Highlights: The Ritz-Carlton, A Four Seasons Hotel

•The Ritz-Carlton Chicago features elegantly appointed public spaces, including a large bronze fountain in the center of the lobby

•Spacious guest rooms with amazing city and lake views

•Children’s in-room dining menu, games, toy gifts, and pool hours cater to the youngest guests

•Fully equipped executive business center and ample meeting spaces

•Aerobic equipment in hotel's fitness center offers televisions with cable access

•Close proximity to The Magnificent Mile, known for its plethora of upscale shopping, as well as museums and other attractions

Amenities: The Ritz-Carlton, A Four Seasons Hotel

• 435 rooms, 31 story. Pets accepted, some restrictions. Check-in 3 pm, check-out Noon. High-speed Internet access. Two restaurants, two bars. Fitness room, fitness classes available, spa. Indoor pool, whirlpool. Airport transportation available. Business center. Credit cards accepted.

General Impressions: The Ritz-Carlton, A Four Seasons Hotel

Opened in 1975, The Ritz-Carlton Chicago was part of the first mixed-use building in the world, Water Tower Place. The 22-story hotel is located on floors 10 through 31 atop Water Tower Place’s many shops and dining offerings, on the north end of The Magnificent Mile. The locale makes for quick access to area attractions and businesses.

Within this urban oasis, one is able to find quiet corners to relax. The rooms have amazing views, and guests are able to feel like they aren’t just one among many on property. I found the public spaces elegantly appointed, with plush furnishings, heavy marble, rich wood, and floral displays throughout.

The hotel is a good choice for business travelers, with a downtown location, high-speed Internet access in rooms, and a concierge staff willing to assist with any business need. It’s also great for romantic getaways, with beautiful guest rooms, a lovely restaurant, an intimate spa, and a close proximity to excellent shopping and dining.

This Ritz-Carlton Chicago also is an ideal spot for family travelers, whether they have young children or teens. Children receive a gift from the hotel toy wagon upon arrival, and they find a Lion box in the room filled with cookies, juice, popcorn, soda, and a teen magazine for older children. Kids can borrow toys and games from the concierge, and teens can request access to PlayStation and Nintendo consoles and games. Children are welcome to use the heated indoor pool, if accompanied by an adult during designated hours, and a children’s 24-hour room service menu is offered. If that isn’t enough, kids can ask their parents to venture to numerous nearby attractions, including Lincoln Park Zoo, the Chicago Children’s Museum, and the American Girl Place.

(+) Luxurious public spaces and prime location appeal to all travelers

Guest Services: The Ritz-Carlton, A Four Seasons Hotel

The Ritz-Carlton is known for its exemplary service and the Chicago locale carries on that tradition. Guests can look forward to one-hour pressing service and twice-daily housekeeping services. Babysitting can be arranged with 24 hours’ notice, and the concierge can loan you toys and games if your children need something to keep them occupied. Humidifiers and non-allergic pillows can be brought to your room upon request. It’s those little details that add up to a satisfied guest.

The Ritz-Carlton Chicago provides several specialized services to guests, including the “I Need It Now” program that provides guests with travel essentials ranging from saline solution, socks, to virtually anything that has been misplaced or forgotten.

An in-room bath menu offers guests specially designed baths, drawn by an attendant from The Spa at the Carlton Club on-site. Everything from a Traveler’s Relief Bath to an Herbal Tea Bath can be ordered from the menu, complete with eye mask, loofah mitt, bath pillow, and Japanese tea. There’s a Marine Bath for children that comes with milk and cookies.

During my visit, I felt welcome from the moment a bellman asked me several questions about whether I needed clothing pressed or restaurant recommendations. The concierge staff made every effort to take care of my requests and was willing to help whenever asked. Room requests and turndown service were both exceptional, with everything neatly arranged and cleaned.

My departure was quite swift, with several staff members smiling and making sure that all my needs were taken care of.

(+) Bellmen and other go above and beyond to tend to guests’ needs

Guest Rooms: The Ritz-Carlton, A Four Seasons Hotel

The Ritz-Carlton Chicago’s 435 guest rooms include 91 suites and a premier class of oversized rooms and suites available between the 15th and 30th floors of the building. Standard rooms feature an elegant traditional décor with cherrywood furniture, richly upholstered couch with fluffy pillows, a king-size bed dressed in fine linens, an armoire for additional storage, and a large writing desk. Extra large picture windows look out onto Michigan Avenue and the bustling downtown. Walk-in closets, dressing areas, and marble bathroom are also a treat.

Those who choose to pay a little more can secure a suite that will feel more like a private apartment. A large living room with a sofa and overstuffed chairs are arranged strategically in front of the remote-controlled TV, and a full gallery kitchen and butler’s pantry will help you prepare or order room service for guests who visit in the dining area, with seating for six. The bedroom has a king-size bed dressed in fine linens, leading into a dressing area, then master marble bathroom with a deep-soaking tub and separate shower.

Guests can look forward to some pampering amenities like an on-command interactive TV, Web TV, and refrigerated private bar. Allergy-sensitive guest rooms are available that feature hypoallergenic mattress protectors and bath products, non-feather duvets and pillows, and allergy-sensitive cleaning products.

Both my bedroom and bathroom were spacious, immaculate, and inviting. The décor was traditional and elegant, with an emphasis on rich blue and gold hues. Though the carpeting and bathroom had a bit of a dated feel, the bath amenities were extensive and luxurious. I was a bit disappointed that the hotel did not acknowledge my birthday, as noted on my reservation, but the incredible views quickly eased my disappointment.

(+) Well-appointed, elegant guest rooms provide an urban oasis
(-) Some carpeting and bathroom areas need minor updating

Facilities & Activities: The Ritz-Carlton, A Four Seasons Hotel

The Spa at the Carlton Club, located on the 11th floor of the hotel, is a private facility with more than 1,500 members, but Ritz-Carlton Chicago guests also can use it. The facility features a skylight, indoor swimming pool and whirlpool, men’s and women’s locker rooms, and a fitness center. A variety of massage treatments are offered, and a steam room and sauna are available.

Guests can relax in the Spa Lounge that overlooks the heated pool with a cup of coffee or a glass of fresh juice. During my visit to the fitness center, staff members were available to provide assistance with equipment and offer workout suggestions. TVs are positioned at every cardio machine station. While working out, I had access to the lounge as well as the locker room facilities. Although staff was attentive during my workout, the locker rooms were left a little unkept and in need of servicing.

Though I found it difficult to leave the luxurious trappings of the hotel and the shops in Water Tower Place, the property’s location on Michigan Avenue makes it a snap to explore the city. Guests can stroll The Magnificent Mile in either direction to shops and restaurants. Close by, the towering John Hancock Center affords expansive city vistas from its observatory deck, a popular lounge, and fine dining. Across Michigan Avenue from The Ritz-Carlton Chicago are the start points for bus tours of Chicago and horse-drawn carriage rides.

Oak Street’s exclusive boutiques are steps away. The Gold Coast neighborhood isn’t far, either. It’s a hot spot for dining and nightlife, attracting a mix of young, energetic Chicagoans, longtime city residents, and visitors.

Walk south on Michigan Avenue to the Chicago River for architecture boat tours, plus photo ops of two Chicago landmarks, the Wrigley Building and the Tribune Tower. Other attractions, including museums, the Sears Tower, and Millennium Park, are just a cab or bus ride away.

(+) Excellent workout facility on-site plus an intimate spa with a wealth of pampering services; key location close to great city attractions and shops
(-) Spa locker rooms in need of more frequent servicing

Dining & Lounge: The Ritz-Carlton, A Four Seasons Hotel

Guests will find a café, lounge, and atrium-type area, which all can suit any type of mood or palate.

The Café affords guests a casual dining experience for breakfast, lunch, or dinner with such fun menu options as chocolate chunk pancakes.

When I ate breakfast in The Café, I found the food to be delicious, and the Sunday Brunch offered a variety of stations. I arrived on a weekend that was quite busy and the service wasn’t as quite as attentive as I had expected.

The Greenhouse has an atrium-like atmosphere with wide expansive windows, richly upholstered couches, glass coffee tables, and wispy palms throughout. You can enjoy a look at the stars or the night city skyline as you enjoy cocktails or appetizers, or a light lunch and afternoon tea during the day.

The Trianon Lounge is a cozy, sophisticated place for cocktails or even a fine cigar.

Guests can also take advantage of the 24-hour in-room dining, which I enjoyed more than my experience in the regular dining areas. The person who took my order was knowledgeable about the menu, and the meal arrived quickly. The food was delicious and well presented. And my server was polite and charming, adding to the delightful meal.

(+) Quality cuisine served in casual dining areas
(-) Breakfast service dropped when dining area became crowded

Business Services: The Ritz-Carlton, A Four Seasons Hotel

Business travelers can be comfortable and functional in The Ritz-Carlton Chicago. The hotel's executive business center on the 12th floor lobby level is open 24 hours a day. Though the center is not staffed, a concierge is available to assist and take on any projects as needed. The center is supplied with the typical amenities you’d expect--personal computers; laser printers; facsimile, word-processing, telex, and transcription services; cellular phone and VCR rental; international periodicals; airline ticketing; mail and postage services; and Bloomberg business services.

The concierge can also provide Japanese and other translation services if needed, which can be a welcome service for international businessmen.

The hotel has more than 8,000 square feet of space for corporate meetings, conferences, and retreats. That space includes a boardroom furnished with a long, hardwood table, large leather chairs, and elegant oil paintings. Audio/visual equipment is available, with staff to set it up and provide operational instruction.

Wireless Internet access is available in all public spaces and meeting rooms. A "compcierge" offers computer-related assistance to guests having technical difficulties.

(+) Well-equipped business center plus personalized services for guests working in their rooms