Situated along the Chicago River, Swissotel is one of the most luxurious accommodations in downtown Chicago. The four-diamond, all-glass hotel is home to 661 guest rooms and suites. True to its name, the hotel offers top-of-the-line European-style service and decor inspired by Chicago with an Alpine touch. Plus, the fitness center offers some pretty stunning views from the 43rd floor—pretty good incentive to get your workout in.
Swissotel –Best for…
Fitness and Wellness Junkies
The Swissotel has everything to make your trip to Chicago a full wellness retreat. The crown jewel is the recently renovated Penthouse fitness center, which boasts impressive views of Lake Michigan. There are Precor cardio machines, free weights and strength equipment. There are also in-room spa facilities and weekly Vitality Boot Camps. For a small fee, guests can work out with a trainer to a mix of cardio and calisthenics.
Plus, Swissotel’s location offers easy access to nearby jogging classes. There are even Vitality morning runs throughout the week led by a Swissotel staff member. The Vitality jogging map offers everything from a two-mile stroll to a full out four-mile run.
Swissotel Amenities
Swissotel offers an array of rooms, suites and lofts that really feel like home. From classic to king rooms, even the most basic accommodation here is impressive: spacious and full of sunny views. Business guests can take advantage of high-speed WiFi and a roomy work area. Uncluttered rooms are decorated in contemporary aesthetics with Alpine sensibility. Rooms features multimedia docking stations, a LCD split-screen TV, separate bath and shower, and a coffee maker. With the hotel’s grand location, you’re guaranteed a city or park view, or you can upgrade for a river or lake view with king or double-bed layouts.
Suited include separate lounges and roomy bathrooms, along with ergonomic work spaces and all of the guest room amenities. Traveling with your family? The Kids Suite offers a king bed and two doubles with kid-friendly decorations, stuffed animals, and kid-sized table and chairs. If you really need to stay awhile, the two-story loft suite spans 1,200 square feet featuring a dining room, breakfast bar, living area and wine bar on the first level. Upstairs, find a loft-style bedroom and a spacious master bath with a luxurious oval tub.
Guests can also take advantage of the on-site fitness center, boasting impressive views of Lake Michigan. There are also in-room spa services available. For dining, Swissotel is home to several options. The Palm Restaurant is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. With views overlooking the River and Navy Pier, the restaurant serves an array of eats, spanning traditional Italian to prime beef and oversized Nova Scotia lobster. Amuse restaurant offers a more relaxed-contemporary style serving up specialty cocktails and small plates.
Swissotel Location
Swissotel offers a uniquely special location in Chicago near where the Chicago River meets Lake Michigan. That means pretty much anywhere in the building offers a view. Walk to Lake Shore East Park just below or to the Chicago Riverwalk just to the North. The Theatre District is accessible to the west, or you can cross the river to access Magnificent Mile shopping.
Due to the picturesque location, there are a lot of hotels in this neighborhood. Radisson Blu Aqua Hotel, Wyndham Grand Chicago Riverfront and Virgin Hotels Chicago are all within a few blocks. Swissotel is in line with its competitors when it comes to price.
Swissotel –The Verdict
The Swissotel’s location is as much as a selling point as you’d need. Then, add on its European-style service and four-diamond status. The clincher is that fitness center on the 43rd floor, where you can run to the view of Lake Michigan. There are also two on-site restaurants with contemporary twists on American classic dishes. It’s definitely more modern in styling, and you have to pay for WiFi. But the all-glass architecture designed by Harry Weese is pretty impressive.