Arrival/Check-In: In years past, I’ve taken a hard hat tour of The Langham, Chicago, while it was still under construction, and I’ve indulged at the on-site Chuan Spa, but until this past winter, I’d never had the pleasure of staying overnight in the luxury hotel. Needless to say, I was eager for the opportunity on a recent one-night business trip to Chicago. Two colleagues and I departed Philadelphia early, arriving in Chicago before the workday and well before check-in time; however, as we had Club-level access, we made ourselves comfortable in the Club Lounge, enjoying some nibbles and doing some work before departing for a day of meetings. When we returned later that day, our bags had been moved to our guestrooms.

Guest Quarters: The Langham, Chicago is located in a building designed by legendary architect Ludwig Mies van der Rohe, who died before construction on the building began, and décor details throughout the public and private spaces pay homage to him. Particularly attention-grabbing is the lobby; for Club-level guests who check in in the lounge, make it a point to visit this area for the visuals.

My deluxe premier room boasted floor-to-ceiling views of the city and a bed so comfortable, I swear I was asleep as soon as my head hit the pillow. I also loved the tucked-away but spacious closet/dressing area to the right upon entering and directly across a short hallway from the bathroom.

Other features of the room included complimentary WiFi, a 55-inch television, an oversized desk, a spacious rainfall shower and deep soaking tub and Chuan Spa bath amenities. My only regret? One night wasn’t enough!

Services/Amenities: We enjoyed lunch on the afternoon of our departure at Travelle, located on the hotel’s second floor and serving seasonal American cuisine. On my list for my next visit to The Langham, Chicago: the signature The Langham Afternoon Tea with Wedgwood, held in Pavilion.

The hotel’s more than 2,200-square-foot wellequipped fitness center additionally offers a group class studio and schedule. Chuan Spa is open daily, 9 a.m.–9 p.m.

Club-level guests enjoy a variety of perks: a breakfast buffet, all-day refreshments, evening cocktails and canapés; two-hour use of The Langham Club Boardroom; personalized butler service; complimentary pressing of three garments; complimentary in-town car service within two miles of the hotel (based on availability); and more. It’s worth it.

TOP TAKEAWAYS:

◆ Access to the Club Lounge greatly enhanced our stay; the staff in the lounge was truly phenomenal.

◆ You cannot beat The Langham, Chicago’s enviable location along the Chicago River and at the foot of the Magnificent Mile. We were able to commute anywhere in the city with ease.

◆ My sweet tooth was more than satisfied by the amazing pastries on offer in the Club Lounge.

◆ An events team is on hand to assist in planning any type of social function in the hotel’s variety of meeting spaces.

THE LANGHAM, CHICAGO

330 N. Wabash Ave.
Chicago, IL 60611
tel 312 923 9988
langhamhotels.com