Hotels - 4 Top Chicago Spa Hotels
Chicago is a premier and dynamic global destination. From the waterfront to the nightlife to the museums to the lakefront pathways and parks. It is a city that celebrates its parks and harbors, it is a city that celebrates museums, a city that excels at wining and dining and shopping! From numerous free events to the ultimate in luxurious activities, Chicago has something for everyone. The only item that is limited in Chicago is your time to see it all and parking. Do take the time to enjoy the many items the city has to offer. A one day trip simply does not do it justice, a two-night minimum stay is my recommended. Chicago simply has too many wonderful places to see, eat and be!
The etymology of the name Chicago stems from the Indian word "Checaugou" which was the name of the "River Checaugou" which is now best known as the Chicago River. The river which flows into Lake Michigan was named by the Indians after their word for ‘strong' or ‘great'. Chicago continues to be aptly named even today!
Chicago is also home to world-class educational institutions and global commerce and industry. The Chicago Board of Trade (CBOT) saw trading in excess of 454 million in 2003. The CBOT is the oldest futures and options exchange originating in 1848.
The parks and the harbors are unparalleled. From Millennium Park (northwest of Grand Park) completed in 2004 with its famous futuristic sculptures including the Bean and the Crown fountain that is both art, sculpture and an interactive water fountain.
The magnificence of the city activities and elements explains the 44.2 million annual visitors annually for a population that is home only to 3 million people. The surrounding area aptly named Chicago-land consists of nearly 10 million people.
The top four spa hotels we will cover in detail include:
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Trump International Hotel & Tower® - Chicago, Illinois
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Four Seasons Hotel - Chicago, Illinois
-
Ritz-Carlton - Chicago, Illinois*
- The Peninsula Hotel - Chicago, Illinois
* under management by Four Seasons
401 N Wabash Ave, Chicago, IL 60611
Chicago's Many Claims to Fame
“Considered America’s most American city, this inviting metropolis blends Midwest manners with a world-class cultural and culinary scene.” National Geographic Traveler April 2004
A Few of Chicago's Highlights
- A top-10 bicycling city (Bicycling Magazine)
- 29 miles of shoreline,
- 9 Harbors
- 15 miles of beaches, and
- 552 parks in the City of Chicago alone
- United States' largest municipal harbor with 5,000 berths
Nicknamed the "Windy City" for its blustery winds off of the lake compounded by enormous skyscrapers, the Windy City is home to fireworks, theater, dance, symphony, opera, art and of iconic music of all types from rock to country and the list goes on. The French Impressionists take center stage at the Art Institute. The Museum of Science and Industry is the largest in the Western hemisphere. And the Shedd Aquarium features a daily dolphin show and sea-life of all types. The sea horses are my personal favorites. Combine the museums together into the museum park and you have a plethora of both science and art. And we haven't even mentioned the fun festivals that are held throughout the year some celebrating holidays, some celebrating special events some celebrating ethic diversity.
My favorite part of Chicago is its 29 miles of lakefront paths and the 31 beaches and 9 harbors that
border the waters of Lake Michigan. Chicago is world-renowned as one of the top most walkable and beautiful cities mainly
due to its bike path that meanders near and sometimes next to Lake Michigan.
I could go on and on. There are simply dozens of reasons to visit Chicago.
Within
the beautiful and sophisticated tapestry of Chicago exists no less than
over 20 different luxury spa hotels. Journey with me as we explore the
best of the best. The top three luxury hotels. The price tag is not for the faint of heart - expect to pay between $450 and $500 per room per night and that may not be a room with a scenic view. We will detail not just the locations but also the glamorous lobbies, the swimming pools and of course the pedicure chairs - the very essence of every spa. Journey with us as we visit the best of the best, the top 3 hotel spas in Chicago. These are not just hotels, many are landmarks and architectural gems in their own right. One is even housed within the second largest building in Chicago. Many of these hotels are nestled in the finest shopping districts in Chicago and one has an award winning restaurant to its credit. Let the fun begin!
The Magnificent Mile - Michigan Avenue
The Magnificent Mile
The Magnificent Mile, is the nickname given to Michigan Avenue's shopping district, sometimes referred to as The Mag Mile. It is the exclusive shopping district for Chicagoland located next to downtown Chicago, just one block east of Rush Street and centered between the Chicago Loop business district to the south and the prestigious Gold Coast to the north.
The Magnificent Mile is said to house over 3 million square feet of prime shopping. It resides on Michigan Avenue and during the holiday season is its high season complete with a Christmas parade and holiday decorations. A magnificent place to shop and eat.
Not To Be Missed - The Miagnificent MIle
The Magnificent Mile is Chicagoland’s shopping mecca. Once exhausted from shopping, both the Magnificent Mile and the fashionable Rush Street offer a myriad of great dining experiences await you. For night life, Rush Street is where you want to be. Shop, dine and delight all in one magnificent city. Some of my favorites are listed below along with a link to a complete listing. One place you must be sure to spend a couple of hours is the 758,000 square feet of Water Tower Place.
The Magnificent Mile offers hundreds of shop including this famous brand names:
Ralph Lauren(312) 280-1655 www.ralphlauren.com *
- 750 N Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60611
Louis Vuitton, Chicago, IL (312) 944-2010 - Chicago, IL 60611 www.louisvuitton.com
- 919 N Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60611
St John Boutique (312) 943-1941 www.SKJ.com **
- 919 N Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60611
Bloomingdale's (312) 440-4460 www1.bloomingdales.com
- 900 N Michigan Ave, #Bloom2, Chicago, IL
Water Tower Place - Streeterville - Chicago, IL (312) 440-3166
-
835 N Michigan Ave (between Chestnut St & Pearson St), Chicago, IL
*Ralph Lauren also has a wonderful collection of vintage jewelry including a few pieces of custom jewelry and always an amazing collection of vintage cuff links.
** St. John Sport is an exceptional collection of clothing.
- Chicago Shopping
Chicago Traveler provides listings and links for Chicago Shopping, Stores, Malls, Shopping Centers. Browse the list of
Navy Pier
Chicago, Illinois - The Layout of This Magnificent City
Trump International Hotel
Trump International Hotel and Tower Chicago, Illinois
Birds Eye View of Terrific Towers Including Trump Towers
Trump International Hotel and Tower Chicago Illinois
Property Statistics:
- 401 N Wabash, Chicago, Illinois 60611 312.588.8000
- 339 suites and rooms (guestrooms and suites located on the 17th through 27th floors of Trump Tower)
- 218 rooms
- 121 suites
- 92 floors
- Trump Tower is the second tallest building in North America, just 90 feet shorter than the Sears Tower
- Opened January 30, 2008
Recreational Activities:
- The 16th Floor Houses Sixteen a premier restaurant
- 1.2 acre park with 500 lineal feet along the Chicago River
- Adjacent to the Chicago River
Spa:
- 23,000 sq ft and 11 spacious treatment room
- Men's and Women's Relaxation Rooms
- 75' x 24' swimming pool overlooking the Chicago River
- The Trump Health Club
Trump International Hotel and Tower Chicago Illinois
The Trump International Hotel and Tower is more than just a hotel with a luxury spa. It is an architectural marvel both in size and structure and in design. Often referred to as simply Trump Tower, it resides on the Chicago River and next to the Chicago Loop. The residential condominiums are among Chicago's finest. For the details of the physical structure, let's review what wikipedia has to share:
"The building has 2,600,000 square feet (242,000 m2) of floor space, rises to 92 stories, and houses 486 luxury residential condominiums. These include studio apartments, a mixture of suites with one to four bedrooms, and five-bedroom penthouses. The tower also features a luxury hotel condominium with 339 guest rooms.[12] The building includes, from the ground up, retail space, a parking garage, a hotel, and condominiums.[1] The 3rd through 12th floors house lobbies, retail space, and the parking garage; the 14th floor and its mezzanine hosts a health club and spa. The 17th floor through the 27th-floor mezzanine contain hotel condominiums and executive lounges. The 28th through 85th floors have residential condominiums, and the 86th through 89th floors have penthouses."
Beyond the statistics and brick and mortar of the building, a little bit of pop culture, the final scene in the 2008 Batman movie where Batman and the Joker have their final confrontation was filmed in this building. Also, the movie The Dark Knight was shot at the construction site of the then partially completed tower.
The rooms at the Trump International Hotel and Tower are said to be lavish with spectacular views of the city including many overlooking the Chicago River. "BlackBook Magazine's
Guide to Chicago describes the Hotel as an embodiment of poshness that
give the visitor bragging rights upon his/her return home". The extremes within this hotel include supposedly $25 for a bottle of water. The spa and the swimming pool are favorites among the Chicago elite and for those in charge of grading (such as Fodor's Chicago 2010) have named these as the best of what Chicago has to offer.
Trump Internatinal Hotel and Tower Tour with Ivanka Trump
Chicago Hotel Towers aka Trump Int'l Hotel and Tower Chicago Illinois
Trump Tower
Trump International Hotel & Tower® Chicago
Awards and Accolades
- Travel + Leisure 2010 World's Best Awards: #1 Large City Hotel - Continental U.S. and Canada
- Forbes (Formerly Mobil) Four-Star Hotel Award 2009, 2010
- Forbes Four-Star Restaurant, Sixteen 2009, 2010
- Forbes Four-Star Spa, The Spa at Trump®, 2009, 2010
- Worth “Elite List: Best New Restaurants for Business Lunches” 2010
- Rated the hottest new hotel in North America on Condé Nast Traveler’s “Hot List” 2008
- Fortune “Best New Business Hotel” 2008
- Forbes Traveler “World’s Best 50 New Hotels” 2008-2009
- Elite Traveler “Top 101 Suites” 2008
- Tallest iPhone ready building in the world
- Tallest residence in the world
- Second-tallest building in North America
- Seventh-tallest building in the world
The Trump Tower has one of the best locations in Chicago - touting great views of the chicago River and ease of access to the financial district called the Chicago Loop that is the commerce hub for this great city. The location is only dwarfed by the beauty of the building. Celebrating Chicago's history for skyscrapers with contemporary design, this tower literally trumps them all with its stately elegance and yet modern design with clean lines. The geometry of this building is pleasing and rests as naturally against the clear blue sky as any skyscraper in the world. A true celebration of not just height but also pure design.
- Trump International Hotel and Tower 877.45.TRUMP
Poised along the Chicago River at the juncture of the Loop and North Michigan Avenue, Trump International Hotel & Tower Chicago is downtowns most enviable address. The Chicago boutique hotel joins a list of landmarks, including the Magnificent Mi
Trump Hotel Swimming Pool
Trump Spa Pedicure Station
The Spa at Trump
- 23,000 sq ft The Spa at Trump featuring 11 spacious treatment rooms and exclusive Kate Somerville skin care treatments
- 53 spa guestrooms are located on the spa level offering an urban resort experience
- Spa attaché will attend to guests needs throughout the experience, to truly personalize every treatment and stimulate each of the five senses
- In-room massage and spa services can be arranged upon request and based on availability
- One of Chicago's three four-star spas
- The Spa at Trump
The Spa at Trump, a tranquil haven located within the Trump International Hotel & Tower Chicago, offers a peaceful setting to calm, balance, purify, revitalize, and heal.
Trump Hotel Chicago, Illinois
Four Seasons Hotel Chicago, Illinois
Four Seaons Hotel Chicago, Illinois
Four Seaons Hotel Chicago, Illinois
Property Statistics:
- 120 East Delaware Place, Chicago, Illinois 60611-1428 312.280.8800
- Originally built in 1989; $30 million renovation completed in 2009
- 343 suites and rooms
- 16 floors
- Floors 30 - 46
- Lobby 7th and 8th Floors
Spa:
- Fitness Center overlooks Michigan Avenue
- Roman inspired indoor swimming pool
- Floor-to-ceiling Roman Columns
- Jacuzzi with a skylight
- One-use swimming suites and shorts available
- Sized slippers
- Whirlpool with a skylight
- Spa and Fitness Club Lounge
- Spa and Fitness membership available upon request
Ritz Carlton Cookbook
The Four Seasons Chicago, Illinois located at 120 East Delaware is often confused with the Ritz at 900 Michigan Ave.
Ritz-Carlton Chicago (A Four Seasons Hotel) is a part of the Toronto-based Four Seasons chain of luxury hotels and resorts. For more information see details under the section here "Ritz-Carlton".
Etymology of the Name Four Seasons
The name "Four Seasons" was inspired by a famous hotel, Vier Jahreszeiten in Hamburg, which when translated is "Four Seasons".
The Founder and Chairman - Isadore Sharp
The founder and Chairman of The Four Seasons is Isadore Sharp. A Canadian who has been quoted often in business journals for delivering exceptional service and creating a world-wide hotel chain dedicated to integrity and respect for both the customer and for the service staff.
Isadore Sharp's Humanitarian Efforts on Combating Cancer
Isadore Sharp lost his fourth son to Cancer. He has worked hard and won awards for his humanitarian efforts combating the disease of cancer.
As an insight to this exceptional company, here are a few quotes from Isadore Sharp:
“The reason for our success is no secret. It comes down to one single principle that transcends time and geography, religion and culture. It’s the Golden Rule – the simple idea that if you treat people well, the way you would like to be treated, they will do the same.”
“One way to characterise Four Seasons service would be to call it an exchange of mutual respect performed with an attitude of kindness.”
“I sat down with our communications experts and wrote down the fundamentals of our culture, which is based on the Golden Rule – to treat others as you wish to be treated,” says Issy. “A lot of companies talk about having a culture, but we knew we had to walk the talk if we expected it to thrive in our hotels.”
Four Seasons Privately Held Since 2007
Sharp, along with a group of like-minded investors, took the company private with one of the goals to continue to blend the integrity of the corporate purpose.
“Four Seasons today is a brand that people equate with exceptional experiences and the lifelong memories that come with them,” says Issy. “The business decisions we’ve made over the past five decades ensure that Four Seasons will continue to hold this esteemed position for decades to come.”
Four Seasons Luxury Spa
Four Seasons Website
- Four Seasons.com 312.280.8800
Always a landmark of refined comfort, with unrivalled Lake Michigan and city views, steps from chic North Michigan Avenue shops and minutes from Chicago's business and financial centres. With its elegant restyling now complete in every detail, the
Ritz-Carlton Chicago Illinois
The Ritz-Carlton, Chicago, Illinois
Property Statistics:
- 160 East Pearson Street, at Water Tower Place, Chicago, Illinois 60611-2308 312.266.1000
- 435 suites and rooms
- 344 rooms
- 91 suites
- Located on floors 15 through 30 in Water Tower Place
- Constructed 1975
- 4,004 square foot fitness facility
- 4 lane lap pool
- Guestrooms and suites located on the 15th through 30th floors of Water Tower Place
- 7 Time Winner of the Conde Nast Traveler Reader's Choice Award
Recreation:
- Water Tower Place
- Steps from Magnificent Mile Shopping District
- On Site Bicycle Rental
Restaurant:
- Deca Restaurant and Bar
Spa and Fitness Facility:
- The Hotel's pool, part of The Carlton Club, is a temperature-controlled, four-lane lap pool; nearby, a sun deck features lake and city views.
- 5 treatment rooms, a steam room, and a sauna
Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company | Four Seasons Hotel Chicago, Illinois
The Ritz-Carlton Chicago, Illinois
The Ritz-Carlton Chicago, Illinois is a Four Seasons Hotel is located in Water Tower Place. It is in the heart of Chicago's shopping haven. It offers classic luxury with extensive marble and grandeur in its architecture. Awards of distinction include the 2008 Conde Nast Traveler Readers' Choice awards for the favorite hotel in the United States of America. Take note, this is the 7th year of this award!
The extra large picture windows showcase the stunning views of the city of Chicago.
Ritz-Carlton - A Four Seasons Hotel - The Backstory
Ritz-Carlton Chicago (A Four Seasons Hotel) is a part of the Toronto-based Four Seasons chain of luxury hotels and resorts. Ritz-Carlton Chicago, is a 5 star hotel as designated by American Automobile Association (AAA) Five Diamond and Mobil Five Star hotel awards.
The Ritz-Carlton Chicago, Illinois is one of two properties under management by Four Seasons in the North Michigan Avenue area, as their namesake hotel Four Seasons Hotel Chicago is a few blocks away. According to Wikipedia, the hotel is not part of the Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, the name Ritz Carlton is used under special licensing agreements.
Location - The Ritz-Carlton, Chicago
- Located in Water Tower Place
- Steps away from the Magnificent Mile with a variety of shopping, dining, and entertainment options (see the map above)
- 30 - 35 minutes driving time (approximately 18 miles) from Chicago O'Hare International Airport
- 25 - 30 minutes driving time (approximately 13 miles) from Chicago Midway Airport
The Spa at The Carlton Club is a great haven for personal pampering and well-being.
- The Ritz-Carlton (A Four Seasons Hotel) 312.266.1000
(Chicago, Illinois) Four Seasons is the world's leading operator of luxury hotels and resorts. Visit our site to plan your vacation, getaway, or business travel to The Ritz Carlton: Chicago, IL.
The Peninsula Hotel Chicago, Illinois
Peninsula Hotel Chicago, Illinois
The Peninsula Hotel Chicago, Illinois
The Peninsula Hotel Chicago, Illinois is listed as one of the top spa hotels in the world. For relaxation, for business or for just pure pampering, the staff and the amenities at the Peninsula in Chicago, Illinois are world renown. One of the items the Peninsula Hotel is noted for is its views and its Chicago location exemplifies this important note of distinction. The spa and fitness center are located on the top two floors of the hotel providing a rare bird's eye view of the gorgeous city below.
Peninsula Hotel Chicago, Illinois
Property Statistics:
- 108 E Superior St Chicago, IL 60611 312.337.2888
- Number One Urban Hotel Spa' by Conde Nast Traveler in
April 2006
- 'Number One Hotel' in the Zagat Survey of Top U.S. Hotels, Resorts, and Spas.
- Opened in 2001
- 339 guest rooms
Recreational Activities:
- Magnificent Mile Shopping and Dining
- Museums
- Lakefront
- Cantonese Cuisine and Afternoon Tea at Shanghai Terrace
- Legendary Peninsula Afternoon Tea - Served in the Lobby
Spa: Peninsula ESPA Spa
- 15,000 square foot spa
- Half Olympic Size Swimming Pool
- Swimming Pool Features Floor to Ceiling Windows - 20 foot high
- Sun Deck
- Fitness Membership Available
The Peninsula Hotel, Chicago, Illinois is located in the heart of Chicago's Magnificent Mile and across from Saks Fifth Avenue and Neiman Marcus. Among its many awards includes 'Number One Urban Hotel Spa' by Conde Nast Traveler in April 2006 and 'Number One Hotel' in the Zagat Survey of Top U.S. Hotels, Resorts, and Spas.
The Peninsula's guestrooms and suites are stated to be among the largest in the city of Chicago. The décor is contemporary yet classical providing a welcoming feeling for your home away from home. The rooms also include state of the art bedside controls. With a touch a button you are in control of the room's electronics.
Recreation abounds from shopping and dining in the midst of the Magnificent Mile and convenient access to the night life of Chicago - Rush St.
The swimming pool is listed as half Olympian. Remember, the size of the Olympic swimming pool is 50 meters by 25 meters. Therefore, half of 164 feet (50 meters) in length and 82 feet (25 meters) in width is very big!
For an afternoon respite from taking in the many city sights or trying to cover the many great shopping boutiques, take in the legendary afternoon tea in the hotel lobby or in the Shanghai Terrace Restaurant.
For award winning dining, you don't have to leave the building, Avenues is located on the 5th floor. See more detail below including the extensive listing of award and many accolades.
Avenues - Peninsula Hotel Chicago, Illinois
Avenues - Award Winning Restaurant
Awards & Accolades:
- Four Stars - Chicago Tribune
- Four Stars - Chicago Magazine
- Four Stars - Chicago Sun Times
- 20 / 20 Perfect Score - North Shore Magazine
- 2005 Restaurant of the Year - Chicago Sun Times
- Best Fine Dining - Jean Banchet Awards for Culinary Excellence
Avenues - Peninsula Hotel, Chicago, Illinois
Award winning, fine wines, and gracious service are marks of distinction for this exceptional restaurant that creates an unparalleled dining experience. Conveniently located in the Peninsula Hotel in the heart of the Magnificent Mile.
- The Avenues Chicago Restaurants and Dining Venues | The Peninsula Chicago
Information about The Peninsula Chicago's restaurants and dining venues. Includes restaurants that serve Shanghainese and Cantonese food as well as afternoon tea.
Peninsula Hotel Chicago Illinois
Peninsula Hotel Roof Top in Chicago, Illinois
Swimming Pool at the Peninsula Hotel Chicago, Illinois
The Peninsula Hotel in Chicago, Illinois is one of five five star hotels that houses a world class spa. This spa hotel is located on Michigan Avenue, "Magnificent Mile". The spa is known as ESPA in homage to the English product line used which are high-quality, all natural ingredients.
The treatments have an Asian influence and include the Chakra Balancing Massage. The treatments seek to blend both mind and body into a holistic treatment relaxing not just the body but also the mind.
Spa at Penisula Chicago Illinois
108 E Superior St
Chicago, IL 60611
312.337.2888
Wellness - Spa Member Services for the Frugal Non-Traveler
Love the idea of traveling and staying at hotel spa? Don't have the funds to travel? Take a close look at the local hotels in your area. Many spa/fitness centers connected to hotels now offer membership which gives you access to the same lovely experiences such as the use of the guest robes, complimentary towels and lockers, heated swimming pool, fitness classes and discounts on the spa services. Many include free beverages such as coffee and juice too! All the joys of being pampered, wellness for both your body and your mind but right in your very own back yard.
© 2010 Ken Kline