Few hotels offer guests the urban vitality as does the LondonHouse Chicago at the corner of Wacker Drive and North Michigan Avenue. Housed in the former London Guarantee & Accident Building, the timeless Art Deco structure is nearly 100 years old and seamlessly blends with a newly built 22-story glass tower. Sitting in the center of the action in downtown Chicago, the 1923 Beaux Arts-style high-rise neighbors include the Wrigley Building, Tribune Tower and 333 North Michigan Avenue. The LondonHouse opened its doors in May 2016.

While the exterior of the LondonHouse represents the architectural heyday of the Windy City, the interior is modern-day luxury. The design’s whimsical touches, such as the pearl pattern of the carpeting and photographs of automobiles in the guestrooms, ensure a balance of both feminine and masculine features. Gray dominates the color palette punctuated with copper and warm wood tones.

Our 18^th-floor suite with floor-to-ceiling windows provided a far-reaching view of the Chicago River. A glass wall separated the bedroom from a cozy space containing a comfortable sofa sleeper, flat-screen television and side table — an ideal arrangement when traveling with children. In the evening, a curtain can be drawn to provide privacy. Perks we appreciate include not one but two robes and two pairs of slippers, free WiFi, mini smart fridge, coffeemaker with china cups, in-room safe, Malin + Goetz bath products and linens embossed with the hotel’s initials.

The heart of the hotel is the lobby with the Bridges restaurant. Every morning of our stay, my husband woke early, picked up a newspaper and a cup of coffee and began his day tucked into a corner chair where he could watch the city begin the day. The wall of windows offers a panoramic view of neighboring skyscrapers, boat traffic and the bustling street below.

After a morning of shopping — the LondonHouse is located at the start of the Magnificent Mile — we returned to the hotel for high tea. The newly introduced afternoon treats of curated savory and sweet bites are served daily 1–4 p.m. for $50/person. The menu included salmon rillettes, duck pastrami, pistachio donut, chocolate pave, a selection of pastries and more mouthwatering morsels accompanied by individual pots of Sparrow House teas.

The pièce de résistance of the LondonHouse requires an elevator ride to the rooftop for perhaps the most Instagramable view of Chicago. When the weather cooperates, the lines begin forming at noon on Fridays for entrance to the two-level LH Rooftop with an indoor bar and an outdoor terrace. The crown of the building is the Cupola with 360-degree views of the downtown. This aerial setting creates an incredible venue for wedding proposals and intimate gatherings. Regardless of the reason, every stay at LondonHouse feels like a special occasion.

LondonHouse Chicago, Curio Collection by Hilton

85 E. Wacker Drive
Chicago, IL 60601
tel 312 357 1200
londonhousechicago.com