Highlights: The Peninsula Chicago

•The Peninsula Hotel Chicago is located just west of Michigan Avenue and steps away from some of Chicago’s best shopping, tourist attractions, and restaurants

•Staff service is exceptional, yet unobtrusive, and in keeping with the understated elegance of the surroundings

•Comfort and luxury marry beautifully in a serene and immaculate setting in public or private spaces

•In-room amenities, full service business center, and large meeting rooms cater to the needs of business travelers

•Dramatic settings paired with delectable cuisine satisfy appetites from morning through evening, with 24-hour room service for late night cravings

•Two-level spa and state-of-the-art fitness center pamper guests with stunning city views, an array of classes and services, and top-notch equipment

Amenities: The Peninsula Chicago

• 339 rooms, 20 story. Pets accepted, some restrictions. Check-in 3 pm, check-out Noon. High-speed Internet access, wireless Internet access. Four restaurants, bar. Fitness room, fitness classes available, spa. Indoor pool, whirlpool. Airport transportation available. Business center. Credit cards accepted.

General Impressions: The Peninsula Chicago

Two stone lions stand guard at the entrance to this esteemed property, located just off of Michigan Avenue in the heart of the Magnificent Mile in downtown Chicago. The Peninsula’s proximity to such sights and attractions as the Chicago River, Navy Pier, museums, theaters, and restaurants makes this a natural choice for a city visit.

Whether you’re looking for a romantic weekend or just a weekend getaway, the Peninsula Chicago is a great place to stay. I didn’t find much in the way of child-friendly facilities or services on-site, except for a pool with a full-time lifeguard, but family travelers can take advantage of plenty of nearby attractions and activities to keep the young and young-at-heart occupied.

Business travelers and those venturing farther a field will find the rest of the city an easy cab ride away. The hotel is also close to Michigan Avenue bus lines traveling north and south of the Mag Mile and is just a short walk to a nearby subway stop.

You get a good sense of the Peninsula Chicago upon entering the property, even before reaching check-in. After being greeted at the street-level entrance, an elevator whisks guests to the lobby level with front desk, concierge and an expansive lobby with a gold leaf domed ceiling and dramatic floor-to-ceiling windows. Staff is helpful and knowledgeable, with housekeeping and the concierge providing the strongest assistance during my stay.

Though the hotel is on a busy street in the heart of the city, my comfortable guest room was soundproof. I thoroughly enjoyed the beautifully elegant furnishings in soothing tones, a plush and inviting bed, and a bathroom filled with luxurious amenities. Such guest room comforts can make it difficult to want to explore the rest of the property, let alone the city environs, but a wealth of facilities and services provide ample temptation.

(+) Great location that is well suited for all types of travelers
(-) Limited amenities for family travelers, but hotel is located near museums, shows, and other activities that would interest children

Guest Services: The Peninsula Chicago

Immediately upon my arrival at the Peninsula Hotel Chicago, I was warmly greeted and my check-in was fast and efficient. Although staff called me by name and handled my requests and inquiries in a fairly expedient manner, I found the front desk staff to be seem somewhat robotic and scripted.

I loved the outstanding turndown service, especially how the housekeeping staff took care of every minor detail. The bed was neatly prepared, all my items were arranged carefully, and they even took time to replenish and thoughtfully arrange my personal toiletries.

The concierge service offered personalized suggestions and ample information about the area. Throughout our conversation, the concierge was personable and polite, especially when another guest rudely interrupted us.

Despite a few minor glitches, such as a delay in baggage handling at checkout, the bulk of my stay went smoothly.

(+) Well-trained staff is eager to tend to your needs
(-) Staff sometimes is so busy fulfilling your request that they forget to be personable

Guest Rooms: The Peninsula Chicago

All of the Peninsula’s 339 guest rooms and suites pair elegant style and plush furnishings to create a cozy home-away-from-home atmosphere. Soft fabrics and soothing tones are featured, and the king-size beds have over-the-shoulder lighting for those who like to read before they go to sleep. Guests can also relax in a sitting area furnished with an overstuffed sofa and coffee table. Another soothing option is look out onto Superior Street, especially at night when the buildings and streets are alive with lights, or if you have a larger suite, looking out over Michigan Avenue or Water Tower. Despite the hotel’s prime location on a major street in busy city, you won’t have to worry about street noise because the rooms are fully soundproofed.

The larger suites go one step further to provide guests the comforts of home by providing extra amenities like a separate dining room and study with an executive desk. Guests staying in executive suites can also enjoy soaking in a deep tub or Jacuzzi.

I felt like royalty in my modern guest room. The king-size bed was plush and inviting, and every detail – from the furniture to the bathroom floors and countertops – was immaculately clean and lovely. A bedside electronic control panel made it simple to adjust the room’s lighting and temperature. I liked how the bathroom amenities, like soaps and lotions, were elegantly and thoughtfully placed. I found my room to be quiet, beautiful, and immaculate -- a wonderful place to unwind after a day of exploring Chicago.

(+) Technological conveniences and luxurious amenities abound

Facilities & Activities: The Peninsula Chicago

On the property, hotel guests have complimentary use of the fitness facilities at the Peninsula Spa, including a half-Olympic-length indoor swimming pool, cardiovascular equipment, and weight equipment. The spa offers personal training and exercise classes, a pro shop, and an outdoor sundeck serving spa cuisine. I loved my massage and wrap in this 14,000-square-foot facility, located on the top two floors of the hotel, though I found the relaxation rooms a bit small and didn’t appreciate that the treatment rooms were spread out between the two floors. And, children running between the pool and locker rooms were disruptive at times.

After coming back to earth from transforming spa treatments, guests can begin their exploration of Chicago right outside the hotel door. Just steps away, Michigan Avenue awaits. Magnificent Mile shops are legendary, ranging from pricey designer boutiques, such as Chanel, MaxMara and Escada, and jewelry stores like Tiffany & Co., Cartier, and Van Cleef & Arpels. Visitors will also find cutting edge Apple and Niketown stores and more value-price spots like Filene’s Basement. Even indoor malls like The Shops at Northbridge, The 900 Shops, and Water Tower Place are all within a several block span.

Walk several blocks south of the hotel along Michigan Avenue to the Chicago River, flagged by the Wrigley Building and the Tribune Tower from the bridge above. Boat tours along the river depart from this point during summer months. Cross the river heading south and you’ll be walking toward the Art Institute, the Randolph Street Theater District, Macy’s, and Carson Pirie Scott (both on State Street). Alternatively, walk east along Michigan Avenue from the hotel to the end of Michigan Avenue toward the John Hancock Building, with an inspiring view from the Signature Room. Also at this end of the Mag Mile, you’ll find Bloomingdales, exclusive Oak Street, and Oak Street Beach.

(+) On-site spa, fitness center, and pool are designed for ultimate relaxation, and numerous attractions and activities are available nearby

Dining & Lounge: The Peninsula Chicago

There are enough places to dine in the Peninsula Hotel Chicago that you could spend a weekend here and never leave the property.

The Peninsula serves up contemporary cuisine from an exhibition kitchen at the Mobil Four-Star Avenues Restaurant, accommodating 72 guests and an additional 12 in a private dining room. Having recently completed a major renovation, this stunning and refined ambience sets the mood for a wonderful meal. Pristine ingredients sing with intense flavors, and the kitchen dares to challenge diners with some adventurous dishes, such as the Venison Tartare with Parsley Panna Cotta and Juniper Ice Cream. A prix fixe menu allows diners to choose between three or five course, and diehard gourmets will jump at the chance to order the Chef’s Palate, a multi-course tasting menu which truly showcases Chef Bowles’ considerable talents. The more casual Shanghai Terrace serves Asian cuisine in either an 80-seat dining room (plus 30 in a semi-private room) or seating on the outdoor terrace during the summer. The dramatic fifth-floor Lobby Restaurant with its 20-foot floor-to-ceiling windows serves breakfast, lunch, and afternoon tea, as well as a Sunday Jazz brunch and the not to be missed “Chocolate at the Pen,” where a chocolate buffet is accompanied by live music.

A cozy, clubby bar serves cocktails and cigars along with light snacks. The street-level Pierrot Gourmet European-style café and wine bar seats 44, plus additional outdoor seating during the summer months.

I enjoyed breakfast in the restaurant, but I was disappointed that the server wasn’t prepared to discuss any menu details and that there was a long delay in receiving my food. But, overall, the staff was polite, well spoken, and attentive without hovering.

When I exchanged the wonderful breakfast setting for the privacy of my own room, I was pleasantly surprised with the room service. The order taker was very detailed in discussing the exceptional and interesting menu options. The food quality and service weren’t sacrificed in the least. My food came on time with an appetizing presentation.

(+) Satisfying variety of dining options with delicious fare
(-) Breakfast servers sometimes aren’t familiar enough with the menu to explain options

Business Services: The Peninsula Chicago

Advanced technology in the Peninsula Hotel Chicago guest rooms gave me the option to check e-mail, send out a fax, and make conference calls without leaving my room, which will be welcome amenities for busy business travelers. High-speed Internet access in guest rooms and wireless Internet access is available throughout the property. For those who require assistance or simply prefer a business center setting, the Peninsula’s fully staffed center is open 24 hours a day, with two private offices and three workstations.

This hotel is also a great location for corporate meetings or retreats. Almost 9,000 square feet of meeting space with wooden tables, state-of-the-art technology and floor-to-ceiling windows are available. The grand ballroom also can be used to host large meetings or functions.

(+) Business travelers are well accommodated in public and private spaces