CHICAGO’S BEST HOTEL IS HOME TO INCREDIBLE ART, A BEAUTIFUL TERRACE RESTAURANT, AND A POOL OVERLOOKING THE CITY — READ OUR REVIEW

Top-notch service, amenities, and beautiful rooms set The Peninsula Chicago apart.

Whether you’re a seasoned travel pro, jet-setting around the globe to experience many cultures and cuisines, or a bona fide urban explorer who loves top-notch service and amenities, a sojourn at The Peninsula Chicago is a welcome breath of fresh air. From the best Chinese fare in the city at the Shanghai Terrace to the signature massages in the spa to the sought-after location near the Windy City’s top attractions, they just do everything right. And if you love a diverse collection of consistently evolving and revolving art, you’ll certainly be engaged by what you see here.

In June, I checked into The Peninsula Chicago, within easy walking distance to the John Hancock Center, Museum of Contemporary Art, and shopping along the Magnificent Mile for a blissful staycation to usurp all others. As a seasoned Chicago-based travel writer who has her finger on the pulse of the city’s best hotels, restaurants, and newfangled happenings, I can tell you that this jewel, which has been a World’s Best Awards winner numerous times over, definitely deserves its many earned awards and accolades.

I knew I was in the right place when I spotted the multi-hued and vibrant Kehinde Wiley oil painting on linen, on loan from the Pizzuti Collection, hanging in the lobby. Wiley is, of course, known for his works of African Americans, painted in the style of Old Masters — including Chicago’s own, former President Barack Obama. Another exclusive privilege with a stay at The Peninsula Chicago is access to the Krigler fragrance brand, with origins dating back to 1904. Only offered at luxury hotels in four countries, this hotel is the single place where you can peruse the perfumes in the city. Whether you choose a scent worn by Jackie Kennedy (Lovely Patchouli 55) or Grace Kelly (Chateau Krigler 12), you’ll adore lighting up your olfactory senses in this tiny boutique.

Here’s my review of The Peninsula Chicago, an exquisite five-star hotel where Far Eastern charm and cordiality meet Midwestern hospitality.

The Peninsula Chicago

• Nestled in a delightful pocket with soft ambient lighting, large trees stretching out of marble planters, the hum of urban traffic and chatter, and Chicago’s most famous architecture in full view, the Shanghai Terrace offers delectable fare and an unforgettable ambiance.
• From handy chargers and outlets in a drawer near the bed to tablet technology that allows you to control the temperature, dim the lights, request housekeeping, or read the New York Times, the in-room experience is thoughtful, accessible, and user-friendly.
• The floor-to-ceiling windows allow you to see Chicago’s dazzling skyline from the indoor swimming pool, hot tub, or outdoor sun terrace.
• The Peninsula Chicago collaborates with art partners and displays well-curated art throughout its public spaces.
• Spa treatments, which use Biologique Recherche products, are inspired by Ayurvedic and Asian philosophies.

The Rooms

“Our rooms are among the largest in the city and are light and airy in feel,” says Maria Zec, the regional executive vice president for the U.S. and the managing director at The Peninsula Chicago. “The Peninsula Suite is our top suite and can be one to three bedrooms for up to 4,000 square feet, with a 2,000 square foot wrap-around outdoor terrace overlooking Lake Michigan and the John Hancock building.”

I stayed in a Premier Deluxe Suite with sliding panel doors separating the bedroom from the living room. The views of Water Tower Place and the Hancock building immediately grabbed my attention when I entered the room, but it was the personalized digital art displayed on the flat screen, complete with photographs of me playing roller derby with the Windy City Rollers, that made my eyes go wide. At turn down, I found the same unique art framed at my bedside and custom-made stickers on a water bottle. This felt above and beyond, and the effort surprised me and touched me.

Further, the room's tech details are intentional and well thought out. You can select amenities like breathe-right strips, European or buckwheat pillows, eye masks, or extra towels and water from a tablet. Digital newspapers, in-room controls, dining menus, and airport arrival and departure information are at your fingertips. The large desk is stocked with office supplies, including a fax and printer, which I appreciate as someone who often works while traveling.

Movement and texture are brilliantly incorporated into the room’s design. Custom Fili D’oro linens have a subtle wave pattern; the headboard has a beautiful knobby texture; the desk area has a large slab of marble that looks like the rings of a tree; and the engineered wood has a horizontal pattern reminiscent of the Frank Lloyd Wright Prairie style, a wonderful nod to Chicago. I especially liked the refined blue pops of color — in the curtains, pillows, and artwork, as they stand out from the overall neutral palette and tie the space to the Windy City’s beloved Lake Michigan and Chicago River. The large artwork hanging behind the couch has hand-embroidered chrysanthemum flowers, Chicago’s official flower, and interestingly enough, this bloom is one of Asia’s noble flowers. Chrysanthemum flowers are also detailed on the custom-made dish sets. The thoughtful bond to the brand’s flagship property in Hong Kong, which has welcomed guests since 1928, is not lost on me.

“The Peninsula Chicago’s interior design is reminiscent of a grand European hotel of the Art Deco era,” says Zec. “A beautifully crafted stained-glass feature wall of greens and yellows by artist Paul Housberg in the Motor Lobby acknowledges Chicago’s rich stained-glass history and offers visitors a preview of the spectrum which awaits beyond.”

Food and Drink

Five dining options are available throughout your stay, each with its own special flair and ambiance. Not to be missed, however, is the Shanghai Terrace, a spectacular Chinese restaurant with the most delicious dumplings in the city. To start, I ordered a Smoky Lapsang handcrafted cocktail, a perfect start to the evening with a bit of pomp and circumstance. Golden shrimp and vegetable dumplings came next, followed by the main course, recommended to me by front-of-house staff: a Chilean seabass in traditional Szechuan sauce. Sitting outdoors on The Terrace, surrounded by brilliant skyline views, was a good choice.

The Lobby is another beauty, with floor-to-ceiling windows, open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Experience afternoon tea service, which is one of the best in Chicago. “The Art of Tea” is the current theme, which is a delightful experience for young sippers and their families. Enjoy sandwiches, scones, and pastries alongside a wide variety of hot tea. When I arrived, I witnessed the Australian artist Timothy Paul Myers install his dramatic felt custom-made creation, Alizarin. “All of these found objects are hand-wrapped in felt,” Myers says. “I find it incredibly interesting to think about the history of the object, the people who have interacted with these objects, and the wrapping is a way of archiving.” Myer created this large-scale piece specifically for The Peninsula Hong Kong, and it will travel to other properties in the brand when it leaves Chicago. “The highlight is the tea service in The Lobby, so we created this piece, an abstracted tea service, as public-facing art,” Myers says. “My hope is that this piece creates a lot of conversation and maybe changes the air in the space in a dynamic way.”

Z Bar, situated just above Michigan Avenue, lets you feel fully immersed in the city’s magnetism while you nosh on sharables and small plates. Be sure to look up once at the bar — there’s a beautiful cutout, a nod to the famous Cloud Gate sculpture (“The Bean”). The Z is the signature cocktail here, named after Maria Zec, the first female general manager for Peninsula Hotels over 24 years ago.

Pierrot Gourmet, a European café and wine bar, is filled with locals and travelers, giving you a genuine Chicago dining experience. Its light and bright interior and lively outdoor patio are pretty lovely.

The final option is always a good one for enjoying international cuisine at your leisure: in-room dining.

Activities and Amenities

Get a jump on the day with a workout in the fitness center, a gym with excellent city views, or a yoga class. Compliment your exercise with a dip in the half-Olympic-length indoor swimming pool or a soak in the jetted hot tub. I loved lounging on the alfresco sun terrace, a great place to read a book and relish the fantastic views.

“The fitness center was recently upgraded with new TechnoGym weight equipment, new flooring throughout the fitness center and yoga studio, and a new Barre was added in the studio,” says Zec.

The Spa

The Peninsula spa and wellness center operates on the 19th and 20th floors of the building. Indulge in a massage or facial treatment, and leave time to relax in the lounge, complete with a fireplace, comfy chaise lounge sofas, and hot tea. I took advantage of the steam room to fully relax before my signature massage. Be sure to bring a swimsuit to fully experience the space and nearby swimming pool and hot tub.

“Treatments feature products by French-based Biologique Recherche, Subtle Energies from Australia, and Antara Organics, a CBD line,” says Zec.

Family-friendly Offerings

Unique, family-friendly offerings abound. Whether you need a babysitter to enjoy a night out or book a kids’ manicure and pedicure at The Peninsula Spa for a special mother-and-child experience, you’ll find accommodating support here. The Camp Peninsula Package, for example, includes a complimentary tent set-up with camping-themed treats and a plush campfire. Other in-room amenities like child-sized robes, slippers, and baby bathtime sets are sure to impress.

Sustainability and Accessibility

“We are accessible to guests throughout the hotel, including the spa, our guestrooms, our restaurants, and banquet space,” says Zec. “We have had a sustainability program for many years now — we are EarthCheck Gold-certified.”

Location

Location, location, location: The Peninsula Chicago, which takes up an entire city block, is near it all. “Peninsula Hotels always are in the best location in each destination,” says Zec.

Spend time in the iconic Millennium Park, explore the Chicago Riverwalk, enjoy an architecture cruise, shop on the Magnificent Mile, snap photos in front of the Chicago Water Tower, and carve out time for the city’s best art museums, like the Art Institute of Chicago and Museum of Contemporary Art. The beaches along Lake Michigan are ideal for outdoor family-friendly fun, and Broadway in Chicago offers enchanting theater opportunities.

How to Get the Most Value Out of Your Stay

To get the most value out of your stay, book online. You can also obtain a membership to the spa and receive discounts on rooms and restaurants. “Consider staying during the first quarter when business levels are generally slower in the city,” says Zec. “When booking two weeks in advance, the rate is reduced.”

Another way to make the most of your trip is to talk to the amiable staff directly — everyone is eager to assist. “Forty percent of staff have been at the hotel for 10-plus years, which also allows our staff to develop relationships with our guests,” says Zec.

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