Arrival/Check-In: My colleague and I arrived in Chicago on a cold day. Any thoughts of taking an early morning constitutional went out the window as soon as we stepped out of the cab. The Ritz-Carlton lobby is on the 12th floor of Water Tower Place. Check-in was friendly and efficient.
Guest Quarters: I had a spacious Lakeside Suite with large picture windows and views of the lake. It really felt more like an apartment. The entrance hall with a big coat closet and a guest powder room led directly into a comfortable living room/dining area which included a wet bar and minibar, a large flat-screen TV, a large couch and two easy chairs, a coffee table, a dining table with seating for two, a desk with desktop outlets and a fax machine. Since it was a corner room, it had views of the lake and lots of natural light. The bedroom had a king-sized bed with bedside tables, an easy chair and ottoman, a dresser and a large flat-screen TV.
The marble bathroom had twin sinks, a bathtub and separate shower and a water closet. The amenities were by Asprey.
Services/Amenities: The hotel was recently “revitalized” to the tune of $100 million over a two-year period, and it shows. Directly off the lobby is Torali, the hotel’s restaurant, with a new take on Italian cuisine featuring a contemporary, chefdriven menu curated by Chef Baasim Zafar.
Directly across the lobby is Torali Bar, an attractive watering hole whether you meet a friend for a drink on your way to dinner or stop by for an after-dinner drink. Also on the lobby level, The Café allows you to grab a quick bite or an afternoon coffee. The high tops have outlets for recharging your phone or computer.
When the weather is warmer, Rooftop at Torali, on a terrace just off the lobby, looks to be a great place for a drink and a snack.
The hotel has a fully equipped gym, a lap pool and a spa offering a peaceful retreat where pampering is the priority.
The property also boasts the largest luxury ballroom in the city as well as several other event spaces.
TOP TAKEAWAYS:
◆ The location is just off the Magnificent Mile, a reasonably short cab ride from the Loop and a few blocks from the lake. In spite of the cold I managed to take a brisk walk along the lake for a bit of outdoor exercise.
◆ The artwork in the hotel is worth spending a few minutes admiring. I especially like The Wave, a Lasvit handblown glass installation that floats above the main lobby.
THE RITZ-CARLTON, CHICAGO
Water Tower Place
160 E. Pearson St.
Chicago, IL 60611
tel 312 266 1000
ritzcarlton.com
Read This Next
Eco-Friendly Voluntourism
April 2018
Apr 1, 2018All 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
May 20, 20251 Hotels Debuts in Seattle, Washington
1 Hotels, the nature-inspired luxury lifestyle hotel brand founded by hospitality visionary Barry Sternlicht, just opened reservations for 1 Hotel Seattle’s new property in the trendy South Lake Union neighborhood. Located at the cross-section of Seattle's emerging biotech and big-tech industries, 1 Hotel Seattle is a world-class urban retreat, blending sustainable luxury with the restorative beauty of the Pacific Northwest.
Sponsored Content
Explore Europe with the Best River Cruise Line this November
Experience Europe from a fresh perspective with AmaWaterways, just awarded Best River Cruise Line by Global Traveler for the third consecutive year. Step aboard, unpack once and embark on a cruise through iconic capital cities and awe-inspiring landscapes. AmaWaterways' ships, which accommodate an average of just 156 guests, offer a spacious yet intimate setting. Throughout your journey, you'll enjoy exquisite farm-to-table dining; unparalleled service; and a variety of included excursions, from city tours for gentle walkers to thrilling bike rides along the rivers.
Daily
May 20, 20257 Domestic Destinations and Hotels for Memorial Day Weekend
Memorial Day weekend is this coming weekend. It’s not too late to plan a fabulous weekend getaway with a trip to one of these U.S. cities and hotels.
Daily
May 20, 2025Take This New Cave Cruise in Fermanagh, Northern Ireland
Found in County Fermanagh, Northern Ireland, Marble Arch Caves are an already-popular site thanks to its otherworldly limestone formations. Now, visitors to the cave can experience its ancient wonders in a new way: a cave cruise.
Sponsored Content
Sail Unique with Explora Journeys
SAIL UNIQUE: A New Chapter in Luxury Ocean Travel Imagine a place where modern European elegance meets the rhythm of the sea — where time slows down, and every detail is crafted to inspire connection and quiet indulgence. This is Explora Journeys, the luxury lifestyle ocean brand from MSC Group created to redefine how we explore the world.
Daily
May 19, 2025“Viking Libra”: The World’s First Hydrogen-Powered Cruise Ship
Able to operate with zero emissions, the new Viking Libra will be the world’s first hydrogen-powered cruise ship, set for delivery in late 2026. Currently under construction at Italian shipbuilder Fincantieri’s Ancona shipyard, Viking Libra will be part of Viking’s small-ship ocean fleet.
6 Roman Walls to Put on Your Travel List
Slideshow
May 19, 2025Aman Announces Global Aman Club Expansion
Hotels
May 18, 2025Daily
May 16, 2025New Kosovo Philharmonic Opera, Ballet and Theatre Hall to Open This Year
A new opera and ballet theater in Kosovo will house four performance halls and a new public plaza in the capital city of Prishtina. As the first opera house in the Republic of Kosovo, the theater symbolizes the country’s rich and diverse cultural heritage while reflecting a new identity for Prishtina, rooted in creativity and a commitment to the country’s artistic growth.
Sponsored Content
Seoul: Your Next MICE Destination
Seoul has rapidly become a leading global MICE hub, known for its rich culture, advanced technology and strong economy. As the capital of South Korea, it offers a strategic location in East Asia and a booming cultural influence through K-pop, K-movies, Korean cuisine and K-dramas. With its vibrant atmosphere and business-friendly environment, Seoul is increasingly the top choice for MICE organizers and corporate travelers seeking connection and collaboration.
Daily
May 16, 2025Inkaterra Hotels Make a Peru Trip Unforgettable
Looking to plan the ultimate trip to Peru, but not sure where to start? Inkaterra is here to help. With properties in multiple cities throughout the country and various immersive itineraries, Inkaterra makes it easy for your dream trip to Peru to come to life.
ShareThis