Living in Chicago, it’s easy to get used to all the tall buildings, amazing restaurants and endless list of things to do. To be bored of it, even. After a weekend at Loews Chicago it’s much simpler to revise this opinion.
Loews is located between Navy Pier and Michigan Avenue, so it’s a quick walk to either, not to mention River North, the Loop and the lake. As a four-star hotel open just this past March, there were a lot of the amenities I’ve come to expect: flashy full gym, sprawling rooftop with lounge-y spots, and a spa, not to mention an amazing restaurant in Rural Society.
The nitty gritty: My room was modern and bright, and felt spacious, though the bed was a bit soft for my tastes (pillowtop?) with great linens.
Bath amenities were by Davines and there was a mini Keurig in the room, which satisfied my yen for green tea at any hour.
Room service was a treat. Maybe I was a bit too taken with my mini bottle of Tabasco (no, I didn’t take it), but I loved the rich flavors of my truffled eggs Benedict and the ease of working in my room with fast wifi. With the ability to use wifi on three devices, I could reliably charge (there are outlets everywhere!) and surf on my tablet, phone and laptop.
The business center was set up nicely (it still mystifies me that they all have fax machines) and there were so many spots to sit and work or relax, in the posh lobby or their bar. It was slightly odd to get my morning coffee at Rural Society, but I know they’re working out kinks. What’s important: I got my coffee.
All of the staff I encountered was friendly and seemed invested in my stay. They’d make small talk and ask if I needed anything, but weren’t overbearing. Even better, they were there when I needed something, like a replacement key card (c’mon, we’ve all been there).
There is an indoor lap pool, which may not appeal to those with kids, but the rooftop deck has so many big games—big Jenga, tic-tac-toe and the like—plus a couple bars and seasonal cocktails and snacks. It felt like you could lounge and relax and wasn’t scenester. My wifi even worked outdoors, which seems to be the ideal setup on a temperate day (this is Chicago, after all).
The concierge was knowledgable in a way I’d hope for: She mentioned restaurants I myself go to (Niu, Rockit Ranch, Sunda—seems there’s a big Billy Dec contingent here) and demystified the CTA, as I’d acted as though I wasn’t from here. Frankly, knowing how to navigate the CTA is worth its weight in gold to someone who wants to see the rest of the city.
I would return to Loews in a heartbeat. Not only was it close to business and play, I felt incredibly comfortable and looked after. The only thing I’d change? Valet parking felt a bit extortionate at $65 per night (self park is $36), but they do offer parking packages.
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The Loews Chicago looks like a fabulous place for a staycation! We’ll have to check it out.
It is! And not cramped like some hotels.