[category]
[title]
Appropriately enough for a hotel that shares a building with Tiffany’s, staying at The Peninsula Chicago feels like sleeping in a jewel box. Unlike many of Chicago’s other famous luxury hotels, The Peninsula opened (relatively) recently in 2001 and the property still exudes a sense of sparkling charm. Whenever you walk into a room, it feels like a cleaning crew of 20 just finished polishing every surface.
There’s a sense of formality here—with massive murals inspired by Chicago history, glittering chandeliers and marble accents—but it doesn’t feel too rigid or fussy. My recent stay here was nearly flawless and it’s a great choice for travelers seeking an elevated experience with a focus on comfort.
What are the rooms like at The Peninsula Chicago?
The rooms here have an ultra luxe but lowkey aesthetic that make you feel more like you’re staying in a high-end Chicago apartment than a flashy hotel. With 339 guestrooms and suites, there’s a wide range of rooms on offer from smaller spaces with a king-size bed to the 3,000-square-foot Peninsula Suite. The furnishings are traditional with muted earth tones, light blues and some impressive marble bathrooms. Some of the rooms also boast epic views of the Hancock Tower. Oh, and the rooms all feature chrysanthemums in their design, which is the official flower of Chicago.
What are the best restaurants and bars at The Peninsula Chicago?
In a nod to the property’s mix of East Asian and Midwestern influences, the main on-site restaurant Shanghai Terrace highlights contemporary Chinese cuisine. While that restaurant was closed during my recent visit, I did have an excellent, casual dinner at The Lobby, an airy space with 20-foot, floor-to-ceiling windows. In addition to the dinner menu, the space also hosts a popular Afternoon Tea service.
After dinner, I visited the hotel’s rooftop bar, Z Bar, which has light bites, unobstructed views of the Magnificent Mile and cocktails inspired by far-flung locales. Rounding out the dining offerings is Pierrot Gourmet, a corner coffee shop and lunch restaurant with a must-try rotisserie chicken.
What is the spa and gym like at The Peninsula Chicago?
The hotel’s entire top floor is dedicated to its wellness center and the views are worth a trip upstairs even if you’re not a fitness buff. During my first morning, I had an invigorating jog on a treadmill with a bird’s-eye view of Lake Michigan’s seemingly endless blue expanse. The spa is enormous and offers all of the expected treatments—from massages and facials to half-day retreats. However, the main highlight here is the 25-meter swimming pool where you can get your laps in before lounging on the sun deck.
What is the area like around The Peninsula Chicago?
The Peninsula Chicago is located on the Magnificent Mile, the city’s high-end shopping thoroughfare. It’s about a 15-minute walk to DuSable Bridge where you can catch one of the city’s can’t-miss architecture boat tours and a 25-minute walk to waterfront Navy Pier with its massive ferris wheel. For a more under-the-radar activity during your stay, visit the nearby Driehaus Museum, a perfectly preserved Gilded Age mansion with historic rooms and a rotating lineup of exhibitions.
DETAILS
Address: 108 E Superior St
Price per night: Prices start at $500 per night.
Closest transport link: El stop: Red to Chicago. Bus: 3, 10, 26, 66.
Book now: Booking.com
📍 Check out Time Out’s full list of the best spa hotels in Chicago
Time Out makes a small commission from the affiliate links included in this article. These links have no influence on our editorial content, but they do help us to bring you more recommendations every week. For more information, see our affiliate guidelines.