For the consummate business traveler, Chicago is often home to hundreds of domestic and international conferences, meetings, and symposiums. And with these events, comes the need for comfort, convenience, and various desired amenities that make business travel easy and productive. To make your choice of where to stay easier, here’s a list of the top Chicago hotels, with highlights of what they each offer.
The Waldorf Astoria Chicago
A chic and charming Parisienne-inspired chateau-like hotel, The Waldorf Astoria Chicago prides itself on discreet guest services, which also includes a no-tipping policy – a plus for the business traveler on a budget. The recipient of a TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence five years in a row, it is the only hotel in Chicago that offers a gas fireplace and city view balcony in almost every room. There is also a fully equipped business center, a two-lane heated lap pool in the holistic health club for the business traveler who wants to stay fit, and meeting space with high-tech capabilities to accommodate functions of all shapes and sizes. Two French restaurants developed by renowned restaurateur Michael Mina offer exception dining experiences, all while trying to “close the deal.”
The Ritz Carlton Chicago
According to Fodor’s Travel Guide, the five-star Ritz Carlton Chicago is the true definition of style and class, and offers guests the experience of old Hollywood grandeur, while also enjoying museum-quality art showcased throughout the property. Located downtown, the hotel offers business travelers a plethora of amenities such as high-speed internet and wi-fi access, 24-hour in-room dining, business center services, 25,000 square feet of unique meeting venues, including a ballroom for up to 600 guests, availability of technical equipment and on-site support staff, as well as the recently expanded 2,700 square foot fitness center. Guests too are encouraged not to miss hosting a dinner gathering for business or pleasure, at Torali, the hotel’s famed Italian steakhouse.
Four Seasons Hotel Chicago
Lauded for its great staff, outstanding service, superb amenities, and beautiful rooms with views of Lake Michigan and the city skyline, The Four Seasons Chicago is an excellent choice for both business and luxury travelers. In addition to a 24-hour business center, the hotel features an 8,000 square foot, 24-hour fitness center, which includes a 50-foot Roman-inspired indoor pool under a glass dome ceiling, and 24-hour in-room dining. Whether meeting for a meal or drinks, Allium Restaurant and Bar is often considered “the place to be seen” in downtown Chicago. Only steps away from the Magnificent Mile, and the recipient of the Forbes Five Star rating and AAA Five Diamond Award for more than two decades, the hotel also offers 23,757 square feet of dedicated meeting and banquet facilities, making it a sought-after location by many meeting planners.
The Peninsula Chicago
A Forbes Travel Guide Five-Star rating each year since its opening, and named the #1 hotel in Chicago and the #2 hotel in the USA in 2018 by U.S. News and World Report, The Peninsula Chicago is an Asian-inspired luxury that is a top choice for many corporate events. One of only three Peninsula Hotels in the U.S., guests have access to 24-hour in-room dining, a state-of-the-art fitness center, which offers stunning views of the Chicago skyline, close to 10,000 square feet of meeting facilities, as well as the Michelin-star Lobby restaurant, among its three dining offerings.
The Langham, Chicago
The #1 hotel in the US in 2018 by TripAdvisor’s Travelers’ Choice Award, the #1 hotel in Chicago in 2018 by Travel & Leisure, the only Five Star spa in Chicago according to the 2018 Forbes Travel Guide, and Chicago’s newest Forbes Five Star hotel, The Langham, Chicago is an opulent, modern, yet historic structure. Located on the first 13 floors of the 52-story AMA Plaza, with views of the Chicago River, the hotel offers 316 rooms and suites. Designed by renowned architect Ludwig Mies van der Rohe. the hotel is conveniently located within walking distance from Chicago’s business district. With complimentary wi-fi, a 22,000 square foot health club, two restaurants, a business center, 15,000 square feet of meeting space, and a Cinema Suite for intimate presentations or gatherings, The Langham Chicago is a majestic and stylish way to travel.
Top-of-the-line luxury and convenience are the perfect combination for the business traveler “on-the-go,” and these top five hotels give you insight into the best of the best. But no matter where you stay, it’s clear that anyone of these award-winning hotels will do the trick!