I adore cities, and Chi-Town is quickly becoming one of my favorite destinations. Stepping inside the Loews Chicago, I immediately felt a surge of energy. We arrived before noon on a Saturday morning, and the bar was busy serving clientele. Other guests engaged in conversation on sofas or worked at laptops on long wooden tables with lighting reminding me of a law library. A large wedding party was assembling in an adjacent room. A glass-enclosed modern fireplace created a warm welcome inside the two-story lobby.

While my husband, Jim, conversed with the valet, I was pleasantly surprised to find we could check in early. The efficient staff explained WiFi was complimentary and asked for my cell number. Later, I received a text welcoming me to the hotel and encouraging me to send any request to Alexander.

Our premium king guestroom on the sixth floor was at the end of a long and brightly lit hallway. The hotel has 400 guestrooms including 25 suites with separate living areas. Our wheelchair-accessible room decorated in grays was surprisingly bright. The designer wisely kept the use of gray to one accent wall behind the bed. The remaining walls were white, and the floor-to-ceiling windows allowed the sunlight to fill the space. Amenities we appreciated included a bathrobe, coffeemaker and in-room safe. The room was a typical size for a major city yet had enough square footage to accommodate a twin rollaway bed, important for those traveling with a companion or child. The gleaming bathroom was generously proportioned.

Hotel guests can work out in the hotel’s fitness center or swim a few laps in the 75-foot-long indoor swimming pool. The Spa at Loews is located on the same floor and offers facial treatments, nail services and massages.

Stop for a bite at ETA, a cozy spot with black-and-white photographs of Chicago. Breakfast and dinner are served in the tavern, and the bar menu is available all day. The seasonally open Streeterville Social restaurant and bar is the city’s largest rooftop terrace. Guests on the go can pop by the Starbucks located near the lobby or order from the 24-hour room service menu.

One of the most impressive aspects of the Loews is the quality of the concierge service.  Not only did members of the staff know my name, they provided me with a “front of the line” card for a hugely popular breakfast establishment.

The Loews Chicago opened in early 2015. The sparkling 52-story structure is a 20-minute walk or less to the Goodman Theatre, Art Institute of Chicago, Navy Pier and the Magnificent Mile. This luxury property makes an excellent choice for an indulgent weekend in the Windy City.

Loews Chicago Hotel

455 N. Park Drive
Chicago, IL 60611
312.840.6600