Ladies- for your convenience there are small hooks under the bar to hang your purse for security if you choose to sit at the bar.
Fun people, great drinks and good food? Sounds like a combination for a fun start or end to your evening in Chicago.
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The first time I went it was for the mani pedi with Aleks. It was so relaxing! I swear this was the best pedicure I have ever had. I felt like I was walking on clouds! My feet were so soft. The highlight was actually the manicure. I explained to Aleks that I was going to Costa Rica for a week. So she coated my nails with some kind of protectant and I swear to you the polish stayed on my nails for a week and a half! I kid you not! I don't know what that stuff was but my nails stayed gorgeous! I was elated.
The second time I went back for the facial and message. I went to the locker room which was sparkling clean and very nice. Then I waited in a very comfy room where I was stretched out in a reclining chair reading a magazine, eating a banana and drinking tea in front of a fireplace! Ahh heaven. Both treatments went very well.
Also, whenever you have an appointment at the spa they actually let you use other amenities either before or after your appointment. You can go swimming or use their exercise facility. Great perks!
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Totally awesome over here.
The Peninsula name says a lot, the Beverly Hills Pen is one of my favorite hotels in the world, the Chicago hotel did not disappoint, i have stayed here several times and have had great service every time. The bathrooms are very large the beds are extremely comfortable, the standard rooms are a good size and the suites are very spacious. The food in the hotel is also very good, the vietnamese noodle bowl in the lobby restaurant is one of my favorites and the bar here is one of the best in the city to just relax and have a drink.
Even though the room rates will kill your wallet, the overall experience is absolutely wonderful; you really are getting what you paid for. I decided to go for the cheaper rooms, a double suite. Even though it was one of the cheaper rooms, it was still luxurious.
The bed was soft, with numerous pillows, down blankets and sheets. Amenities such as a universal remote control, responsible for the radio, television, phone, alarm clock, etc. was at my disposal. The bathroom was awesome. Bathing while watching ESPN was particularly fun. Plush towels and good quality toiletries (instead of the generic hotel conditioners, toothpaste, etc.) were a definite plus. Room service was prompt and courteous.
Really, there was nothing about the experience that left a negative impression. If you stay over, you're sure to have a wonderful time. God, I sound like a cheesy commercial...
I just went to The Spa at the Peninsula Hotel and I loved it! The massage technician (Victor) was amazing and the place was beautiful. The relaxation room was dark and cozy, complete with cucumber water, a fireplace and beds with the softest blankets to lay on while awaiting your services. And in contrast, the locker room was bright and sunny with huge windows overlooking Michigan Ave. The staff was very nice and, since it was my first time to the spa, they were wonderful about showing you around and explaining the space and facilities.
I have also often come to the hotel and enjoyed The Bar. On my last trip the host was so friendly that he directed us over to a reserved table in the very busy lounge after seeing us look for a place to sit at the bar. The drinks are good and the crowd is always interesting.
For a celebrity sighting- the Peninsula is the place to be. Many celebrities stay here when visitng Chicago because the hotel is the best in the city. The rooms are amazing and expect to pay top dollar for them. It was rated the #1 hotel in the US and for good reason- it's absolutely spectacular. The lounge area is great and they have a wonderful brunch, and the chocolate lounge is amazing. They have a chocolate fountain and anything you could ever want to dip in the chocolate fountain. If you have the money and are looking for a great hotel experience, the Peninsula is the place for you.
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There is a reason the stars stay at this hotel when they visit Chicago. My ex and I got a room here to celebrate our anniversary last year and I was very impressed. I've stayed at some pretty nice hotels around the country and this is one of the nicest hotels I've stayed in. In addition, the staff went out of their way to make sure we were taken care of. We felt very special! We also enjoyed having drinks in the lounge and the late night chocolate buffet. If you can afford it spend a night at the Peninsula Hotel! It's like taking a vacation without even having to leave Chicago.
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I love this hotel but I do not believe that it is the number one hotel in Chicago - or at least not for me. The lobby is beautiful. The staff is A-1, and I could go on and comment on all the positive things including the spa and the restaurants but you can read that in ALL the other reviews.
Although I really don't want this review to be a negative review, I do want to point out some of the things that I personally have noticed.
Here are my gripes:
1. This hotel is an older building that has been remodeled. If you have ever been to the sleeping rooms, you can tell that they have been renovated and you can pick up some of the nuances of an older building. Not even the suites are as A++. I have stayed in both a regular room & a suite and I would say that other Hotels, around the world and in Chicago, are nicer. I can think of one other Chicago hotel that has better sleeping rooms - or more to my liking. I prefer the Park Hyatt.
2. The Spa is GREAT but not the BEST. I think for the price, if you venture out of the hotel and visit some local spa's in the same neighborhood, you can have a better massage and perhaps even a better all-around spa experience.
3. The bar is fantastic but it is too trendy - again for my liking. Too many suburbanites hang out in this bar and it is too "see and be seen". The Maitre'd takes "tips" for tables and it is too obvious, in fact, it is insulting. Anyone can hand him a $20 and get a table and they easily bypass people who have been waiting. Now, we all know this happens but he makes it so it is REALLY in your face, as if he commands it for a table.
If you are in town and just want a nice drink and a cigar or a ligth bite, this may not be the best option for you. I think the Four Season's bar is far better if you are seriously wanting to enjoy the company with whom you travel. BUT, if you are looking for a fun place and you want the sort of place to meet or socialize, The Peninsula is a great spot.
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