Startle

Whether you’re staying in the hotel or just stopping by for an after-work cocktail, Bernard’s, the bar inside Waldorf Astoria Chicago, offers a sophisticated atmosphere for imbibing. Dimmed lights and a rich, brown color palette set the tone inside Bernard’s. Plush pillows and cozy corners invite you to have an intimate conversation while you sip your drink. The bar serves a number of craft beers and fine cocktails, including the Aviation, a bespoke blend of gin, luxardo, crème de violette and lemon that will make you want to order another round (or two).

The hotel’s more casual bistro, Balsan, is another great place for a drink. Sit at the marble bar and order the savory cheese and charcuterie platter while enjoying a glass of wine from the superb list.

With the celebrated Ria, oh-so chic Balsan and clubby Bernard's, there's plenty of good stuff to eat and drink at Waldorf Astoria Chicago. Here are our picks for the five best:

1. The seafood at Ria. Attention seafood lovers: You'll have a tough time finding a better mean in Chicago. While we recommend the seasonal tasting menu (a recent one featured a sea scallop dish to die for), you can also opt for items like salt-crusted fish filleted tableside.

2. Anything from Balsan's wood-burning oven. We loved the tarte flambée, which is full of bacon, onion and uplands cheese. Another must-try? The whole roasted chicken (it takes 45 minutes to prepare, but it's is so worth the wait).

3. The Aviation at Bernard's. Waldorf Astoria Chicago's house bar crafts its own tonics and mixers. We like the Aviation, a mix of gin, luxardo, crème de violette and lemon.

4. Brunch at Balsan. Balsan serves a brunch so good you'll want to get up early. Expect a selection of salumi and domestic cheese, freshly baked madeleines and scones, and your choice of dishes such as grilled lamb leg or smoked wild salmon.

5. The housemade potato chips at Bernard's. Sure, there are a lot more frou-frou items on the menu at Ria and Balsan, but these salty suckers are not to be missed.

The workspace in regular rooms at Waldorf Astoria Chicago is comfortable and spacious. Rather than cordoning off a certain amount of space and making the work area feel separate, the desk sports little touches that make it fit in with its elegant surroundings. The desktop features hidden outlets that flip up with just a touch. The telephone on each desk features a button that connects directly with the hotel’s communication center, which can do just about anything for you, from arranging print and fax services to ordering food from the in-room dining menu. For any additional services, the hotel also has a business center with a dedicated HP PC desktop and an iMac desktop with full print, fax and scanning capabilities. Though Waldorf Astoria Chicago offers the best in luxury and relaxation, you won’t have to sacrifice productivity when you check into the Four-Star hotel.

The rooms at Waldorf Astoria Chicago are as elegantly appointed as the rest of the hotel. Of the 188 rooms in the Four-Star hotel, there are just 38 standard rooms (though there’s really nothing standard about them). Among these standards, which are some of the largest in Chicago, there are 15 deluxe double rooms, which span 614 square feet, and 23 deluxe King rooms, which are 632 square feet. Amenities include a 42-inch flat-screen TV, a Bowers & Wilkins Zeppelin iPod dock and complimentary Wi-Fi. Rooms have a gray and cream color palette with soft pink accents, handsome dark wood furniture and luxurious velvet sofas. Each room has as an attractive wet bar with handy refrigerator drawers. Beds are topped with crisp white Rivolta Carmignani sheets. Bathrooms are clad in white marble with soaking tubs and a roomy separate shower, as well as an in-mirror LCD TV that disappears when turned off.

While any room you choose at Waldorf Astoria Chicago is bound to be great, the suites do have some special amenities that take the experience over the top. Suites range from Executive to Presidential, with Gold Coast Suites, Deluxe Suites, Premier Gold Coast Suites and Elysian Suites falling in between. Suites feature not one but two 42-inch flat-screen TVs, and some larger suites even have a 60-inch flat-screen TV. Suites begin at 775 square feet in the Executive Suites, while The Elysian Suites cover 2,179 square feet. The Presidential Suite is the hotel’s largest room at 3,160 square feet, with two bedrooms, two furnished terraces, a living room with a fireplace, a fully equipped kitchen and an elite media room. Most suites come with a furnished balcony. You’ll find the best views in the Gold Coast and Premier Gold Coast suites.

Waldorf Astoria Chicago offers a variety of weight training equipment to help you tone up. The gym features Matrix equipment, including dumbbells ranging from five to 60 pounds each, benches for a variety of exercises, and two adjustable tower pulley machines that help you work just about every muscle in your body. If you prefer to steer clear of heavy weights for a simpler workout, the gym has that stuff too. Matrix kettle bells, bosu balls, stretch bands and exercise balls help keep your core in shape. There’s also private training, a swimming pool, a sauna, a whirlpool, a steam room and a fitness studio.

The gym at Waldorf Astoria Chicago is brimming with great amenities. Outside of the heat treatments (whirlpool, sauna and steam room), you’ll find chilled towels and citrus-infused water to stay hydrated. Bottled water is also available and dried fruits and nuts in the relaxation areas give you that extra boost of energy when you really need it. The relaxation areas also offers super-hydrating coconut water, as well as a place to relax in front of a fireplace and flat-screen TV.

The locker rooms provide you with keyless-entry lockers stocked with a robe, slippers and hangers for your clothes. Individual rainfall showers are stocked with Tocca bath products. The gym also offers loaner shoes, shorts and t-shirts in case you didn’t have enough luggage space to squeeze in your gear.

You can get your heart rate up at Waldorf Astoria Chicago in a flash, thanks to the gym’s cardio equipment. You’ll find a variety of Matrix cardio machines, including three arc trainers, five treadmills and two Matrix bikes. The gym also has a Cybex spin bike, which offers an interactive training course, so you feel as if you’re actually going somewhere as opposed to simply spinning your wheels.

The cardio machines are pointed toward north-facing windows for a workout with a view. If you’re more of an outdoorsy type, you can always head to the path along Lake Michigan for a jog or bike ride (a very pleasant way to see more of the city).

The gym at Waldorf Astoria Chicago is a roomy space with all the latest equipment. You can get your heart rate up, go for a swim or take a pilates class during your stay at the Four-Star hotel. The gym features a host of Matrix equipment, including treadmills, stationary bikes, kettle bells, two towers for a total-body workout, benches, stretching bands and dumbbells. The gym also has a fitness studio with Gyrotonic Pilates equipment. The mosaic-tiled pool is on the small side, but it’s big enough for a few laps, as well as a number of aquatic classes. You’ll also have access to the whirlpool, sauna and steam rooms inside the men and women’s locker rooms. These are all connected with the spa on the fourth floor of the hotel, so it’s easy to plan an entire day of wellness.

Whether you’re staying in the hotel or just stopping by for an after-work cocktail, Bernard’s, the bar inside Waldorf Astoria Chicago, offers a sophisticated atmosphere for imbibing. Dimmed lights and a rich, brown color palette set the tone inside Bernard’s. Plush pillows and cozy corners invite you to have an intimate conversation while you sip your drink. The bar serves a number of craft beers and fine cocktails, including the Aviation, a bespoke blend of gin, luxardo, crème de violette and lemon that will make you want to order another round (or two).

The hotel’s more casual bistro, Balsan, is another great place for a drink. Sit at the marble bar and order the savory cheese and charcuterie platter while enjoying a glass of wine from the superb list.

With the celebrated Ria, oh-so chic Balsan and clubby Bernard's, there's plenty of good stuff to eat and drink at Waldorf Astoria Chicago. Here are our picks for the five best:

1. The seafood at Ria. Attention seafood lovers: You'll have a tough time finding a better mean in Chicago. While we recommend the seasonal tasting menu (a recent one featured a sea scallop dish to die for), you can also opt for items like salt-crusted fish filleted tableside.

2. Anything from Balsan's wood-burning oven. We loved the tarte flambée, which is full of bacon, onion and uplands cheese. Another must-try? The whole roasted chicken (it takes 45 minutes to prepare, but it's is so worth the wait).

3. The Aviation at Bernard's. Waldorf Astoria Chicago's house bar crafts its own tonics and mixers. We like the Aviation, a mix of gin, luxardo, crème de violette and lemon.

4. Brunch at Balsan. Balsan serves a brunch so good you'll want to get up early. Expect a selection of salumi and domestic cheese, freshly baked madeleines and scones, and your choice of dishes such as grilled lamb leg or smoked wild salmon.

5. The housemade potato chips at Bernard's. Sure, there are a lot more frou-frou items on the menu at Ria and Balsan, but these salty suckers are not to be missed.

Waldorf Astoria has two outstanding restaurants: the fine-dining Ria and the more casual Balsan. Ria is open for dinner, while Balsan serves breakfast, lunch, dinner and late-night snacks. Each is a significant step up from many hotel restaurants, both in terms of food and fun. (And the fact that locals flock to these spots give the eateries serious street cred too.) For a more formal affair, hit Ria for some of the very best seafood in town. At the chic bistro Balsan you can expect wood-fired pizzas, wonderful cheese plates and charcuterie. Waldorf Astoria's overnight guests can order from each restaurant's complete menu, as well as the in-room dining menu.

The rooms at Waldorf Astoria Chicago are as elegantly appointed as the rest of the hotel. Of the 188 rooms in the Four-Star hotel, there are just 38 standard rooms (though there’s really nothing standard about them). Among these standards, which are some of the largest in Chicago, there are 15 deluxe double rooms, which span 614 square feet, and 23 deluxe King rooms, which are 632 square feet. Amenities include a 42-inch flat-screen TV, a Bowers & Wilkins Zeppelin iPod dock and complimentary Wi-Fi. Rooms have a gray and cream color palette with soft pink accents, handsome dark wood furniture and luxurious velvet sofas. Each room has as an attractive wet bar with handy refrigerator drawers. Beds are topped with crisp white Rivolta Carmignani sheets. Bathrooms are clad in white marble with soaking tubs and a roomy separate shower, as well as an in-mirror LCD TV that disappears when turned off.

The workspace in regular rooms at Waldorf Astoria Chicago is comfortable and spacious. Rather than cordoning off a certain amount of space and making the work area feel separate, the desk sports little touches that make it fit in with its elegant surroundings. The desktop features hidden outlets that flip up with just a touch. The telephone on each desk features a button that connects directly with the hotel’s communication center, which can do just about anything for you, from arranging print and fax services to ordering food from the in-room dining menu. For any additional services, the hotel also has a business center with a dedicated HP PC desktop and an iMac desktop with full print, fax and scanning capabilities. Though Waldorf Astoria Chicago offers the best in luxury and relaxation, you won’t have to sacrifice productivity when you check into the Four-Star hotel.

While any room you choose at Waldorf Astoria Chicago is bound to be great, the suites do have some special amenities that take the experience over the top. Suites range from Executive to Presidential, with Gold Coast Suites, Deluxe Suites, Premier Gold Coast Suites and Elysian Suites falling in between. Suites feature not one but two 42-inch flat-screen TVs, and some larger suites even have a 60-inch flat-screen TV. Suites begin at 775 square feet in the Executive Suites, while The Elysian Suites cover 2,179 square feet. The Presidential Suite is the hotel’s largest room at 3,160 square feet, with two bedrooms, two furnished terraces, a living room with a fireplace, a fully equipped kitchen and an elite media room. Most suites come with a furnished balcony. You’ll find the best views in the Gold Coast and Premier Gold Coast suites.

We think techies will be impressed by the technology in the rooms at the Waldorf Astoria Chicago. Each guest room includes a Bowers & Wilkins Zeppelin, the Rolls-Royce of iPod speaker docks. It puts out a crisp, clean sound, so be sure to pack your iPod. The motion-sensor light technology in the room is also a very cool feature � the lights go on when you walk in the room so you don�t have to fumble around for hard-to-find switches in the dark. If you�re in bed and decide you need to get just a little more shuteye, you can put an electronic Do Not Disturb sign on your door and trust housekeeping will skip right over your room.

Regular rooms at Waldorf Astoria Chicago all have a standard 42-inch flat-screen HDTV, as well as a 17-inch LCD TV in the bathroom. Suites tend to have multiple TVs, with some boasting an even bigger flat-screen. (The Presidential Suites feature two 60-inch TVs.) But it’s the TVs in the bathrooms that get us really excited. While vanity mirrors that feature imbedded TVs have become a fairly common amenity in luxury hotels these days, this one is one of the coolest we’ve seen. Turn it on and it appears out of nowhere; turn it off and it fades back into the mirror without a trace.

When you book a stay at Waldorf Astoria Chicago, formerly The Elysian, you can be confident you’ve got a unique hotel experience ahead of you. Even compared to other Chicago hotels, Waldorf Astoria Chicago stands out in a number of ways. Here are the top five things we think you need to know to get the most out of any stay at the hotel:

1. You won’t find a doorman or bellhop. But don’t worry, this doesn’t mean you have to get your own door and carry up your own luggage; it just means the director or rooms might be escorting you through check-in. The hotel eschews the traditional welcoming system and instead employs a jack-of-all-trades staff, which means any staff member might help you with any certain type of request. The result? Staff members that know how to get practically anything done, regardless of their job title.

2. You won’t find a directory in your room. Just press the single button on your guestroom phone and the staff member will make sure your needs are met. (It’s not up to you to figure out which extension is for housekeeping!)

3. There are five house cars. The Chicago hotel has a fleet of Lexus vehicles at your disposal, including a convertible. There’s no better way to see Chicago than by tearing down Lake Shore Drive with the top down, taking in the lakefront and the architecturally-stunning skyline.

4. The meeting spaces are standouts. Conferences and private parties held in Waldorf Astoria Chicago’s meeting rooms have an extra degree of elegance compared to most other meeting spaces in Chicago. With custom-designed, double-cushioned Chiavari-style chairs, Christofle flatware and Schott Zwiesel stemware, each table is as pretty as the space it fills (think extravagant chandeliers inspired by Coco Chanel’s jewelry, and a coiffure ceiling resembling a wedding cake).

5. The suites are amazing. It’s almost a universal truth that a suite in any hotel upgrades your experience, but at Waldorf Astoria Chicago, it’s especially true. Most suites feature a furnished balcony or a fireplace, so it’s worth splurging for the added amenities.

Waldorf Astoria Chicago does have a house car service. The hotel uses a fleet of Lexus vehicles to shuttle guests around the neighborhood — they are available for use anywhere within two miles of the hotel. That fleet includes a hybrid, SUVs and even a convertible (there are five vehicles in total). All car services at Waldorf Astoria Chicago come on a complimentary first come, first serve basis.

If you’re looking for a particularly scenic way to see Chicago, opt for the hotel’s complimentary pedicab rides. The charming three-wheeled vehicle allows for a more scenic tour of the streets.

It’s hard to pick the five best amenities for Waldorf Astoria Chicago, but we’ll give it our best shot. These are the perks and plusses we like best:

1. The Bowers & Wilkins Zeppelin iPod docks. These are found in every room and are a step above an iHome or a nice set of speakers—this stereo system puts out seriously crisp sound.

2. The hotel’s driveway. Talk about a grand entrance. The European-style private cobblestone entrance area features a motor court that’s tucked away from the city’s streets. The custom-designed heating system that melts ice during brutal Chicago winters is pure genius.

3. The Greco-Romanesque spa. The fourth-floor spa and gym has everything you’ll need to stay in shape or rejuvenate. Custom massages, private training and a full set of heat treatments allow you to leave all the stress of the business world — or a hectic day of shopping — far behind.

4. The cool in-room technology. Besides the great sound system, we love how the TV in the bathroom mirror disappears when you turn it off. We also love the electronic do not disturb sign and the motion-sensor lights. And though it doesn’t really fall into the category of technology, we really appreciate that there is only one button to press on the phone, whether you want room service or extra towels.

5. The beds. Custom Vi-Spring beds in several of the rooms make us want to sleep for days. The British manufacturer uses luxe materials like horsehair, cashmere and silk to craft a sleeping surface unlike any other.

Waldorf Astoria Chicago (formerly The Elysian hotel) is regarded as one of the most stylish hotels in the city. The hotel’s stone-clad, Art Deco façade was designed by famed architect Lucien Lagrange; ironwork and ornamental lamps add a romantic 1920s touch. The old-fashioned cobblestone motor court out front, with its appealing center fountain, looks like it was plucked straight from a French movie set.

The glamorous lobby, as everywhere else in the hotel, has a quietly luxurious feel accented by show-stopping details. The black, white and gray palette serves as a timeless backdrop from which all other details pop. The lobby’s nickel ribboned wall and enormous busts illustrate the interplay between classical and contemporary. And for every chic, antiquated detail, there’s a glamorous modern one too. A star burst chandelier inspired by Coco Chanel’s jewels dangles from the ceiling, while Christian Dior-inspired kick pleated drapes flank the windows. Marble floors with a swirly ribbon pattern add whimsy. Bursts of color here and there — a crimson velvet seat, a bold splash of green in a piece of art — inject energy.

Upstairs, you’ll find the handsome Bernard’s for drinks, the hotel’s two equally fashionable restaurants, Ria and Balsan, a ballroom fit for a princess with more Chanel-inspired chandeliers, and a lavish Greco-Roman spa.

Waldorf Astoria Chicago resides in Chicago’s Gold Coast neighborhood, easily accessible by both taxis and public transportation. Depending on which airline you fly, you’ll arrive into either O’Hare International Airport, northwest of Chicago, or into Midway International Airport, southwest of the city. Both airports serve as terminus stations for specific lines of the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) trains, with the Blue Line running out to O’Hare and the Orange Line running out to Midway.

From O’Hare, you can take a Blue Line CTA train into the Loop for $2.25; you’ll have to transfer to the Red Line heading north at the Jackson stop, and exit at the Chicago stop to walk to the hotel. Keep in mind that even though it is fairly easy to navigate, the Blue Line will take you more than an hour. On the other hand, you can take a cab from the airport in as little as 25 minutes (45 minutes, if there’s traffic) for $40 to $50. If you happen to land during rush hour, between 3 and 7 p.m., your best bet is the Blue Line. 

From Midway, take the Orange Line into the Loop, and transfer to the Red Line at Roosevelt and exit at the Chicago station. Again, a one-way trip will cost $2.25, and the trip should last about an hour. You can also take a 20- to 40-minute cab ride from Midway for around $35 to $40.

Another option is to arrange transportation with the hotel. The Four-Star luxury hotel has a fleet of Lexus vehicles at its disposal — call ahead and arrange a pick up for an additional charge.

Waldorf Astoria Chicago, formerly The Elysian, is different from a lot of other Chicago hotels. A unique culture and philosophy rule here, making it stand out among other Chicago hotels. From the moment you roll up to the beautiful private courtyard, you know you’re in for something special.

Your first clue that the hotel is different is the lack of a traditional doorman or bellhop. Instead, you’ll see people standing outside wearing elegant suits — likely the director of rooms and various staff members waiting to greet you upon your arrival. Don’t bother tipping; the hotel has a strict no-tipping policy (which includes the restaurant and the spa as well). Trust us, we’ve tried and not once has someone budged on this.

Once you’re settled in your room, you’ll notice another unique aspect Waldorf Astoria Chicago’s service — there’s no phone directory. In fact, you’ll find just a single button on your guest room phone. Why? Waldorf Astoria Chicago believes it’s up to the staff to figure out whom to call for what you need. Push the button and tell them what you need — transportation, room service, laundry — the staff will simply get it done.

The hotel’s design style also sets it apart. Classical features combined with an urban sensibility give the hotel a fresh feel. The friendly staff and residential atmosphere of the property (the top half of the building is dedicated to high-end private residences) make it feel more like a fashionable pied-a-terre. The rooms and suites offer every comfort, and the restaurants are delicious and fun.

There's much to love about Waldorf Astoria Chicago. As an upscale Chicago hotel, the service, amenities and little details make every stay at here personal. The five things we love most about this hotel include:

1. The unique service. The service at Waldorf Astoria Chicago is different from most hotels. At Waldorf Astoria Chicago, all staff members do all things. You won't see a traditional bellhop here; we often see the director of rooms out front greeting guests, but any other member of the staff can likely be seen pitching in to do the same. And when you settle into your room, don't bother looking for a directory — there isn't one. Simply press the single button on the phone to be connected to a staff member who can do practically anything for you, from arranging transportation to ordering room service.

2. The design. Waldorf Astoria Chicago is a stunner. The hotel?s exterior certainly catches your eye, with its old-fashioned motor court and beautiful ironwork. The building looks more like quintessential Paris than Chicago. Once inside, you'll see the eye-catching sunburst chandelier inspired by Coco Chanel in the lobby, and the Christian Dior-inspired kick pleated drapes. The actual seating area looks more like someone's fashionable apartment, with velvet couches, a cozy fireplace and art books stacked on tables. The nickel ribbon wall is a glamorous background to the enormous classical busts, while the wide ribbon pattern on the marble floors serves as a whimsical anchor. A soft black, white and gray color scheme is only interrupted by the occasional jolt of color — a crimson seat, a flash of green in the artwork. It's one of the most exciting designs (hotel or otherwise) we've seen.

3. The food. The third thing we adore about this hotel is that you can eat and drink with delicious abandon. You can visit Balsan, Ria or order from the terrific in-room dining menu. Menus feature artisanal, local, organic ingredients that are painstakingly procured (the hotel grows its own tomatoes for the ketchup and other sauces). Everything from the tastings at Ria to the housemade potato chips at Bernard's is a foodie treat.

4. The secluded entry. The private cobblestone entrance to Waldorf Astoria Chicago adds a level of intimacy to the hotel. Featuring an off-street roundabout with a lovely fountain in the middle, the hotel's entrance was designed to shelter you from the rest of the world. Beneath the cobblestones is a special ice-melting system, so you never have to worry about slipping (although ladies do have to worry about getting their heels stuck).

5. The coziness. We love the intimate feel of the Waldorf Astoria Chicago. Whether you're cozying up in front of the fireplace in your room in the dead of winter, looking out over the city from one of the balconies or imbibing in a dark corner at the handsome Bernard's, Waldorf Astoria Chicago feels snug.

Waldorf Astoria Chicago is located in the heart of the city’s Gold Coast neighborhood at 11 E. Walton St. The hotel’s entrance is what first sets it apart from other Chicago hotels: the private courtyard is a beautiful cobblestone roundabout with an elegant fountain in the middle. Waldorf Astoria’s central location gives you easy access to the upscale shops in the Gold Coast, such as Barneys New York (next door), Hermès (across the street) and Marc Jacobs (in the hotel’s retail space). Chicago’s famed Magnificent Mile is just a couple of blocks east of the hotel. The hotel also gives you quick access to some of the city’s best nightlife and popular Chicago restaurants on Rush Street. Just about everything else the city has to offer is a quick cab or public transport trip away, including the city’s museums and popular attractions, as well as the Loop, if you happen to be in town for business.

The gym at Waldorf Astoria Chicago is a roomy space with all the latest equipment. You can get your heart rate up, go for a swim or take a pilates class during your stay at the Four-Star hotel. The gym features a host of Matrix equipment, including treadmills, stationary bikes, kettle bells, two towers for a total-body workout, benches, stretching bands and dumbbells. The gym also has a fitness studio with Gyrotonic Pilates equipment. The mosaic-tiled pool is on the small side, but it’s big enough for a few laps, as well as a number of aquatic classes. You’ll also have access to the whirlpool, sauna and steam rooms inside the men and women’s locker rooms. These are all connected with the spa on the fourth floor of the hotel, so it’s easy to plan an entire day of wellness.

Waldorf Astoria has two outstanding restaurants: the fine-dining Ria and the more casual Balsan. Ria is open for dinner, while Balsan serves breakfast, lunch, dinner and late-night snacks. Each is a significant step up from many hotel restaurants, both in terms of food and fun. (And the fact that locals flock to these spots give the eateries serious street cred too.) For a more formal affair, hit Ria for some of the very best seafood in town. At the chic bistro Balsan you can expect wood-fired pizzas, wonderful cheese plates and charcuterie. Waldorf Astoria's overnight guests can order from each restaurant's complete menu, as well as the in-room dining menu.

Waldorf Astoria Chicago (formerly The Elysian hotel) is regarded as one of the most stylish hotels in the city. The hotel’s stone-clad, Art Deco façade was designed by famed architect Lucien Lagrange; ironwork and ornamental lamps add a romantic 1920s touch. The old-fashioned cobblestone motor court out front, with its appealing center fountain, looks like it was plucked straight from a French movie set.

The glamorous lobby, as everywhere else in the hotel, has a quietly luxurious feel accented by show-stopping details. The black, white and gray palette serves as a timeless backdrop from which all other details pop. The lobby’s nickel ribboned wall and enormous busts illustrate the interplay between classical and contemporary. And for every chic, antiquated detail, there’s a glamorous modern one too. A star burst chandelier inspired by Coco Chanel’s jewels dangles from the ceiling, while Christian Dior-inspired kick pleated drapes flank the windows. Marble floors with a swirly ribbon pattern add whimsy. Bursts of color here and there — a crimson velvet seat, a bold splash of green in a piece of art — inject energy.

Upstairs, you’ll find the handsome Bernard’s for drinks, the hotel’s two equally fashionable restaurants, Ria and Balsan, a ballroom fit for a princess with more Chanel-inspired chandeliers, and a lavish Greco-Roman spa.

We think techies will be impressed by the technology in the rooms at the Waldorf Astoria Chicago. Each guest room includes a Bowers & Wilkins Zeppelin, the Rolls-Royce of iPod speaker docks. It puts out a crisp, clean sound, so be sure to pack your iPod. The motion-sensor light technology in the room is also a very cool feature � the lights go on when you walk in the room so you don�t have to fumble around for hard-to-find switches in the dark. If you�re in bed and decide you need to get just a little more shuteye, you can put an electronic Do Not Disturb sign on your door and trust housekeeping will skip right over your room.

When you book a stay at Waldorf Astoria Chicago, formerly The Elysian, you can be confident you’ve got a unique hotel experience ahead of you. Even compared to other Chicago hotels, Waldorf Astoria Chicago stands out in a number of ways. Here are the top five things we think you need to know to get the most out of any stay at the hotel:

1. You won’t find a doorman or bellhop. But don’t worry, this doesn’t mean you have to get your own door and carry up your own luggage; it just means the director or rooms might be escorting you through check-in. The hotel eschews the traditional welcoming system and instead employs a jack-of-all-trades staff, which means any staff member might help you with any certain type of request. The result? Staff members that know how to get practically anything done, regardless of their job title.

2. You won’t find a directory in your room. Just press the single button on your guestroom phone and the staff member will make sure your needs are met. (It’s not up to you to figure out which extension is for housekeeping!)

3. There are five house cars. The Chicago hotel has a fleet of Lexus vehicles at your disposal, including a convertible. There’s no better way to see Chicago than by tearing down Lake Shore Drive with the top down, taking in the lakefront and the architecturally-stunning skyline.

4. The meeting spaces are standouts. Conferences and private parties held in Waldorf Astoria Chicago’s meeting rooms have an extra degree of elegance compared to most other meeting spaces in Chicago. With custom-designed, double-cushioned Chiavari-style chairs, Christofle flatware and Schott Zwiesel stemware, each table is as pretty as the space it fills (think extravagant chandeliers inspired by Coco Chanel’s jewelry, and a coiffure ceiling resembling a wedding cake).

5. The suites are amazing. It’s almost a universal truth that a suite in any hotel upgrades your experience, but at Waldorf Astoria Chicago, it’s especially true. Most suites feature a furnished balcony or a fireplace, so it’s worth splurging for the added amenities.

There's much to love about Waldorf Astoria Chicago. As an upscale Chicago hotel, the service, amenities and little details make every stay at here personal. The five things we love most about this hotel include:

1. The unique service. The service at Waldorf Astoria Chicago is different from most hotels. At Waldorf Astoria Chicago, all staff members do all things. You won't see a traditional bellhop here; we often see the director of rooms out front greeting guests, but any other member of the staff can likely be seen pitching in to do the same. And when you settle into your room, don't bother looking for a directory — there isn't one. Simply press the single button on the phone to be connected to a staff member who can do practically anything for you, from arranging transportation to ordering room service.

2. The design. Waldorf Astoria Chicago is a stunner. The hotel?s exterior certainly catches your eye, with its old-fashioned motor court and beautiful ironwork. The building looks more like quintessential Paris than Chicago. Once inside, you'll see the eye-catching sunburst chandelier inspired by Coco Chanel in the lobby, and the Christian Dior-inspired kick pleated drapes. The actual seating area looks more like someone's fashionable apartment, with velvet couches, a cozy fireplace and art books stacked on tables. The nickel ribbon wall is a glamorous background to the enormous classical busts, while the wide ribbon pattern on the marble floors serves as a whimsical anchor. A soft black, white and gray color scheme is only interrupted by the occasional jolt of color — a crimson seat, a flash of green in the artwork. It's one of the most exciting designs (hotel or otherwise) we've seen.

3. The food. The third thing we adore about this hotel is that you can eat and drink with delicious abandon. You can visit Balsan, Ria or order from the terrific in-room dining menu. Menus feature artisanal, local, organic ingredients that are painstakingly procured (the hotel grows its own tomatoes for the ketchup and other sauces). Everything from the tastings at Ria to the housemade potato chips at Bernard's is a foodie treat.

4. The secluded entry. The private cobblestone entrance to Waldorf Astoria Chicago adds a level of intimacy to the hotel. Featuring an off-street roundabout with a lovely fountain in the middle, the hotel's entrance was designed to shelter you from the rest of the world. Beneath the cobblestones is a special ice-melting system, so you never have to worry about slipping (although ladies do have to worry about getting their heels stuck).

5. The coziness. We love the intimate feel of the Waldorf Astoria Chicago. Whether you're cozying up in front of the fireplace in your room in the dead of winter, looking out over the city from one of the balconies or imbibing in a dark corner at the handsome Bernard's, Waldorf Astoria Chicago feels snug.

Waldorf Astoria Chicago, formerly The Elysian, is different from a lot of other Chicago hotels. A unique culture and philosophy rule here, making it stand out among other Chicago hotels. From the moment you roll up to the beautiful private courtyard, you know you’re in for something special.

Your first clue that the hotel is different is the lack of a traditional doorman or bellhop. Instead, you’ll see people standing outside wearing elegant suits — likely the director of rooms and various staff members waiting to greet you upon your arrival. Don’t bother tipping; the hotel has a strict no-tipping policy (which includes the restaurant and the spa as well). Trust us, we’ve tried and not once has someone budged on this.

Once you’re settled in your room, you’ll notice another unique aspect Waldorf Astoria Chicago’s service — there’s no phone directory. In fact, you’ll find just a single button on your guest room phone. Why? Waldorf Astoria Chicago believes it’s up to the staff to figure out whom to call for what you need. Push the button and tell them what you need — transportation, room service, laundry — the staff will simply get it done.

The hotel’s design style also sets it apart. Classical features combined with an urban sensibility give the hotel a fresh feel. The friendly staff and residential atmosphere of the property (the top half of the building is dedicated to high-end private residences) make it feel more like a fashionable pied-a-terre. The rooms and suites offer every comfort, and the restaurants are delicious and fun.