After my husband, Jim, turned over our car keys and luggage to the valet, we were whisked onto an elevator to the 20th floor. Before checking in, I had to press my nose against the lobby window and admire the Windy City skyline. On my way, I passed a sculpture of 1,300 fine-bone China leaves floating above me. A conference was underway, and attendees received turquoise bags of goodies. We walked to the opposite side of the floor and were quickly given the keys to our guestroom.

Our 13^th-floor king superior accessible room, designed in a Mid-Century Modern style, had soothing white walls, a rust-colored sofa, blond minimalist furniture, an upholstered headboard, abstract art and the largest HD television (65-inch) we’ve ever had in a hotel. There were not one but two bathrobes and two pairs of slippers. The vibe is bold and much more interesting than the palette of grays that seems to be the design du jour. The entryway contained an abundance of floor-to-ceiling closets. The oversized bathroom boasted two sinks and plenty of room for his-and-her toiletries.

This summer, the hotel opened a new rooftop restaurant, Noyane. Contemporary Japanese food and crafted cocktails are served nightly at this seasonally opened venue with superior views. Baptiste & Bottle, a bourbon-influenced restaurant on the 20^th floor, presents elevated American dishes. Begin your day with a breakfast cocktail and free-range egg dish or try something sweeter like the French toast stuffed with strawberries and rhubarb topped with whipped cream.

The Conrad is steps away from retail shops on Michigan Avenue and a few blocks’ walk from the Museum of Contemporary Art and the newly opened American Writers Museum.  The hotel is as sophisticated as the neighborhood, and the accommodations are perfect for upscale leisure or business travelers.

Conrad Chicago

101 E. Erie St.
Chicago, IL 60611
tel 312 667 6700
www.ConradChicago.com