The motto of the Peninsula Chicago is, “Where Far Eastern graciousness meets with Midwestern hospitality.” The five-star hotel brings traditional Asian service to Chicago in the form of sleek accommodations and an array of corporate events. The hotel brand is the only to have achieved a five-star rating across all ten of its properties. What makes it so great? There’s a rooftop lounge with iconic city views, a spa, fitness center, indoor pool and sun terrace. For dining, enjoy a Cantonese and Shanghainese restaurant, European Cafe and Wine Bar, and Contemporary American lobby bar.
Best for… Wellness Junkies
If wellness is your top priority, The Peninsula Chicago will deliver in spades. Its expansive spa stretches the hotel’s 19th and 20th floors, offering an extensive menu modern and classic treatments. Inspired by Ayurvedic and Asian theories, treatments range from traditional hot stone massage to the “Subtle Energies Blissful Marma Massage.” There are also facials, body wraps, and nail treatments.
Once you’ve had your fill of pampering, take a dip in the hotel’s indoor Olympic size pool. Located on the 19th floor, it offers stunning views of Lake Michigan through floor-to-ceiling 20-foot windows. You can bring your workout routine with you, as well, with the ultra-modern gym equipped with Cybex and Free Motion equipment. Guests can also take advantage of complimentary classes including power yoga, aqua pilates, and strength training. The fitness center can even provide workout gear if you forgot to pack yours.
End the day with some relaxation on the Sun Terrace. On the 19th floor next to the pool, the sun terrace is available to guests who book at least two hours of spa treatments. It boasts comfy loungers, complimentary water, chilled towels, and of course, the Chicago skyline.
The Peninsula Amenities
King and double rooms and suites run the gamut from superior rooms to the most luxurious Lake Suite. All accommodations feature bright and airy layouts with classic decor and warm neutral hues. The rooms have a nutrition center with a Nespresso Machine, fully stocked minibar, executive work desk, in-room safe, luggage area, custom Pratesi linens, commissioned wall art and sculptures and exclusive Bernardaud China. WiFi is complimentary, and you can enjoy all the entertainment on a 55-inch TV with sound bar. Luxury continues in the bathroom. Outfitted in marble, bathrooms feature a separate shower stall, bathtub and toilet closet. There’s even a 19-inch television.
Guests enjoy daily newspapers, complimentary shoe shines, 24-hour in-room dining, and complimentary access to the heated indoor pool and fitness center with its 30 weekly group fitness classes. The spa also boasts an outdoor relaxation terrace for guests who book two sessions or more in warmer months.
The Peninsula has some pretty spectacular on-site dining as well. The crown jewel is Z Bar, situated on the hotel’s rooftop terrace. There’s also Cantonese and Shanghainese at the Shanghai Terrace with indoor/outdoor seating, the sidewalk Pierrot Gourmet European Cafe and Wine Bar, and The Lobby, which serves up contemporary American cuisine and cocktails.
The Peninsula Location
The Peninsula is located smack in the middle of the city’s shopping district, including Magnificent Mile and its 3.1 million square feet of retail. There’s also the historic Chicago Water Tower, the Museum of Contemporary Art, and the Driehaus Museum just steps away. You’re also just two blocks from the Lakefront Trail, right between Ohio Street Beach and Oak Street Beach.
All hotels along Michigan Avenue in this neighborhood are expensive, but the Peninsula is the priciest among nearby competitors including the Park Hyatt, Conrad Chicago, and Omni Hotel Chicago.
The Peninsula: The Verdict
Five-star hospitality is the name of the game at The Peninsula Chicago. Situated on Magnificent Mile in the heart of Chicago shopping, this luxury hotel boasts some impressive amenities. There’s the on-site spa, olympic sized pool, spa terrace, and fitness center. Then, you can take advantage of the many eateries including rooftop bar in warmer months. All the while, you’ll be greeted with traditional Asian hospitality. All of that luxury isn’t cheap, however. The Peninsula is one of the priciest stays in town, but it delivers if you’re looking for a true five-star experience.