November 14, 2018 | Lifestyle
Chicago’s luxury hotel scene has never been hotter—including these chic newcomers, each ripe for a staycation to remember.
(Photo courtesy of St. Jane Hotel)
The 1929 art deco Carbide & Carbon building, formerly the Hard Rock Hotel, is now the 365-room St. Jane, a complete luxe package down to Free Rein, helmed by Aaron Lirette, from Michelin-starred GreenRiver; sweeping views of the city, river and lake; and a feminine touch courtesy of owners and sisters Carrie Meghie and Jill Mast.
The place is named for Chicagoan Jane Addams, the first American woman to win the Nobel Peace Prize, and her commitment to philanthropy is everywhere: a signature scent, leather goods and even the hospitality training program were created in partnership with local organizations. The 32-key Tower (floors 25 through 36) offers exclusive access to the rooftop lounge, plus a dedicated personal curator, among other cool amenities. The Tower rooms from $449 per night, 230 N. Michigan Ave.
(Photo courtesy of Sophy Hyde Park)
The South Side’s first high-end boutique hotel takes its location seriously, tapping into the social fabric of Hyde Park from the red-brick vernacular exterior to the curated selection of jazz vinyl (and turntables) in each of the 90 rooms and eight suites. The sophisticated lobby conjures Chicago’s many muses, including authors in the restaurant, Mesler (note the blowups of books by celebrated writers), musicians in the lounge (there’s a lighting fixture made of horns), and nearby University of Chicago’s Nobel Laureates at the bar, whose decor was inspired by physicist Enrico Fermi’s sketches. Upstairs, fine art by Chicagoans is everywhere, including works by abstract expressionist Joey Korom reproduced in felt. Go for a Dorchester Suite, where the bathrooms are massive and the views of the lake are magical. Dorchester suites from $439 per night, 1411 E. 53rd St.
(Photo by Kailley Lindman)
The historic Atlantic Bank Building is now a culture vulture’s choice place to stay during the fall cultural season. Set across from Millennium Park and repurposing architect Benjamin Marshall’s original 100-year-old bricks, the former eyesore is now a stunning example of adaptive reuse, setting the stage for languid dinners at About Last Knife, a swanky gastro steakhouse run by executive chef Dan Weiland (formerly of Blackbird) and boozy nights in the cool lobby bar. Work it off in the state-of-the-art fitness center (Peloton, perhaps?), then look sharp for your date at the Chicago Symphony Orchestra with the free dry-cleaning service. No tickets? The crackerjack concierges can hook you up. Millennium king rooms from $249 per night, 168 N. Michigan Ave.
