Chicago's Peninsula Hotel… they raised the bar for fine accommodations.By Barbara Kingstone
Cliches stay around because there is truth in what they say-like-anything good is worth working for. And if staying at one of the finest hotels in the world is a strong suit for you, then Chicago’s The Peninsula Hotel is worth every bit of extra toil. It’s that special. The Hong Kong Peninsula Hotel raised the bar for service decades ago, long before other 5 star hotels had Rolls Royce limo sevice and butlers on each floor. Now that the Hongkong & Shanghai Limited is spreading their golden wings and have already landed in NewYork, Beverly Hills, Beijing, Bangkok, Manila and Chicago, the attention to detail and creature comfort hasn’t changed one iota. It’s right up there with its Asian big brother. Chicago’s The Pen, as it is affectionately called, opened three years ago and as with all their other properties, found one of the best locations, just a few metres from the Windy city’s Magnificent Mile. Shaped like an H, as is the original Pen, the building’s entrance is flanked by two extremely large lions, larger than the ones in Hong Kong. This 339 room establishment is the handbook for what every hotel should strive for. Pure perfection.
DESIGN The contemporary technically advanced hotel is a wireless state of the art complex. Every bedside has a panel that does it all. Buttons for climate control, air conditioning, 27 inches flat screen TV, radio, housekeeper service, alarm clock while the bathroom’s panel, should the phone ring while your soaking in the tub, located just below the window overlooking the city and watching the small TV on the facing wall, just needs a press on the button and ‘look Ma, no hands’. At the room’s entrance, there’s another panel stating the outside temperature and humidity, important in this breezy metropolis it’s placed above the box for the morning newspaper and shoe left for shining that are brought back early the next morning Subtle colours don’t throw the clients into a spin should they wake up in the middle of the night from too much of a good thing in The Bar on the main floor. Ah, the main floor. It really isn’t the first floor. That’s where the obliging concierge desk is located. The lobby is up on the 5th floor, where a fast elevator deposits you for a quick paced check-in. It seems to be the new wave in design and economic since the floors below are swanky retail and prime office space. The flip side is that because the rooms start higher, the incredible skyline is more visible. Throughout the hotel, there is commissioned art and multicolored stained glass installations. It’s a given that there are painters working around the clock to keep the property in top condition, but the workmen are so quiet, one is never sure where they are. For space and ultra luxury there’s always one of The Peninsula Suite. And this crème de la crème of accommodations is the 3,500 square feet of pure hedonism with private workout room and a grand piano. Outside there’s a 4,000 square foot terrace with an outdoor whirlpool, the perfect spot to pop a cork of a bottle of champagne.
AMBIENCE First thing you realize is that this is a sanctuary of indulgence and style. If you’re lucky enough to stay in one of the suites, then two telescopes will keep you busy looking at the cityscape of a city known for its public art and art museums. On the whole, the clientele is quite sophisicated even though there are those who see fit to wear shorts and tiny t-shirts. Perhaps it’s the casual Midwest attitude and hospitality that makes everyone want to be so laid back. However, there are chic guests who strut right along the marble walkway in their designer label outfits as they pass vitrines filled with luxurious goodies from Ralph Lauren and some serious jewellery-laden show cases. The Pen is no Disney Land but it’s such a special destination that families from the suburbs come for the weekend and enjoy the life of the rich and famous plus special, individual treatment and the activities inside and out of the hotel. And with the hotel’s Asian roots, children are most welcome. As the light splashes through the floor to ceiling windows, there’s little need for more colour however, the floral arrangements are a triumph in originality and send guests scurrying for their cameras just to snap some of these extraordinary arrangements.
SERVICES It seems that nothing is impossible for the staff. Just mention on the way to the first floor that it looks like rain and here you are umbrella-less. Voila, the concierge magically has one ready as you leave the elevator. The 5th floor desk just happened to hear your concern. Nothing to worry about at The Pen. The ½ size Olympic length pool is open for guests and children, the 14,000 foot fitness centre and gym area has a myriad of different exercise classes and several trainers on hand. The spa is a marvel in blond oak design with exclusive products from June Jacobs Spa Collection and the aestheticians are certified and very friendly. So as not to out number the guests, there are only a limited amount of private local members who pay US$1500 initiation and US$125 monthly to retain their membership.
RESTAURANTS Food is always on the minds of Chicagoans and The Lobby, named for its location, offers continental fare and also vegetarian meals in the evening there’s sexy background music by one of many trios in this city known for jazz.. The Shanghai Terrace is the perfect venue for weddings but also the best al fresco dining and the vista is beyond a doubt, one of the Chicago’s most dramatic vistas.. Pierrot Gourmet around the corner and although a free standing care with an outdoor terrace, its part of the savvy Pen Hotel’s eateries. Always filled and reminiscent of a French café, with a croissant and café au lait, you just may think you’re in Paris…But then Chicago isn’t a bad substitute. On the menu, expect to see tartines and Alsatian flammekuchen and a great selection of wines. The Bar is Art Deco in style and has the same ‘roaring Twenties’ feeling after 10PM. The crowd is trendy and cool but who could care with this bustling ambience.
The Peninsula Chicago Rates in US dollars
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