I enjoyed my fifth stay at this hotel for 3 nights. Each stay at the Ritz Carlton Chicago has been more memorable that the past–this hotel is a major reason I’ve become fond of visiting Chicago. The hotel’s location is amazing. It’s on the Magnificent Mile, above one of the nicer vertical malls – Water Tower Place, and 3 blocks from the lake and its bike/jogging path. I am also fond of the Museum of Contemporary Art, one block away.
For architecture buffs, the landmark Ludwig Mies van der Rohe apartment buildings at 860-880 Lake Shore Drive are 2 blocks away. The hotel’s strongest attribute is its service. It’s managed by Four Seasons, and FS standards and Midwestern friendliness combine to great effect here. On my last visit, I could only find fault with the very busy street-level staff (doorman, valet), but this time there was improved service there, and the upstairs staff was superb as usual (front desk, housekeeping, spa, dining, and especially the concierges). Being addressed by one’s name is always a good feeling. I think the hotel prides itself in its old world, classic and elegant ambiance, and may even be eschewing modern technology to a certain extent–i.e., TV’s are not flat screen, no DVD players, room safe has a key instead of an electronic lock.
The Dining Room, the hotel’s former fine dining venue, is now open for private functions only and was “fully committed” each evening–obviously a lucrative business for the hotel. The Greenhouse serves a great brunch on weekends. The Ritz’s main competitors would be the sister Four Seasons and the Peninsula. All 3 have upper-level lobbies. The Ritz and Peninsula’s lobbies provide a great amount of natural light, while the Four Seasons is darker. All have fine spas with indoor pools. I have stayed once at the Four Seasons and frankly prefer the Ritz. I would like to try the Peninsula one day, but it would be very difficult to not consider the Ritz my first choice when returning to Chicago.
