Arrival/Check-In: I arrived at the Public after a tense taxi ride from Chicago Midway Airport and was relieved when a hotel valet greeted me at the entrance. The lobby is striking, with a classic chandelier, antique mirrors and a front desk whose curved design calls to mind Chicago’s famous Cloud Gate sculpture. Check-in was quick and efficient; I was told my room was the Harry Belafonte Suite. Many suites here are named for notable guests or figures associated with the hotel’s storied first-floor restaurant, the Pump Room.
Guest Quarters: The suite was spacious and modern, reflecting the signature Ian Schrager aesthetic the hotel embraces. The living area featured several sofas, a large flat-screen TV and a substantial desk that could easily serve as a conference table. Personal touches included a framed photograph of the suite’s namesake and a whimsical series of images showing a cow wearing different hats. The bathroom was smaller than the main room but well-appointed and comfortable; its footprint likely reflects limits imposed by the building’s original structure. For a short stay the storage was more than adequate, and the walk-in closets would accommodate a longer visit with ease.
Services/Amenities: The Pump Room, now under the direction of Jean-Georges Vongerichten, continues its reputation for drawing high-profile diners. Black-and-white photographs near the entrance line the walls, and I noticed images of presidents hanging near portraits of cultural figures. My colleagues and I spent our first evening in the bar area, sharing a margherita flatbread, guacamole and a selection of expertly mixed cocktails. The Vesper martini I had was perfectly balanced, and a Pimm’s Cup stood out as well. The hotel also offers a second lobby bar, a screening room and complimentary bikes—handy for exercise or a self-guided ride through the nearby Gold Coast neighborhood.
The Experience: Located in Chicago’s Gold Coast, the hotel may be slightly out of the way for some business districts, but the neighborhood’s charm and convenient dining and nightlife options make the short extra travel time worthwhile. The hotel’s combination of design, service and an engaging restaurant scene made my stay memorable. I would return, partly for the atmosphere and partly for the chance of spotting a familiar face while enjoying good food and drinks.
GT CHECKLIST
Doorman/valet: yes
Check-in time under 10 minutes: yes
Separate tub and shower: no
Large vanity: yes
High-quality towels: yes
Powerful, unattached hair dryer: yes
High-quality bed linens: yes
Large, flat-screen television: yes
Large desk with convenient outlets: yes
Large, complimentary laptop safe: yes
Complimentary in-room WiFi: no (not noted)
Complimentary bottled water: yes
Stocked minibar: yes
Ample lighting: yes
In-room coffeemaker: no (not noted)
Iron and ironing board: yes
On-site restaurant: yes
24-hour room service: yes
24-hour state-of-the-art fitness center: yes
Turn-down service: no (not noted)
Public Chicago
1301 N. State Parkway
Chicago, IL 60610
tel 312 787 3700
publichotels.com