JW Marriott Chicago for Couples

By Geri Bain
about.com

We were happy to see the hotel’s lobby bar  buzzing with couples as we walked in at 11 p.m. on a Friday evening. We’d feared that this hotel in Chicago’s business district might cater more to a business crowd than romantics. And on weekdays, it does. But starting on Thursdays, the hotel mood shifts towards vacationers and the elegant décor in the lobby and our room and personal service certainly set a romantic mood.

Guest Rooms at JW Marriott Chicago

City-view rooms, like the one we stayed in, are a comfy 445 square feet, with high ceilings. Only 12 stories tall, the building affords nice, if not sweeping views to accommodations that face it. Interior rooms overlook the painted glass ceiling of a central atrium. Our favorite feature was the bathroom’s spacious rain shower and its high-sided, romantically oversized soaking tub, which turned out to be our favorite way to unwind together. 

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We considered upgrading to the Executive Level, which would have given us access to a private lounge, but opted not to since the lounge closes Friday and Saturday afternoons and evenings.

We also opted not to pay for in-room wi-fi; unplugging added a sense of privacy to our weekend and there was free wi-fi in the lobby.

Dining at JW Marriott Chicago

Cozy seating arrangements and healthy and indulgent snacks and entrées made the Lobby Lounge an inviting place to come home to all weekend. We appreciated the delicious “Be Healthy” breakfast juice made with kale, parsley, parsnips, beets and Braeburn apples; the kale chips with cashew tahini; and the spicy honey truffle chicken bites.

The hotel’s fine-dining restaurant, The Florentine, is a local favorite for happy hour as well as meals. Well-spaced tables, Art Deco-style décor and responsive, unhurried service made our tasting menu dinner a meal to linger over. And the complex flavors demanded savoring: a 1.5 -pound Maine lobster was cooked in brandy with roasted tomato and chive. Seared duck breast was served with roasted parsnip, red wine gelée, celery and a duck thigh terrine. Somehow we even made room for the Millefoglie desert with pistachio cream, fresh strawberries and passionfruit gelato. Our only regret was not having a fridge to stow the leftovers!

Destination Weddings at JW Marriott Chicago

The original 1914 landmark building was a stately bank designed by Chicago’s famed architect Daniel Burnham. In its makeover, the JW Marriott, which opened in 2010, incorporated and enhanced Burnham’s original design to create several romantic wedding spaces. The Burnham Ballroom, which holds up to 250 guests, stands under a painted glass-domed ceiling that can be lit to suit the mood of the moment. “People think they’re going to walk into a traditional ballroom and are excited to see this unusual Burnham space,” says Amber Palmer, senior catering sales executive.

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The hotel’s Grand Ballroom, seating up to 450 guests, is distinguished by its dramatic lighting and 24-foot ceiling. Both spaces have expansive adjoining foyers that overlook the hotel’s marble lobby. There’s also a spiral staircase that acts as a stage set for photos. The hotel offers three customizable packages that include the services of a Marriott Certified Wedding Planner.

Activities at JW Marriott Chicago

Marriott was preparing to revamp its full-service spa and make some cosmetic changes to the basement pool area during my 2015 visit. Located in the basement, adjacent to a well-equipped fitness center, the pool area also has a large whirlpool.

Nearby JW Marriott Chicago

The Chicago Art Institute, Millennium Park, State Street shopping and the Chicago Lakefront are all within a 10 to 15 minute walk. The Magnificent Mile shopping area begins about 1.5 miles from the hotel. The hotel is also just a few blocks from the theater district and the nearest Chicago Transit Authority train stop; the CTA is the most inexpensive, fast transportation around Chicago and to both O’Hare and Midway airports.

Pros/Cons of JW Marriott Chicago

We loved that the hotel is within walking distance of almost everything we wanted to do and enjoyed the welcoming lobby lounge. We also loved the idea of returning to the indoor pool and whirlpool after a day of sightseeing. Unfortunately, several families with active young kids often had the same idea. Management told us they are considering having adult/kid pool hours, which we would have loved.

JW Marriott Chicago Vibe

On weekdays, the hotel bustles with business people and meetings. But come the weekend, the vibe becomes relaxed and romantic, especially in the Lobby Lounge and The Florentine restaurant, where we saw couples of all ages enjoying the ambiance.

Find Out More About JW Marriott Chicago
151 W Adams Street
Chicago, IL 60603
312-660-8200