Arrival/Check-In: It is not hard to spot the Trump International Hotel & Tower — the second-tallest building in Chicago dominates the skyline. The 92-story residential tower includes a luxury hotel on floors 14–27. With snowflakes gently falling, we arrived on Saturday afternoon. After a swift check-in, we were escorted to our 23rd-floor deluxe guestroom, where opera music played on the Bose Sound Wave System.

Guest Quarters: Size matters, and 600 square feet of space is a nice chunk of real estate. A wall of 10-foot floor-to-ceiling windows gave us a dazzling city view. The most unusual feature in the room — aside from the $25 Swarovski-decorated bottle of Bling h2O —was the kitchen stocked with a mini refrigerator, sink, two-burner cook top, microwave, espresso maker and dishwasher. The spacious bathroom with double sinks, deep soaking tub, two bathrobes and a television in the mirror was designed for couples.

During our stay, the 53 spa guestrooms were completely booked. Located on two floors with direct access to The Spa at Trump, these guestrooms are decorated in a lighter, serene palette. Instead of a kitchen, guests will find a mini fridge stocked with organic juices, Champagne and wine. A heated cabinet warmer for herbal-scented neck and eye pillows is one of the rooms’ most popular features. A yoga mat and hand weights are also provided.

Services/Amenities: Those who work out at the Trump health club are rewarded with a panoramic view of Lake Michigan and the Chicago River. After exercising, take a dip in the heated indoor pool, relax in a steam room or sauna or unwind with a massage at The Spa at Trump.

Make a reservation in advance of your stay to dine at Sixteen, the Michelin-rated Trump restaurant on the 16th floor. A curving wall of 34 floor-to-ceiling windows faces the iconic 1920s Wrigley Building clock tower and Gothic-style Tribune Tower. The outdoor Terrace restaurant (open seasonally) is the coveted spot on Wednesday and Saturday nights when fireworks ignite from Navy Pier, painting the sky with spectacular colors. Unable to secure an evening reservation, our three-hour lunch allowed us to watch the photo shoot of a young bride and a dozen bridesmaids. Chef Thomas Lents stopped by our table and described the meal’s theme and how the menus change to reflect the ingredients’ seasonal peaks.

The concierge service at the Trump is located away from the check-in desk, in an elevated space with sofas and small tables, so that guests can sit while conferring with the staff. If you need soy milk for your morning coffee or a new set of business cards, the Trump Attaché service works 24 hours a day.

The Experience: Located only steps from the Magnificent Mile, the shopping lover’s mecca along Michigan Avenue, the sophisticated Trump Hotel provides the perfect riverside accommodation for the business traveler or for those seeking a relaxing weekend in the Windy City.

GT CHECKLIST

• Doorman/valet
• Less than 10 minutes for check-in
• Separate tub and shower
• Large vanity
• High-quality towels
• Powerful, unattached hair dryer
• High-quality bed linens
• Large, flat-screen television
• Large desk with convenient outlets
• Large, complimentary laptop safe
• Complimentary in-room WiFi
• Complimentary bottled water
• Stocked minibar
• Ample lighting
• In-room coffeemaker
• Iron and ironing board
• On-site restaurant and bar
• 24-hour room service
• 24-hour state-of-the-art fitness center
• Turn-down service

Trump International Hotel & Tower Chicago

401 N. Wabash Ave.
Chicago, IL 60611
tel 312 588 8000
trumphotelcollection.com