Conrad Chicago

The Conrad Chicago’s lobby is on the 20^th floor; I arrived early in the morning. My room wasn’t ready, but the spacious, multilevel lobby with floor-to-ceiling windows boasting views of downtown Chicago offered plenty of comfortable areas to connect to the complimentary WiFi. The reception staff was warm and welcoming, and by the time I returned from an outing, my room was ready.

My Michigan Avenue View guestroom felt new and untouched—almost pristine. Upon entering, the bathroom, outfitted in light gray granite and boasting a huge vanity, double sinks, tons of lighting options, a large shower and a separate water closet, was to the left, with closets lining the right wall.

In the bedroom area, the king-sized bed (quite comfortable, might I add) was flanked by two nightstands and situated across from the 65-inch HD TV and credenza. A couch sat underneath the windows overlooking Michigan Avenue, with a glass-topped table that doubled as the desk perched at the end. A desk chair sat opposite.

All the guestrooms feature Nespresso coffeemakers, in-room movies, Bluetooth A/V technology and a full glassware set.

Il Tavolino, at ground level, is a hybrid coffeehouse/Italian café, serving breakfast and lunch. On the 20^th floor, Baptiste & Bottle serves breakfast and dinner, and a full bar, seven days a week. A rooftop restaurant and bar is open seasonally. Each of the three restaurants is by Richard Sandoval. Weekend brunch at the lobby-level Baptiste and Bottle is a must — I enjoyed the unlimited Bloody & Mimosa Bar, which boasted myriad toppings, seasonings and juice, and the skillet cinnamon rolls were some of the best I’d ever tasted.

Conrad Chicago offers 10,000 square feet of meeting and event space, with natural light a highlight of the function rooms. The hotel’s location just steps from Michigan Avenue also lends itself to 360-degree city views from around the property. I enjoyed a workout in the well-equipped fitness center.

The hotel robes at Conrad Chicago are, without a doubt, the most sumptuous and comfortable of any hotel robe I’ve ever worn.

My May visit did not coincide with the seasonal opening of Noyane, the hotel’s rooftop restaurant serving contemporary Japanese cuisine, craft cocktails and views of downtown Chicago, but I hope to visit the outpost on a future visit.

Conrad Chicago

101 E. Erie St.

Chicago, IL 60611

tel 312 667 6700

conradchicagohotel.com