Arrival/Check-In: My colleague and I arrived in Chicago on a cold day, and any plans for an early morning walk disappeared as soon as we stepped out of the cab. The Ritz-Carlton lobby is located on the 12th floor of Water Tower Place. Check-in was warm, professional, and efficient.
Guest Quarters: I stayed in a spacious Lakeside Suite with large picture windows overlooking the lake. The suite felt more like an apartment than a hotel room. An entry hall with a generous coat closet and a guest powder room opened into a comfortable living and dining area. That space included a wet bar and minibar, a large flat-screen TV, a roomy couch with two easy chairs, a coffee table, and a dining table with seating for two. A work desk equipped with desktop outlets and a fax machine made business tasks convenient. As a corner suite, it benefited from abundant natural light and expansive lake views.
The bedroom featured a king-sized bed flanked by bedside tables, an easy chair with an ottoman, a dresser, and another large flat-screen TV. The marble bathroom offered twin sinks, a bathtub, a separate shower, and a water closet. Bathroom amenities were supplied by Asprey.
Services/Amenities: The hotel completed a two-year, $100 million revitalization that is evident in the refreshed public spaces and amenities. Just off the lobby is Torali, the hotel’s updated Italian restaurant presenting a contemporary, chef-driven menu curated by Chef Baasim Zafar.
Opposite the restaurant is Torali Bar, an attractive spot for a pre-dinner cocktail or an after-dinner drink. Also on the lobby level, The Café serves quick bites and afternoon coffee; high-top tables include outlets for charging phones and laptops.
When the weather permits, Rooftop at Torali — a terrace just off the lobby — provides a pleasant outdoor option for drinks and light fare. The property also includes a fully equipped fitness center, a lap pool, and a spa designed as a tranquil place for relaxation and pampering.
For events, the hotel features the largest luxury ballroom in the city along with several additional meeting and event spaces, making it a strong choice for conferences and social gatherings.
Top Takeaways:
◆ The location is just off the Magnificent Mile, a short cab ride from the Loop and only a few blocks from the lake. Despite the cold during my visit, I was able to enjoy a brisk walk along the lakefront for some fresh-air exercise.
◆ The hotel’s art collection is worth exploring. A standout piece is The Wave, a handblown glass installation by Lasvit that appears to float above the main lobby.
THE RITZ-CARLTON, CHICAGO
Water Tower Place
160 E. Pearson St.
Chicago, IL 60611
tel 312 266 1000
ritzcarlton.com