May 21, 2018 | Lifestyle
From a world-class restaurant circuit and cultural scene to a booming riverwalk, verdant lakefront and more, there’s reason aplenty to spend Memorial Day weekend out and about in the Windy City. And what better way to indulge in the season than at one of Chicago’s toniest hotels? Herewith, we teamed up with Expedia.com to bring you five luxe suggestions for your hautest holiday weekend yet. For additional Chicago hotel options, check out Expedia.com.
Photo courtesy of The Peninsula
Right off the Mag Mile and the days-on-end shopping it has to offer (Tiffany & Co., Ralph Lauren and Neiman Marcus are in its immediate vicinity), this Chicago staple boasts several acclaimed restaurant concepts, an extravagant spa and must-snap views of downtown. For some plum people watching, unwind on the patio of the hotel’s street-level European café and bistro, Pierro Gourmet (glass of prosecco in hand, naturally); for equally indulgent international flair, indulge in Peking duck or dumplings at fourth-floor concept Shanghai Terrace. Destress with a lap or two in The Peninsula’s indoor pool, which touts 20-foot floor-to-ceiling windows that afford stunning city vistas. 108 E. Superior St., 312.337.2888
Photo courtesy of Park Hyatt
Another Michigan Avenue institution, this upscale option is within enviable proximity to the Gold Coast, while also being but a short walk to the Lakefront Trail. Indulge your inner gourmand with a meal at Eric Damidot-helmed NoMI Kitchen, where the menu pairs fabulously with pristine, postcard-ready views of the Chicago Water Tower; adjacent rooftop bar, NoMI Lounge, is not to be missed, either (nor are the sweets from Jean Banchet-nominated pastry chef, Greg Mosko). Round out your experience with a relaxing personal treatment at the hotel’s NoMI Spa. 800 N. Michigan Ave., 312.335.1234
Photo by Nicolas James Photography
Calling the spectacularly renovated London Guarantee Building home, this 452-room riverside dazzler is one the city’s buzziest hotspots. Situated directly north of popular attractions like Millennium Park, Grant Park and the Art Institute of Chicago, the location is covetable, though the space’s true gem is LH Rooftop: a tri-level, sky-high destination towering over the Chicago River and boasting arguably the best views in the city. Test your Insta game in the 23rd-floor cupola and be prepared to be wowed with the results (and ensuing social media love). 85 E. Upper Wacker Dr., 312.357.1200
Photo courtesy of The Godfrey Hotel
This River North must-book is a stunner at first sight, quite literally: its Cubist-inspired, hyper-modern architecture alone is enough to stop any passerby in their tracks. The spectacle continues inside, too, where the rooms are chic and the patrons equally hip, thanks, in part, to perennial nightlife favorite IO Godfrey, the hotel’s rooftop lounge that always attracts a trendy set. Even better, it’s an indoor-outdoor concept, so not even inclement elements can rain on your holiday celebration. 127 W. Huron at LaSalle, 312.649.2000
Photo by Kailley Lindman
This Chicago stalwart has always impressed, but it upped the ante in fall 2017 after completing an extensive renovation that bequeathed (among other luxe jaw-droppers) an over-the-top lobby that further cemented its status as a see-and-be-seen spot for the jet-set. Chef Baasim Zafar turns wonders at Italian steakhouse Torali Chicago, whose rooftop stuns with ultra-impressive vantages of architectural wonder 875 North Michigan Avenue (formerly known as the John Hancock Center). Jumpstart your mornings with La Colombe coffee at The Cafe before enjoying uber-close spots like the Museum of Contemporary Art and Oak Street Beach. 160 E. Pearson St., 312.266.1000
To book your ultimate Chicago staycation, visit Expedia.com.
