Chicago
Illinois


The Experience

Rather confusingly, the first thing to note is that the Ritz-Carlton is actually a Four Seasons, the sister property to the one across the street. Next is that, like its sister property, this is no stand-alone hotel, but set on top of a mall, high above the city. But once all that's straightened out, you'll find all the amenities and level of service you'd expect of either chain. It also has a great location, right in the heart of the action of the Magnificent Mile (though the main entrance is on a side street and consequently feels calmer). And the little freebies, like complimentary tea and coffee in the morning in the lobby, and overnight shoeshines, give the property a warmer atmosphere than the grand lobby would suggest.

The Rooms

Standard guest rooms aren't that large (starting at 370 square feet), and the interiors (done in a country style with big couches and heavy wood pieces) are somewhat dated, though big windows throughout make the property airy and light-filled. Instead, ask for a new premier room on the 30th floor, with comfy large beds and window seats overlooking the lake or Michigan Avenue. Guests in state suites get even more; personalized stationery and free ironing seem trivial compared to the grand pianos.

The Service

From room service to the concierge, people who work here are remarkably warm and friendly. The doormen are fantastic, quickly hailing cabs or assisting with directions. There's also a useful "I Need It Now" program, where travel essentials from bobby pins to cuff links to extension cords arrive posthaste.

The Highlights

Staying here feels almost like staying with family -- albeit one that lives in a grand hotel and doesn't mind serving you day and night -- and it's this level of service that makes the property so popular. Everyone is tailored to, from the kiddies (who get a gift on arrival and their own room service menu) to the puppies (who also have their own menu plus a personal walker). Finish off a blustery, Windy City day in the spa (which just received a $2.5 million renovation) and the acclaimed formal Dining Room. Then have a drink under the angled windows of The Greenhouse, looking out over the city. Up here it hardly seems to matter whether this is the Ritz or the Four Seasons.

-- Ondine Cohane

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