Arrival/Check-in: I arrived at the Elysian after a traffic-filled drive from Chicago O’Hare Airport to find a courtyard reminiscent of Paris, with a water fountain that immediately soothed this weary traveler’s nerves. The doorman warmly welcomed me and escorted me to the reception desk. Check-in was fast and efficient and before I knew it, I was being escorted to my Gold Coast Suite. My escort showed me around the large suite, which felt more like a private apartment than a hotel room. As he was leaving, he said the Elysian is a tip-free hotel, which, I must admit, is a first for me. (30/30)
Guest Quarters: The Gold Coast Suites, named after the neighborhood in which the hotel is located, are spacious, to say the least, encompassing 890 square feet. All of the hotel’s rooms have balconies furnished with a table and chairs — enticing for morning coffee or evening drinks in the open air. My room faced north, so I did not have a view of the lake but still enjoyed a nice urban vista. One feature I thoroughly liked was the soundproof windows that made the suite quiet for a city hotel. There is a wet bar in the large entry hall that leads into the living room, the main feature of which is a working gas-fired fireplace with a large, flat-screen TV above. The large bedroom features a king-sized bed, a chaise longue, a dresser and a chair and a desk with easily accessible desktop plugs for charging laptops and cell phones. The spacious and beautifully appointed dressing room connects the bedroom to the large, white Carrera marble bathroom, which contains a deep soaking tub, a separate shower and dual vanities with inset LCD TV. The décor is in muted tones of either champagne or platinum, making quite an elegant effect. The toiletries are Asprey. (29/30)
Services/Amenities: The Elysian has two of the hottest new eateries in Chicago: Balsan, for informal dining, and Ria, a more formal setting. I had a superb dinner and a great breakfast at Balsan. In fact, both meals were among the best I have ever had in any hotel or independent restaurant. With an informal restaurant of this quality, there is no reason to leave the hotel for a meal. The hotel bar, Bernard’s Bar, with its club-like atmosphere, seems to be a popular gathering place for Chicagoans as well as hotel guests. The most notable feature of Bernard’s is the large window behind the bar that overlooks the entrance courtyard and allows natural light to enter what would have been a dark space. As an outdoor person, I liked this especially. There is complimentary access to the Elysian Spa & Health Club, which features a lap pool, whirlpools, sauna, steam room and a full range of exercise equipment. A particularly nice complimentary service is the private fleet of luxury automobiles for local transportation and airport transfers. (39/40)
The Experience: Staying at the Elysian is truly a unique experience, and I would definitely stay there again. Although the building itself is quite special, the lasting impression of my stay is of the dedicated staff members, who were attentive to all my needs and provided flawless service with a smile.
Total Score: 98/100
Elysian Hotel
11 E. Walton St.
Chicago, IL 60611
tel 312 646 1300
Read This Next
All Reads on This Topic
Read Them All

Introducing
FX Excursions
FX Excursions offers the chance for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in destinations around the world.
#globility
Insta FeedDaily
Feb 13, 2025Florida’s Amrit Ocean Resort Launches Wellness Retreat Series
Situated on Florida’s Singer Island, recently opened Amrit Ocean Resort launches a wellness retreat series. Held monthly, this series aims to inspire longevity. The first retreat kicks off Feb. 27.
Sponsored Content
Discover the Pristine Beauty of the Sporades Islands
Nestled in the northwest Aegean Sea, the Sporades Islands are a hidden gem of Greece, offering breathtaking natural beauty and unique experiences for every traveler. Comprised of four main islands — Skiathos, Skopelos, Alonissos and Skyros — this island cluster is renowned for its lush pine forests, crystal-clear waters and idyllic beaches.
Daily
Feb 13, 2025Aman to Open Its First Property in Bangkok
More than 35 years after opening its first property, Amanpuri, in Phuket, Aman returns to Thailand with the opening of Aman Nai Lert in Bangkok. Set to debut April 2, the 52-suite property lies within privately owned Nai Lert Park, offering guests a secluded haven in the middle of the bustling city, much like sister property Aman New York.
Daily
Feb 12, 2025Colorado Dragon Boat Film Festival Returns in March
Celebrating the best of Asian and Asian American filmmaking, Colorado’s Dragon Boat Film Festival is a fun mix of screenings by established and emerging artists. The theme of this year’s event is Honoring Our Past to Guide Our Future, held March 14–16 at Denver Sie Center.
Sponsored Content
Extraordinary Egypt
ONCE-IN-A-LIFETIME JOURNEY INTO THE ANCIENT WORLD OF THE PHARAOHS
Destinations / North America
Feb 12, 2025Escape to the Carefree Vibe of Mexico’s Isla Holbox
On a tiny island off the northern coast of the Yucatán Peninsula, remote life takes on new meaning. Cars are nowhere to be found, internet connections are sporadic at best, and visitors have no choice but to unplug and indulge in natural wonders.
6 Destinations and Hotels for Solo Women Travelers
Daily
Feb 12, 2025New SIRO Hotel to Open in Tokyo in 2029
eFlyer News
Feb 12, 2025eFlyer Deals
Feb 12, 2025Last-Minute Valentine’s Day Deal at The Benjamin Royal Sonesta Hotel
Still looking for a Valentine’s Day offer? The Benjamin Royal Sonesta Hotel, in New York City, has the LOVE Ben promotion available. With this offer, enjoy a stay in the hotel’s signature suite, as well as a private, late-night MoMA tour for two (with transportation included).
Sponsored Content
A Summer Sojourn Along Europe’s Rivers with AmaWaterways
This summer, elevate your vacation experience with award-winning AmaWaterways. Offering a seamless blend of unparalleled luxury, authentic cultural experiences and unrivaled service, AmaWaterways cruises are the perfect way to uncover the heart of Europe during the sunniest season with itineraries that glide along the continent’s most iconic rivers, including the Danube, the Rhine, the Seine and the Douro.
eFlyer Deals
Feb 12, 2025Take the Ultimate Romantic Trip with Newport Harbor Island Resort’s New Offer
Take a Valentine’s Day or romantic trip back to the days of gilded mansions and cobblestone streets at Newport Harbor Island Resort in Newport, Rhode Island. This ocean-facing property has a special Valentine’s Day offer for couples.
ShareThis