Arrival/Check-in: I arrived at the Elysian after a traffic-filled drive from Chicago O’Hare Airport to find a courtyard that felt distinctly Parisian, complete with a calming water fountain. The doorman greeted me warmly and escorted me to the reception desk. Check-in was quick and efficient, and soon I was being shown to my Gold Coast Suite. The suite felt more like a private apartment than a typical hotel room. As my escort departed, he mentioned that the Elysian operates as a tip-free hotel — a detail that stood out to me. (30/30)
Guest Quarters: The Gold Coast Suites, named for the surrounding neighborhood, are generously sized at approximately 890 square feet. Every room in the hotel features a balcony with a table and chairs, perfect for morning coffee or evening drinks. My suite faced north, so I didn’t have a lake view, but the urban outlook was pleasant. Soundproof windows made the suite remarkably quiet for a city hotel. A wet bar sits in the large entry hall that leads into the living room, where the focal point is a working gas fireplace with a large flat-screen TV mounted above. The bedroom is spacious, with a king-sized bed, chaise longue, dresser, chair and a desk equipped with convenient desktop plugs for charging laptops and phones. A roomy, well-appointed dressing room connects the bedroom to a white Carrera marble bathroom, which includes a deep soaking tub, a separate shower and dual vanities with an inset LCD TV. The décor favors muted champagne and platinum tones, lending an elegant and refined atmosphere. Toiletries provided were from Asprey. (29/30)
Services/Amenities: The Elysian is home to two noteworthy restaurants: Balsan, offering relaxed, high-quality dining, and Ria, which presents a more formal culinary experience. I enjoyed an outstanding dinner and a memorable breakfast at Balsan—both among the best meals I’ve had in a hotel or an independent establishment. With Balsan’s caliber, there’s little incentive to leave the property for dining. Bernard’s Bar provides a club-like setting popular with locals and guests; a large window behind the bar opens onto the entrance courtyard, bringing natural light into the space and enhancing the atmosphere. The hotel includes complimentary access to the Elysian Spa & Health Club, featuring a lap pool, whirlpools, sauna, steam room and a full complement of fitness equipment. A notable complimentary perk is the hotel’s private fleet of luxury vehicles, available for local transportation and airport transfers. (39/40)
The Experience: A stay at the Elysian is distinctive and memorable. Beyond the building’s striking character, what left the strongest impression was the attentive, professional staff who anticipated needs and delivered consistently polished service with genuine warmth. I would happily stay here again.
Total Score: 98/100
Elysian Hotel
11 E. Walton St.
Chicago, IL 60611
tel 312 646 1300