By Susan Breslow Sardone
Honeymoons & Romantic Travel Expert, about.com
Is this Paris in the 1920s — or Chicago's most sophisticated Gold Coast hotel?
From
the Waldorf Astoria Chicago's mansard roof and cobblestone courtyard to
its Deco-ish furnishings, acres of grey-veined marble, and draperies
inspired by Christian Dior's LBD, the overall impression is one of Continental chic.
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Fortunately,
what keeps the serene and stylish Waldorf Astoria Chicago from being
cold or pretentious is the warm and congenial staff.
We were
greeted at the entrance by dapper Ernest, who collected our luggage,
escorted us inside to the front desk, registered us, provided maps and
answers to our transportation questions, led us to our room, acquainted
us with its features — and then refused a tip at this no-gratuity
hotel.
Guest Rooms Our 750-square foot, deluxe
king room resembled an elegant business aerie until we looked closer.
Alerted in advance that we were romantic travelers, the hotel decorated
our king-sized with a heart-shaped welcome composed of fresh white rose
petals.
Matching spa robes and embroidered slippers (in both men's and women's sizes) greeted us as well.
Moments later, room service arrived with chocolate-enrobed strawberries and champagne from another professional staffer who politely refused a tip.
There
were many things to love in the room — the bed wrapped in snowy white
linens topped with soft king-size pillows, the gas fireplace in the
living room area, the Juliet balcony, the back-to-back TVs on the wall
separating the bed from the living room. We even appreciated the
practical work desk and complimentary wi-fi.
The marble and mosaic
bathroom with its deep soaking tub and separate shower for two enhanced
with Tuscan Soul amenities may be the unit's most seductive features.
An assortment of spa soaks and scrubs were arrayed beside the tub. And
the TV inside the bathroom mirror, night light and lighted magnifying
makeup mirror made us tell the management they might have to call the
authorities to evict us.
Dining There's one
restaurant inside the hotel, where guests can enjoy anything from a
well-crafted breakfast (we especially liked the spinach-mushroom-gruyere
omelette, cooked to perfection) to a gourmet dinner.
Don't feel
like getting dressed? Treat yourselves to breakfast in bed leaving
instructions before you go to bed or calling in the morning. And
remember: No tipping.
Yet you owe it to yourselves to visit the
restaurant. It's a lovely room, with windows overlooking the city and
tables covered in white linen cloth spaced discreetly apart. (We
actually spied a waiter ironing one of the tablecloths on a slow night.)
Dinners are sophisticated takes on each season's bounty. For example, we started with day boat scallops and fresh peas that conveyed the taste of spring in every bite. Ravioli filled with king crab and topped with florel leaves was an delicious entrée that also honored the season.
Weddings The
Waldorf Astoria Chicago will only host one wedding a day on its fifth
floor, where four event spaces — all with natural light from long
vertical windows — are located. They range in size from the ballroom,
which can accommodate up to 150 guests plus a dance floor, to an
intimate room where eight or so adults will feel comfortable.
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Couples
interested in planning a wedding here should ask for the Catering
department. The banquet chef will help in planning a custom menu and the
pastry team can concoct a dreamy confection. The hotel will also
recommend preferred vendors for flowers, photography, and other elements
that make a wedding memorable.
Activities The hotel's white-walled spa
contains a couples suite with two massage beds, where you can have
customized massages lasting 60 or 90 minutes. If you like hot-stone
massages, the spa offers a gentler, lava shell one: The shells are
heated from the inside and lighter than stones. Opt for the Romance
package, and you can add a pedicure for both of you in the intimate nail
salon. Guests who book an hour treatment or longer are entitled to
complimentary use of the indoor heated pool, steam, sauna and fitness
classes in the spa.
Nearby The hotel is located
in the city's most upscale Gold Coast shopping area. Boutique neighbors
steps from the hotel include Marc Jacobs, St. Laurent, Brioni, and
Versace as well as a large Barneys outpost. And if you're in the market
for a wedding dress, BHLDN across the street sells gowns and bridal
accessories. The hotel also has a house car, a Mercedes S-550, available
on a first-come basis to whisk guests to restaurants, shows , Michigan
Avenue shopping, and museums within a two-mile radius. And it's a short
walk to the Red Line subway stop at State and Chicago Streets.
Pros/Cons Enjoy
the view from your Juliet balcony while you can; a new skyscraper is
rising next to the hotel. Hilton Hotel points can be applied to a stay.
Do I need to tell you that it's expensive but worth it for a couple who
want to celebrate a special occasion?
Although you will feel
completely safe and cosseted inside the hotel, know that Chicago is
going through a high-crime period and gun violence is a reality. Most
shootings take place in other parts of the city, but it's smart to stay
aware of your surroundings and avoid potentially dangerous situations.
Vibe
This is a tranquil, refined environment more conducive to couples and
business people than for family travelers. During our two day stay we
saw no children but we did admire several well-groomed and well-behaved
dogs.
