The Peninsula Chicago exceeds our expectations every time, and we look forward to each visit. This was our fourth time here — an adults-only trip, though we have previously stayed as a family. With an ideal location for Michigan-avenue shopping, attentive service, sprawling rooftop pool, sanctuary-like spa, top-notch afternoon tea, and spacious, high-tech rooms, this luxury Chicago hotel is top of its class.

Overview

At-a-Glance

• Date of stay: August 2021

• Length of stay: 1 night / 2 days

• Property type: Swanky yet elegant city hotel and spa on Michigan avenue with trendy rooftop Z Bar

• Trip type: Couples getaway (previous trips included family weekend getaway and couples getaways)

• Tailor-made for: Shopping and wellness enthusiasts, those who enjoy great views and a buzzy scene

Highlights

• "Peninsula Time" -- guaranteed check-in as early as 6AM and check-out as late as 10PM

• Z Bar rooftop lounge design and views

• Views from pool, fitness center and spa on top floor

• Vosges chocolates welcome gift

• Exceptional, intuitive service

• High-tech, recently renovated rooms

Good to Know

• No kids club or play room

• Some of the hotel's services may be unavailable due to COVID (afternoon tea, house car, Pierrot Gourmet restaurant)

• Overall dining program is okay but not stellar

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Location & Setting

💛💛💛💛💛

The hotel's Michigan Avenue downtown location is superb. Guests have great access to shopping, dining, sightseeing, etc. Saks and Neiman Marcus are located right next to the hotel.

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Property & Grounds

💛💛💛💛💛

This is one of the best places in Chicago to stay with a family. During winter, the whole hotel is dressed up in its festive holiday finest, including an enormous Christmas tree in The Lobby Restaurant.

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Room

💛💛💛💛+

We stayed in a Deluxe Room (Room 1427) which was spacious by city hotel standards and well-furnished with 1 King Bed, sitting area with table and 2 armchairs, entertainment center and desk, 1 bathroom with tub (with detachable shower nozzle) and shower, spacious closet and drawers, a small bar area, and blackout curtains. We also toured a 1-Bedroom Suite, which had an ideal configuration for families (last 3 pictures below).

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Service

💛💛💛💛💛

Service here is above and beyond -- they think of everything. The service experience is attentive and professional without feeling stuffy and you can't miss the signature Peninsula Hotels white bellman uniform.

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Dining

💛💛💛+

With one of the best spaces and views in the city, the trendy rooftop Z Bar is a proper scene and frequently busy. If you are staying at the hotel, they will bump you to the top of the list if you walk in and there is a wait, but reservations are strongly encouraged.

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Family Services & Amenities

💛💛💛💛+

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Activities

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The hotel is within steps of Michigan Avenue and all of its Magnificent Mile shopping, including Neiman Marcus and Saks right next to the hotel, and is less than six blocks away from Lake Superior and the lake shore, and a short drive to many of the city's top family-friendly attractions, including the Navy Pier, Millennium Park, Grant Park, Shedd Aquarium, Soldier Field, the Children's Museum, the Contemporary Museum of Art, and more.

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Wellness

💛💛💛💛💛

The hotel spa and health club with half-Olympic-size indoor pool, outdoor sun terrace, fitness center, and award-winning spa are all fantastic. You can glimpse amazing views over the city from the top-floor pool, sun terrace, and fitness center.

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Wow Factor

💛💛💛💛💛

This hotel leaves a lasting impression based on its enviable location, ample wellness amenities, and wealth of activities for a city hotel.

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Value

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While usually fairly pricey, The Peninsula Chicago offers value-priced, off-season winter packages for families and couples. The hotel’s Peninsula Time program with extended check-in and check-out hours also helps deliver additional value relative to peer hotels.

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Overall

💛💛💛💛💛

We highly recommend this property for couples and families and will certainly make a point to return.

Rating Legend*

💛💛💛💛💛 Exceptional

💛💛💛💛 Notable

💛💛💛 Standard

💛💛 Substandard

💛 Unsatisfactory

*All ratings are relative to similar-class properties