On a recent trip to Chicago, Dick Evans, GT’s senior vice president, and I were treated to a behind-the-scenes hard-hat tour of the new Langham Chicago. Opening in July, the hotel occupies 12 floors in a 52-story skyscraper along the Chicago River. Overlooking the Loop, this is the place to be for a future business or pleasure trip to the city; it’s also near the Magnificent Mile and Grant Park.

The famed Mies van der Rohe designed the skyscraper. In celebration, the architect’s grandson will be designing the ground-level entrance space. Design elements and pieces throughout the property take into account Van der Rohe’s aesthetic.

One feature of the soon-to-open hotel certain to appeal to business travelers is club-level access to bathrooms and showers even after check-out. Need to leave the hotel by 11 a.m., but you have a full day of meetings and a late-night flight? No problem; facilities to freshen up are available.

The hotel will truly have it all, including a club-level lounge, a full-service spa, a state-of-the-art fitness center, suites, a restaurant spearheaded by Chef Tim Graham and designed by David Rockwell, a ballroom, banquet and event facilities, a 67-foot swimming pool and unbelievable views of the heart of Chicago. 

I’d suggest a visit as soon as it can be arranged — I know I’m eager to return sans hard hat to experience it all!

— Kim Krol, managing editor