Where is The Peninsula Chicago located?
Set in the heart of the Magnificent Mile, The Peninsula Chicago is ideally located for visitors to experience all that the city has to offer. On the doorstep of Chicago's premier business and shopping district, the hotel is in the midst of the city's most exclusive boutiques and retailers and steps from the historic Water Tower, lakefront and many cultural institutions.
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You will find a generously sized workspace in the rooms at The Peninsula Chicago. Though it may be hard to drag yourself to do any work in a room equipped with other great amenities, the setup at this Chicago hotel makes perfecting that presentation all the more enjoyable. You will find desk drawers are thoughtfully stocked with business-related items such as pens, highlighters and paper. The outlets for re-harging your electronics and plugging in the laptop are all within easy reach. The desk is large enough to accommodate a laptop, papers and a telephone — plus there still is enough space for a room service sandwich if you must have that working lunch. To many, the make-or-break factor at a hotel work desk is the chair itself. The desk chair provided at the Forbes Travel Guide Five-Star hotel was adequately comfortable for short periods of time, but don’t expect to make this your second office when in town for business. The desk also comes with a task lamp and blotter.
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At The Peninsula Chicago, turndown included some expected services as well as some thoughtful enhancements. When we stayed recently, we returned to find the room and bathroom had received a general refresh; the bed linens were smoothed out and the decorative covers stored discreetly away. The curtains were drawn and the lighting had been dimmed to a subtle “ready for bed” glow. A bottle of mineral water and a glass were left bedside and the TV remote with channel guide were placed within easy reach. Some soft mood music hummed gently in the background, and housekeeping left a newsletter on our bed listing the Forbes Travel Guide Five-Star hotel's activities for the following day along with a breakfast menu. After we slipped between the soft sheets, there was little left for us to do other than simply switch off the lights and close our eyes; though we’re certain if asked the staff would have come up to do this for us, too.
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The Peninsula Chicago provides all kinds of amenities for families with kids. Upon arrival, your children will receive age-appropriate gifts such as coloring books and crayons from the Forbes Travel Guide Five-Star hotel. Board games and DVDs are also available to keep even the wildest children occupied. For the video game fanatic, the Chicago hotel provides PlayStation systems and games. Kid-sized slippers and robes are left in your room so your little ones can be pampered just like mom and dad. Cribs and bath amenities are available upon request, so you don’t have to worry about lugging that entire playpen. There is an entire kids’ room service menu as well as a Children’s Lounge to keep the little ones entertained.
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The beds at The Peninsula Chicago are what you’d expect from a Forbes Travel Guide Five-Star hotel located in the heart of the Windy City. The Chicago hotel beds are a generous king size and provide just the right amount of firmness. The 100 percent white-cotton Pratesi linens were excellent quality, and the bed was decorated with four, soft king-sized pillows as well as two decorative pillows that magically disappear after turndown and reappear perfectly positioned each day. The beds here are so comfortable, it was difficult to get out of them each morning, but wonderful to return to them each night.
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Forbes Inspector answered a question:
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The Peninsula Chicago is a popular stop for business travelers. With plenty of meeting space and a fax machine in every guestroom, it’s easy to see the business perks. Plus, the 24-hour business center is equipped with complimentary touch-screen computers. The memory of these computers is erased every 24 hours to ensure privacy.
The fax machine in each guestroom has its own number. It can also function a printer and scanner, allowing you to convert your room into an office. Every room can turn into a meeting space. You’ll find that on the entertainment unit, where the television is located, there are audiovisual sockets.
In case you need your clothes washed for your meeting the next day, the Chicago hotel offers 24-hour laundry services. There is also complimentary shoe shine available. The business traveler will enjoy the many amenities at this Forbes Travel Guide Five-Star hotel.
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At The Peninsula Chicago, the higher the floor the better the view, but do be careful to select the right room category to avoid disappointment. Your best bet is to book a suite at this Forbes Travel Guide Five-Star hotel, since they are all sit on the hotel’s upper floors and some afford views from north, south and east over scenic Lake Michigan. However, if you were to stay in one of the three room categories instead of a suite, you are better of booking a Grand Deluxe room, which guarantees a view of Michigan Avenue and Chicago’s Water Tower landmark. All Superior rooms, the most basic of accommodations, face Superior Street, which we found to be peaceful and well-lit. If views are not your thing, these rooms are perfect.
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Forbes Inspector answered a question:
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You almost can’t miss the jogging route near the Peninsula Chicago: Lake Michigan. No, we’re not saying you need to walk or jog on water; instead, the lake has a path running parallel to it that lets you go for a run with a terrific scenery at your side. You can pick up a jogging map from the concierge or in your room to plan out your cardio session along the great lake.
Just four blocks from the hotel is Oak Street Beach, and you can access the lake shore path through a tunnel that takes you under the legendary Lake Shore Drive. On a nice day, this lakeside path can get pretty crowded, so make sure you keep your head up. You can run anywhere from one mile to 10 miles along the lake, and the lobby at the Peninsula Chicago has water and towels for you on the weekend to supplement your cardio trek.
You can also jog through the beautiful Gold Coast neighborhood; with the exception of Michigan Avenue, Chicago’s sidewalks are not usually that crowded and tend to be pretty easy to run on - not to mention a great way to explore a side of the city you may not see otherwise. You can get a solid run in as you navigate through the Gold Coast, and you’ll notice the streets are lined with beautiful brownstones, each one of them unique.
Chicago is a great place to jog when the weather permits. If you are visiting in the winter, you’ll more than likely stay inside and make use of one of the six treadmills in the gym. You will still get a view of the lake, but without that frostbitten wind whipping at your face. But for the rest of the year, the Peninsula Chicago’s ideal location puts you right in the heart of some of the city’s best scenery and jogging paths.
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The Peninsula Chicago offers a 24-hour room service menu that’s divided into clear and easy-to-read sections with choices that are varied, but not overwhelming. Create the experience you want with everything from a quick snack to a romantic three-course dinner for two.
Guests can choose from a variety of hot and cold breakfast dishes, light soups, salads and sandwiches on the all-day dining menu, and for dinner there’s fresh market fish and red meat entrées, as well as a kids menu. Still hungry after midnight? There’s a decent late-night snack menu offering a must-try-at-least-once Chicago-style hot dog. Staff will aptly set up everything at your finger tips, set your chair to face the TV and subtly place your remote control next to your fork to ensure a complete Five-Star in-room dining experience; suffice it to say, the in-room dining at the Peninsula Chicago sure beats picking up fast food.
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The gym at Peninsula Chicago is filled with sunlight, thanks to its prime corner location. We can’t think of a better motivator than a view of Lake Michigan as you work up a sweat on one of the six treadmills. There are also plenty of other cardio machines, pretty much guaranteeing that you won’t have to wait to get your heart rate going. And if you’re into throwing around dumbbells and free weights, an abundance of weight training equipment is waiting for you - we’re talking machines for just about every muscle you can think of, and then some.
The certified personal trainers at the Peninsula Chicago can give you a run for your money if you need that extra push to get yourself to the gym. The Five-Star hotel also offers more than 30 classes per week, none of which will cost you a thing extra. Private lockers along one wall prevent you from having to worry about keeping track of your room key while you work out, and you’ll find bottled water, both chilled and at room temperature, towels and headphones nearby to give you everything you need to stay efficient during your workout. The Peninsula Chicago’s gym might not quite be a health club - but it sure is close.
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The Peninsula Chicago’s aptly name the Bar is the place to meet for a pre-dinner, pre-theater or post-work drink.
Unlike the rest of the hotel, the Bar takes on a more art-nouveau style of décor, with a somewhat more contemporary, yet still classical vibe. The color scheme changes from golds and creams to dark rich woods and jewel tones. The Bar definitely has a more masculine appeal to it, yet is a warm and inviting environment where you can feel comfortable to loosen your tie, slip off your high heels and slouch into the sofas. The lighting is modulated to a soft glow, and you instantly feel the fast pace of the city fade away. Enjoy a cocktail, or choose a beverage from the diverse list of wines, cognacs and other popular night caps the Bar at the Peninsula Chicago has to offer when you just want to get away from it all, or when you’re looking to get the night started right.
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The gym at the Peninsula Chicago has enough cardio equipment that you likely won’t ever have to wait for a machine; six Life Fitness treadmills are calling your name for a good jog, even when it is too cold outside. If you’re looking for a low-impact cardio machine, five Life Fitness cross-trainers and a Nordic Track Incline Trainer can suit your needs.
As far as bikes go, you can enjoy all the benefits of a ride along Lake Michigan without stepping foot (or pedaling, for that matter) outside. The three Star Trac Upright Cycles and one Cybex Recumbent cycle offer the comfort of the indoors - not to mention the gym’s great view of Lake Michigan.
Rather than taking the stairs up the neighboring John Hancock Tower, you can get your stair climbing in on one of the two Cybex Steppers inside the Five-Star hotel. Whether you’re a runner or just looking to get in a good cardio session during your stay at the Peninsula Chicago, you can take advantage of the whole swath of cardio equipment in the Five-Star hotel’s gym.
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The gym at the Peninsula Chicago provides plenty of amenities to make your workout as comfortable as possible. As you work up a sweat on one of the 18 cardio machines, you can rehydrate with bottled water provided by the Five-Star hotel. Whether you’re in the mood for cold water or room temperature H2O, the gym has it for you.
We know how annoying it can be to keep track of your room key during a tough workout, which is exactly why we love the gym’s private lockers that let you to store your things. The set of lockers is located along the wall with the rest of the amenities offered in the gym.
Don’t worry about forgetting your headphones; the gym at the Peninsula Chicago provides individually bagged headphones for you. Sometimes, even the best of us forget a thing or two when packing, and the workout clothes don’t find their way into the suitcase. Well, no problem here: the Peninsula Chicago can lend you just about everything you need, including shorts, shoes and shirts.
To stay fresh during your workout and after, a number of towels throughout the gym can do the dirty work. You’ll also find chilled towels inside the locker rooms, which are nice after a particularly strenuous workout. And any amenity you don’t see at the Peninsula Chicago’s gym, just ask; the hotel concierge can get you just about anything, including access to other gyms that might have more of what you’re looking for.
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The Peninsula Chicago has 339 guestrooms and suites spanning 20 floors. The hotel’s most recent renovation was in 2009, when all rooms and suites received aesthetic and electronic upgrades.
Within the 256 standard rooms, there are three categories; the superior rooms are the smallest of the guestrooms, but are in no way standard when it comes to luxury. With more than 530 square feet, these rooms are some of the largest in Chicago. The deluxe rooms are a step above the superior rooms, as they’re a bit bigger, and the grand deluxe rooms are the largest of the guestrooms, offering views of Michigan Avenue and the historic Water Tower.
The 83 suites at the Five-Star hotel are broken up into six categories that range from one- to three-bedroom configurations. The executive suite is the smallest of the six, but still features a separate living room. Two of these suites can connect to create a two-bedroom suite that’s perfect for families. The junior suite features a living area and bedroom separated by French doors. These suites offer stellar views of Michigan Avenue, which explains why it’s the most popular category of suites.
The deluxe suite is a step above the junior suite and can have one king bed or two double bed, and deluxe suites can connect to create a perfect bridal suite. The grand deluxe suite, which overlooks Michigan Avenue, boasts one bedroom, 1.5 bathrooms and a separate living room that combine to spread more than 1,000 square feet. The grand suite flaunts two bedrooms with views of Chicago from three sides. Lastly, the Peninsula Suite is this Five-Star hotel’s answer to the presidential suite. Located on the 18th floor, this suite can be anywhere from one to three bedrooms, and there’s even an outdoor terrace that features a whirlpool.
No matter how many people are in your party, or how much space you need to feel comfortable, the guestrooms and suites at the Peninsula Chicago offers a variety of solutions for you accommodation needs.
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The guestrooms at the Peninsula Chicago are decorated in a style and design much like the public spaces: classic and elegant. As you ascend from the lobby, you’ll find the hallways decorated in soft, calming hues, which blend effortlessly into the palette of your guestroom.
In there you’ll find traditional, classic whites, along with warm gold tones and splashes of earthy colors. The overall color scheme is neutral, approachable for both male and female guests alike, and very residential in its design.
The basic rooms at the Peninsula Chicago are spacious, at 531 square feet, and come complete with a comfortable seating area, generously sized work desk and private dressing area with ample storage and closet space. This floor plan of regular rooms at the Five-Star hotel actually allows you to store your suitcase out of the main bedroom area, enhancing the comfort factor and allowing you to truly feel at home - and avoid staring at your luggage for a few days.
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With three restaurants in the Peninsula Chicago — not to mention a great in-room dining menu — you can imagine how hard it is to choose only the five best things to eat and drink. Here are our picks for the top items you should order:
1. The English pea soup. If you don't feel like leaving your room, ask room service to send this refreshing and delicious summer soup studded with lobster meat.
2. Carved roasted Peking duck from Shanghai Terrace. This traditional Chinese dish is a must. With its crispy skin, thin-as-can-be pancakes, scallions and hoisin sauce, the Peking duck is out of this world.
3. The chocolate buffet. Served every Friday and Saturday from 8 p.m. to midnight, kids and kids-at-heart should not miss this all-you-can-eat service prepared by executive chef Kai Lermen and executive pastry chef Hsing Chen. As far as desserts go, it's pricey — $40 for adults and $20 for kids under 12 — so be sure to bring your sweet tooth.
4. The truffle mac and cheese. Served in a Staub dish, this gourmet mac and cheese is just the heart-warming food you need on a freezing Chicago winter night. The presentation is high-quality and the flavor comforting — just what you’d want to curl up with in your room.
5. A sourdough tartine from Pierrot Gourmet, washed down with a cappuccino. This warm European-style café, located next to the Peninsula Chicago, is always crowded, so ask the concierge to help you plot the best time to snag a table here, especially during the summer, when the outdoor space is highly coveted.
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The Peninsula Chicago boasts suites that are like a home-away-from-home, but better - that is, unless you live in a castle. The suites in this Five-Star hotel range from 793 square feet to a whopping 3,000 square feet, and each of the six types of suites will make you feel like royalty.
The executive suite is the smallest of the six, but still has a separate living room and bedroom that overlook Michigan Avenue and the historic Water Tower. The next level up is the junior suite, which boasts French doors between the bedroom and living room for extra privacy. These suites overlook Michigan Avenue. A step up from the junior suite is the deluxe suite, which entails one bedroom, one full bathroom and one powder room, spread over 887 to 926 square feet. This suite, which overlooks Chicago Avenue and Rush Street, can connect to a room with one queen bed to make a two-bedroom suite. This setup stands out as an option for bridal suites.
At 1,007 square feet, the grand deluxe suite features one bedroom and a separate living room, with a full bath connected to the bedroom and a powder room off the foyer. The next suite is more than double the size of the grand deluxe suite, spread out over 2,500 square feet. We know; that’s the size of a single-family home, which is precisely why it’s called the grand suite. With two bedrooms, two full baths and a powder room, there’s plenty of room for you to enjoy the north, east and south views of Chicago. Past the marble foyer is the study with an oversized executive desk. And don’t forget the dining room with space for six. This suite can be blocked off from the rest of the hotel for added security if you really need it.
The final suite is the big kahuna; the 18th-floor Peninsula Suite has a large outdoor terrace complete with a whirlpool. Whether you need just one bedroom or even three, this suite can be adjusted to accommodate your needs. You’ll even find a living room with a gas fireplace and grand piano in your 3,000 square feet. Don’t want to go down to the gym? A private exercise room located off of the master bedroom lets you break a sweat without having to deal with other guests. That’s just one example of the top-end luxury you get at the Peninsula Chicago; but you’ll feel pampered and taken care of, no matter what size room you choose.
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At the Peninsula Chicago, you can get ready in the comfort of a spacious and luxurious bathroom. Each marble bathroom has a deep-soaking tub with fixed and hand-held shower heads, and the tub is surrounded by a thick marble ledge - convenient for placing toiletries, magazines and dare we say it, your iPhone.
The tub also has a built-in TV, so you can indulge in a relaxing bubble bath and catch up on the day’s news. The Five-Star hotel provides you with luxury Davi bath products, made exclusively for the Peninsula Hotels chain, which feature a light, classic scent. You’ll be all set with a bath bar, hand soap, bath gel, shampoo, conditioner and moisturizing lotion.
There’s a separate, glass-enclosed shower stall, vanity table and single sink vanity with generous countertop space in every bathroom. The water closet is in the same room, even has a more private feel, despite being in the same room. The double-door entry into the Peninsula Chicago’s luxurious bathrooms makes getting dressed a bit of treat; combine this with multiple mirrors and good lighting, and you get a truly Five-Star bathroom experience.
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You’ll have plenty of dining options at The Peninsula Chicago where there’s four restaurants - the Lobby, Avenues, the Terrace and Shanghai Terrace - in addition to Pierrot Gourmet, a European-style café adjacent to the Five-Star hotel.
The Lobby is situated in - you guessed it - the lobby of the hotel. It’s decorated in the same classical European style as the rest of the hotel’s public spaces; chairs are luxuriously upholstered with soft fabric, and the 20-foot floor-to-ceiling windows loom over the restaurant, making this a bright and airy space - perfect for ladies to lunch. The Lobby serves American dishes for breakfast, lunch and dinner. You can also partake in a traditional afternoon tea service in the Lobby, if that’s your cup of tea.
Avenues, the hotel’s fine-dining option, has traditional seating and bar-style seating at its open kitchen. Traditional and understated in setup, Avenues might not excited you with its interior when you’re used to the design style of the rest of the hotel. However, you’ll soon forget about the ho-hum décor when the contemporary cuisine peppered with seasonal ingredients makes its way to your table. Flavors are one-of-a-kind, and your meal will be memorable - we highly suggest the grilled hamachi with crispy pig tail, or the tom kha gai, an aromatic Thai coconut soup.
The Terrace, open seasonally, serves cocktails and small plates with a side of views over Millennium Park. The best nights to get a table at this restaurant are Wednesday and Saturday evenings between May and September; come then, you’ll be able to enjoy the fireworks at nearby Navy Pier.
The Shanghai Terrace’s outdoor patio area is open seasonally, offering you Shanghai fare, Cantonese cuisine and delicious seasonal cocktails. Decorated in a 1930s supper-club style, this restaurant also offers private dining for small parties up to 30. It’s a perfect place to celebrate a special occasion with friends and family.
Decorated in the style of a little French bistro, the Pierrot Gourmet café next to the hotel offers traditional seating options and larger “family style” tables. Pastries, tarts and other sweet treats are not to be missed - we love the signature sourdough tartines and chocolate-orange brioches - a must for any Francophile.
Shanghai-chic, French patisserie and fine dining - whatever your desired style of meal, the Peninsula Chicago likely has something to satisfy your hunger.
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The design style of the Peninsula Chicago is classic with a blend of traditional European elegance. The façade of the building is adorned with attractive lighting that distinguishes the hotel, even among the other fancy buildings in the neighborhood. Inside you’ll find a relaxing color scheme of cream and gold spilling from the lobby.
The enormous 20-foot windows in the hotel’s casual restaurant, the Lobby, and abundant use of high-quality stone, gracious lighting fixtures and gold leaf accents create an elegant atmosphere that’s as comfortable as your own living room. The classic design seamlessly continues into the contemporary, yet luxuriously designed guestrooms, which are adorned with attractive prints topped with high-quality fabrics and furnishings. You can’t help but look around the Five-Star hotel and be inspired for ideas to incorporate into your own home. The Peninsula Chicago’s design style instantly makes you feel at home and surrounds you with a comfortable sense of luxury.
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Before you book your room at the beautiful Peninsula Chicago, here are the top five things we think you should know about the Five-Star hotel:
1. The upscale European-style Pierrot Gourmet café, which sits adjacent to the hotel, is always busy. The restaurant serves sandwiches, salads and coffee, but is best known for its signature pastries, including sourdough tartines and cherry cheese turnovers. If you want to dine and sip a glass of wine at one of the coveted outdoor tables in the summer, ask the concierge for the best times, that’ll help you secure a spot and save you from disappointment.
2. If you want to avoid the hustle and bustle of Pierrot Gourmet altogether, you can always get a delicious patisserie to go to take back to your room. Remember, it’s part of the hotel, so there’s no need to take your wallet. Simply bring your room key and charge it to your hotel account. This luxury hotel goes out of its way to make every aspect of your stay seamless, so take advantage.
3. In the winter months the Bar at the Peninsula Chicago is a popular spot. There’s only one highly coveted table in front of the fireplace, so get there early to claim your seat.
4. The hotel is large and can readily host large groups. If you don’t like being lost in the crowd, try to avoid arriving or departing during peak check-in and out times. The staff will be more than happy to help you store luggage in the event your room is not ready.
5. Traditional European-style grandeur and gracious service is bestowed upon every guest. Expect not to have to lift a finger when staying at the Peninsula Chicago.
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The Peninsula Chicago flaunts a magnificent indoor pool, which is fitting, since it overlooks Michigan Avenue, otherwise known as the “Magnificent Mile.” Though you may not get that envious suntan, you’ll feel like you’re outside, thanks to the amount of windows surrounding the pool. With blue-striped lounge chairs and palm trees, you can relax by the pool that is kept at a refreshing 82 degrees.
There isn’t a lifeguard on duty, but kids are certainly allowed at the Peninsula’s pool, provided that they have adult supervision. The nice thing about the indoor pool is that you can comfortably swim even when it is snowing. Trust us, the irony won’t be lost as snowflakes fall while you jump into the pool.
If you really want to take advantage of the Chicago weather in the summer, you can set up camp on one of the plush lounge chairs on the outdoor sun deck, and you can order lunch as you take in the views of the entire city. Take advantage of the three months of pool weather in Chicago, because after that, it’s parkas and snow boots. Unless of course, you’re in the indoor pool at the Peninsula Chicago laughing at all the unfortunate souls shivering on Michigan Avenue while you splash about in a bathing suit.
We can’t forget to mention the Jacuzzi that’s kept at a delightful 102 degrees. This is nice spot to sit and let your muscles relax after a long day in the Windy City - and just another reason to love the pool offerings at the Peninsula Chicago.
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There are a multitude of reasons the Peninsula Chicago is one of only two Five-Star hotels in Chicago; to pick only five was hard for us to do, but we gave it our best. Here are the top five things we love most about this hotel:
1. When you see the stylish doormen in their distinctive white uniforms and white caps, you know you’re at the Peninsula. You can’t take the home as your own, but you can pick up a souvenir teddy bear dressed in the exact same crisp white outfit from the hotel gift shop.
2. Location, location, location. Situated in the heart of Chicago’s affluent Gold Coast neighborhood, the Peninsula Chicago gives you access to some of the city’s best shopping, as well as the Magnificent Mile, Millennium Park and Navy Pier, which are all within walking distance of the hotel.
3. You’ll love the sense of grandeur you feel sitting in the lobby, stories above the hustle and bustle of the city. The hotel provides a quiet retreat while still being in the heart of it all. We love the residential feel that comes from a more tranquil access on East Superior Street.
4. You can’t top the hotel’s compassionate service; the hotel launched “Hope for Japan” to benefit the victims of the 2011 earthquake and tsunami. While the Peninsula still offers all the high-end amenities you could imagine - think a fleet of Rolls-Royce cars and Mini Coopers - the bottom line isn’t the only thing in mind.
5. On a lighter note, we love a hotel with a sense of humor. If you happen to be in town during a Bulls game, you’ll probably see the life-sized lion statues that guard the entryway on East Superior Street sporting team shirts boasting their Chicago pride.
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At the Peninsula Chicago, thoughtful amenities are graciously provided every step of the way, so it’s hard to narrow down the best five amenities. But, we did our best. Here are our favorite amenities you should be sure to take advantage of when you stay at the Five-Star hotel:
1. We love that the marble bathrooms have a dedicated make-up and dressing table. No more cramming his-and-hers toiletries onto one counter top. There’s also a thick marble ledge surrounding your deep-soaking tub where you can put additional toiletries, magazine and other essentials.
2. We think you’ll love the lovely light scent of the high-end complimentary Davi toiletries provided by the Peninsula Chicago. Davi is a luxury skincare company based in California’s Napa Valley that designs bathroom amenities exclusively for the Peninsula Hotel chain. Each bathroom is thoughtfully set up with a bath bar and hand soap, plus bath gel, shampoo, conditioner and lotion that’s light enough for a man’s or woman’s skin.
3. Hungry? The mini bar in your guestroom is stocked with enough delicious Dean & Deluca snacks to curb any late-night craving.
4. If you’re staying in a suite, you have complimentary access to a Mini Cooper S Clubman vehicle during your stay. It’s the perfect vehicle for zipping up and down Lake Shore Drive and laying claim to some of the tight parking spots in Chicago.
5. Your room is provided with cozy enclosed toe slippers. We’re sure you’ll appreciate having your toes kept warm during the freezing Chicago winters.
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The concierge at the Peninsula Chicago can do just about anything for you; no request is too big or too small and this team is used to handling everything from the ordinary to the obscure.
The chief concierge at the hotel.Todd Nelson,and his team of experts can arrange everything from noshing on foie gras at one of the city’s top restaurants to suggesting a casual eatery where the locals go for the best Chicago-style hot dogs or pizza. The Peninsula Chicago website features “Concierge Choice” for pre-arrival inspiration and will soon provide insight into the city’s best-kept shopping secrets. The concierge desk is situated just outside of the Lobby (where afternoon tea is served), but if you can’t muster the strength to get out of your suite, just speed dial the concierge at the Peninsula Chicago from your in-room phone console and they’ll bring the information right to you.
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The Peninsula Chicago is located in the heart of the city's affluent Gold Coast neighborhood. Boasting a prime location on the corner of East Superior Street and Michigan Avenue, the hotel is within walking distance of many of Chicago's top attractions, including the Magnificent Mile, Navy Pier and Millennium Park.
With the hotel's front entrance situated on the somewhat quieter East Superior Street, the immediate sense of arrival at the Peninsula Chicago's lower level lobby gives the hotel an exclusive, residential feel. You'll be able to duck into your home-away-from-home on the sly, which you may want to do after a day of high-end shopping, right outside the hotel's doors.
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The Peninsula Chicago’s rich international corporate history dating back to 1866 makes it different from other Five-Star hotels. Hongkong and Shanghai Hotels, Limited - which owns the Peninsula Hotels in Chicago, New York, Tokyo, Shanghai and Beverly Hills, to name a few - was one of the first companies listed on the Hong Kong stock exchange.
The Peninsula Chicago opened in 2001 and recently celebrated its 10-year anniversary. You can see the company’s rich history today in the hotel’s fleet of luxury Rolls-Royce vehicles, the trademark car of choice for the Peninsula Hotels group. In 1970, the group placed the largest order in history at the time for eight Brewster-green Silver Shadows, taking largess to a whole new level. Most recently, the hotel added the Mini Cooper S Clubman to its fleet, a much niftier, but equally stylish way to zip around the streets of Chicago - and a surefire way to let everyone know you’re staying at the Peninsula Chicago.
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The Peninsula Chicago offers a great kids’ room service menu. Whether your little one wants breakfast for lunch or a creative dinner, this menu has it. Your child can choose from breakfast dishes such as silver dollar pancakes and farm eggs cooked any style. The imaginative TV dinners are served with organic vegetables and a delicious gooey brownie. There are choices such as all natural mini burgers and free-range chicken tenders on this classic menu. Other items include macaroni and cheese, heirloom tomato soup, and spaghetti with tomato sauce. There is even a kids’ dessert menu with choices such as a banana split, berry yogurt and a rice crispy bar. Your kids will eat well at this Forbes Travel Guide Five-Star hotel.
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While the concierge can set up almost anything to keep your kids entertained during your visit, The Peninsula Chicago offers families The Peninsula Kids Academy. With guidance from the concierge team, enroll your little ones in some fun activities, hand them over to the experts and let the fun begin. Programs include treasure hunts around the luxury hotel and “Little Bakers” classes for budding chefs. Overnight accommodation packages are also available with a host of kid-friendly amenities included. Either way, little ones are sure to have a fun time, make new friends and take home some unique memories of their trip to Chicago. A stay at this Forbes Travel Guide Five-Star hotel will not soon be forgotten.
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In-room dining at The Peninsula Chicago is one of the easiest dining options for families dining with children, since there are no formalities here. Most of the restaurants at this Forbes Travel Guide Five-Star hotel are really only suitable if your kids are “restaurant trained.” If they are, The Lobby is a great option, not too formal, and menu has something for everyone. If you are brave (or foolish) you may want to try taking the kids to the Sunday brunch. There are many options on the menu and surely something to suit even the pickiest of little eaters.
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The Peninsula Chicago offers a few options for connected rooms and suites. Request to have two Grand Deluxe rooms, complete with king-sized beds, side-by-side so that you can connect them. This is ideal for families or groups of friends because you can always keep track of the people in the other room. These rooms share door in the middle.
There is also the option of combining a Deluxe Suite and Deluxe Room to create a two-bedroom suite. The living room space that is part of the Deluxe Suite acts as a common area between the two bedrooms. This is perfect for larger families who need the extra space. The suite can either have two double beds or one king-sized bed while the guestroom will come with a king bed.
You can also connect two Executive Suites, which will make a two-bedroom suite complete with two king beds. There are a variety of options to connect rooms and suites at the Forbes Travel Guide Five-Star hotel.
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The Peninsula Chicago offers babysitting services so that you can enjoy a night on the town without the kids. The hotel works with a contracted company that employs certified babysitters. American Child Care offers sitters that are both CPR and AED trained, allowing you to enjoy your night worry-free. For these babysitters, safety comes first. The rate starts out at $21 per hour. There is a four-hour minimum with a $75 cancellation fee if you cancel within 24 hours. Each time the sitter comes to the Forbes Travel Guide Five-Star hotel, you must pay the $20 agency fee.
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The Peninsula Chicago provides all kinds of amenities for families with kids. Upon arrival, your children will receive age-appropriate gifts such as coloring books and crayons from the Forbes Travel Guide Five-Star hotel. Board games and DVDs are also available to keep even the wildest children occupied. For the video game fanatic, the Chicago hotel provides PlayStation systems and games. Kid-sized slippers and robes are left in your room so your little ones can be pampered just like mom and dad. Cribs and bath amenities are available upon request, so you don’t have to worry about lugging that entire playpen. There is an entire kids’ room service menu as well as a Children’s Lounge to keep the little ones entertained.
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The Peninsula Chicago does not loan out e-readers, but it does have iPads available through the concierge as well as the restaurants. Though you can’t read books on it, the iPads are equipped with newspaper subscriptions as well as magazines. If you are dining by yourself, it’s nice to catch up on the news or the latest Hollywood gossip on the fun-to-use iPad. Though you also can duck into the sixth-floor business center and borrow one of the touch-screen computers if you need to check your email or surf the Web.
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If you forgot your laptop during your stay at The Peninsula Chicago, there is no need to worry. This Forbes Travel Guide Five-Star hotel loans out laptops as well as iPads. All you have to do is ask the concierges, and your wish is their command. The nice thing about getting a loaner laptop at the Chicago hotel is that you don’t have to lug your computer throughout your travels. You can print and scan files from your laptop in your room and use the complimentary Wi-Fi.
If you don’t want to use a laptop, borrow one of the complimentary touch-screen computers in the business center on the sixth floor. Also, the iPads are available at the concierge desk as well as in the restaurants. Sometimes, if you are dining alone, it is nice to read the newspaper or a magazine. Now you can do it the modern way: digitally.
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The Peninsula Chicago goes out of its way to keep kids happy and feeling every bit as pampered as Mom and Dad. At this Forbes Travel Guide Five-Star hotel, the five best amenities for little ones are:
1. The gift shop. Don’t forget to stop in and pick up a unique souvenir that the kids will be proud to add to their toy collection. We love the “Peter the Bear” teddy. Complete with a pristine white page jacket and distinctive pillbox hat, gold brocade finishes his outfit to make Peter one of the smartest dressed teddy bears in town.
2. Chocolate. Be sure to indulge in Chocolate at The Pen. On Friday and Saturday evenings feast on the most fabulous chocolate buffet prepared by executive chef Kai Lermen and executive pastry chef Celine Plano. At $40 per adults and $20 for children under 12, the all-you-can-eat display is a must-do if you happen to be in town on the weekend and have a mean sweet tooth.
3. Kids Academy. Book your kids into a Peninsula Kids Academy program. The luxury hotel offers unique and fun activities such as their Pen Kids Scavenger Hunt Questions. Or, try the Little Bakers class where kids get to bake and decorate cookies with the pros. Activities start at $49 per child.
4. Overnight deals. At The Peninsula Chicago, you should also ask your reservationist about the Pen Kids’ overnight packages. Goodies including a cute lime-green backpack emblazoned with a Peter the Bear mascot and stuffed with goodies. Packages also include welcome amenities, a duck or frog-themed bath toy and kid-sized robe and slippers to use during their stay.
5. American Girl perks. All fans of American Girl should know that the Chicago hotel has some special amenities for American Girl dolls, too. Some packages include an American Girl doll bed, ensuring everyone in your party gets a good night’s rest.
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The Peninsula Chicago is a popular stop for business travelers. With plenty of meeting space and a fax machine in every guestroom, it’s easy to see the business perks. Plus, the 24-hour business center is equipped with complimentary touch-screen computers. The memory of these computers is erased every 24 hours to ensure privacy.
The fax machine in each guestroom has its own number. It can also function a printer and scanner, allowing you to convert your room into an office. Every room can turn into a meeting space. You’ll find that on the entertainment unit, where the television is located, there are audiovisual sockets.
In case you need your clothes washed for your meeting the next day, the Chicago hotel offers 24-hour laundry services. There is also complimentary shoe shine available. The business traveler will enjoy the many amenities at this Forbes Travel Guide Five-Star hotel.
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There are a variety of conference rooms available at The Peninsula Chicago on the sixth floor of the hotel. The selection of conference rooms features meeting space in a boardroom setting with room for 10 to 34 people. The smallest conference room is the Bessie Coleman, which can fit 10 people in a boardroom setting.
You’ll find that the largest meeting rooms are named after Chicago’s biggest parks. Grant Park I accommodates 20 guests in a boardroom configuration or up to 40 in banquet seating; Grant Park II can seat 24 or 60, respectively. For maximum space, both Grant Park rooms can be combined. The same goes for Water Tower I and II. Water Tower I seats 18 in a boardroom setup and 40 with banquet tables; Water Tower II fits 24 and 60, respectively. Lincoln Park holds 16, while Butch O’Hare Boardroom fits 12 total.
All of the conference rooms boast top-of-the-line audiovisual equipment allowing for a technologically advanced meeting. This Forbes Travel Guide Five-Star hotel can easily accommodate the business traveler.
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Located on the sixth floor of The Peninsula Chicago, the business center is available 24 hours a day with your room key. This “think center” offers complimentary touch-screen computers that are erased every day to ensure privacy. There is also a paper shredder available for you for added security. If it is going to be a long work session, take advantage of the complimentary bottled water provided by the Chicago hotel. There are also a variety of conference rooms available if you want to plan a meeting there and need space. The business center also features a private office if you have to buckle down and get some work done. This Forbes Travel Guide Five-Star hotel is ideal for business travelers.
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Public transportation near The Peninsula Chicago is easy to navigate. You can take advantage of the Chicago Transport Authority, or the CTA, knowing it offers one of the most reliable and convenient public transportation systems in the country. The red line runs up and down State Street to whisk you to most areas of the city, while the Metra can be found at Union and Ogilvie stations, if you want to venture out of the Loop and into the suburbs. Tickets and day passes are easy to purchase from the automated ticket machines, which accept cash and credit cards. This all said, if you don’t want to walk, hop in a taxi. In the summer, take go for a ride in the water taxi, which is not only a great way to get around, but allows you to see the city from a different vantage point.
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The Peninsula Chicago is within walking distance of a plethora of bars and clubs. The social scene in the River North neighborhood of Chicago is vibrant and attracts people of all ages.
The Kerryman, an Irish pub at Clark and Erie, has two bars; the one upstairs is where the dancing happens. With tables on both floors, as well as outside, The Kerryman can be as low key as you’d like. There are televisions at both bars so you don’t have to miss the big game. It offers a great selection of beers on draft as well as in bottles.
For a fun night out, ladies can head to Pops for Champagne while gentlemen can opt for the Watershed. Owned by the same people, these bars feature very different menus. The street-level Pops for Champagne focuses on champagne cocktails and bubbly. Watershed is underneath Pops and serves up local beer and spirits. These bars are located at State and Ohio in River North.
There are plenty of places throughout River North. State Street is a popular area for bars and clubs as is Kinzie Street. You won’t have any problem finding nightlife near the Forbes Travel Guide Five-Star hotel.
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Chicago is not short of restaurants, and there are plenty of great options within a short stroll of The Peninsula Chicago. NoMI at Park Hyatt Chicago was recently renovated and they changed its menu to include regional, fresh ingredients to be enjoyed in an elegant setting. Try to book ahead of time and see if the Peninsula concierge can reserve you one of the coveted tables with a view of Michigan Avenue and the Water Tower. A short taxi ride away into River North, you’ll find a fun, memorable dining experience at Four-Star Graham Elliot, or try The Publican in Fulton River District for a unique table setting in the form of a “pig pen.” Tables of four can be accommodated in pens; your host will graciously seat you and then “lock” you in. Aside from the novelty, noted chef Paul Kahan offers a popular meat-heavy menu at the eatery.
No matter which type of cuisine you desire — be it Italian, Greek, French, Spanish or American — you won't be far from it at the Chicago hotel.
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Chicago is surrounded by beautiful parks that are all within walking distance of The Peninsula Chicago. Not to be missed in summer and fall is Lincoln Park, which sits north of the hotel. It is home to the famous Lincoln Park Zoo and picturesque North Pond. Take a stroll along the boardwalk that encircles a nature preserve; if you are there at just the right time of year, watch your step, since you may catch young ducklings waddling around behind their mother.
Another great park near the Forbes Travel Guide Five-Star hotel is Grant Park, which sits to the east and runs along Lake Michigan. Grant Park is host to some of the best festivals in Chicago, including Lollapalooza and Taste of Chicago. If you walk down there, make a stop at Buckingham Fountain. Officially named Clarence Buckingham Fountain Memorial, it was dedicated in 1927 and it’s one of the largest fountains in the world. Cross over Lake Shore and walk back up along the lakefront.
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With so many wonderful amenities at your fingertips at The Peninsula Chicago, we wouldn't blame you for not wanting to leave the luxury hotel. However, if you do venture out, here are the five best things to see and do that are in proximity to the Forbes Travel Guide Five-Star hotel:
1. Navy Pier. The Peninsula Chicago is in an amazing neighborhood, and within walking distance is Navy Pier. Here you will find the ever-popular Children’s Museum, a great rainy-day activity if you are traveling with the family. In good weather, try the 150-foot Ferris wheel, centrally located on the tip of the pier. It takes you on a seven-minute ride over the city skyline, and you can catch some breathtaking views of Lake Michigan. Don’t miss out on the Crystal Garden for a cool place to hide from the summer sun.
2. Shopping. Everyone needs to be able to say he or she went shopping on the world-famous Michigan Avenue, aka “The Magnificent Mile,” and for good reason. Some key stops include American Girl, Tiffany’s, Burberry and Neiman Marcus.
3. Water Tower. Our editors recommend a visit to the Water Tower, one of Chicago’s most historic buildings and an architectural must-see. It's one of the few structures that survived the Great Chicago Fire of 1871.
4. Hancock building. For another rainy-day activity, take the elevator to the observation deck in the John Hancock Center. The observatory is open until 11 p.m., with last admission at 10:30 p.m. Or sit back and enjoy a drink in the 95th-floor restaurant or bar and watch the view 1,000 feet above it all. This is also a great spot to watch the Navy Pier fireworks.
5. River Walk. If you are visiting Chicago in the summer or fall, have the hotel concierge direct you to the River Walk. Along here, you will find a plethora of boat companies with river and lake tours to afford you a new perspective of the Windy City.
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The Peninsula Chicago holds plenty of holiday events for its guests. Whether it’s Halloween, Christmas, New Year’s or Thanksgiving, you will certainly be celebrating at this Forbes Travel Guide Five-Star hotel. The Lobby hosts hearty brunches for Easter, Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Years, Mother’s Day and Father’s Day. Ring in the coming year at The Peninsula’s New Year’s Eve Gala with a 10-course dinner and dancing.
Your kids can join in on the holiday fun at the Chicago hotel. From Easter egg hunts to Halloween costume contests, there is plenty of fun to be had in The Children’s Lounge no matter which holiday it is. During the Christmas season, Mrs. Claus stops by for story time and Santa shows up for surprise visits with treats in hand.
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Nearly all of Chicago’s top museums are within walking distance or a short cab ride form The Peninsula Chicago. Must-sees are the Shedd Aquarium, the Adler Planetarium, The Museum of Natural History and — a little farther to the south, but worth the trek — the Museum of Science and Industry. Admission to the museums will run about $20 or $30 per adult.
Don’t forget to include Lincoln Park Zoo on your itinerary. Access to this world-class zoo is free. If you do make it up to the zoo, try to stop at the working farm, which is great for little kids. They can see pigs, cows and chickens among other farm-yard animals. We suggest getting there early to catch the staff milking the cows. Unless you intend to stroll over to Lincoln Park for a bite to eat, ask The Peninsula Chicago to pack you a lunch and a blanket for a picnic at the zoo.
You could spend a week in Chicago and not hit all the top spots. Be sure to ask the concierge at this Forbes Travel Guide Five-Star hotel where he suggests you spend the day. The concierge can advise on the latest special exhibits currently be shown at each museum.
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We love that there are so many great shops within walking distance to The Peninsula Chicago, a Forbes Travel Guide Five-Star hotel. Stroll up and down Michigan Avenue for designer goodies from Burberry and Tiffany. If you are pressed for time or just prefer more of a one-stop shop to satisfy your fix, pop into Nordstrom for Louis Vuitton, Kate Spade, fabulous accessories and some of the cutest designer baby and kids clothing around. State Street boasts Macy’s, which is housed in the elaborate and ornate former Marshall Fields building.
If it rains, you can get all the shopping done under one roof at Water Tower Place. Inside you'll find Abercrombie & Fitch, Lacoste, Banana Republic, a new Lego store (say howdy to a life-sized Woody from Toy Story who guards the entryway) and the ever-popular American Girl store. Chicago has great shopping and all within close proximity to The Peninsula Chicago.
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The gym at the Peninsula Chicago provides plenty of amenities to make your workout as comfortable as possible. As you work up a sweat on one of the 18 cardio machines, you can rehydrate with bottled water provided by the Five-Star hotel. Whether you’re in the mood for cold water or room temperature H2O, the gym has it for you.
We know how annoying it can be to keep track of your room key during a tough workout, which is exactly why we love the gym’s private lockers that let you to store your things. The set of lockers is located along the wall with the rest of the amenities offered in the gym.
Don’t worry about forgetting your headphones; the gym at the Peninsula Chicago provides individually bagged headphones for you. Sometimes, even the best of us forget a thing or two when packing, and the workout clothes don’t find their way into the suitcase. Well, no problem here: the Peninsula Chicago can lend you just about everything you need, including shorts, shoes and shirts.
To stay fresh during your workout and after, a number of towels throughout the gym can do the dirty work. You’ll also find chilled towels inside the locker rooms, which are nice after a particularly strenuous workout. And any amenity you don’t see at the Peninsula Chicago’s gym, just ask; the hotel concierge can get you just about anything, including access to other gyms that might have more of what you’re looking for.
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After a hard workout in the gym at The Peninsula Chicago, relax in the spacious locker room. Even though there are private lockers in the gym itself for you to store your room key and whatnot, it is always nice to freshen up after a good sweat. The locker rooms have wood lockers available for you to store a change of clothes during your workout.
There is a seating area for you to take a breather while you sip on some of the bottled water and cool down with a chilled towel. There’s nothing more relaxing than a good steam room session after a long workout. Luckily, the locker rooms at this Forbes Travel Guide Five-Star hotel have a great steam room. You don’t even have to worry about carrying the wet bathing suit back up to your room because the locker rooms have a special swimsuit dryer.
When you need to clean up, hit one of the four showers enclosed by frosted glass. There are plenty of towels available, too. The locker room is what you’d expect at a Forbes Travel Guide Five-Star hotel.
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The Peninsula Chicago does it right when it comes to decorations for the holidays. The lobby is decked out with a Christmas tree and a huge menorah to celebrate the winter season. If those festivities aren't enough for you, opt to have your room decorated. This is something that we love because without decorations, it just doesn’t seem like the holiday season. Of course, it helps that Chicago is usually snowy during the winter, creating the perfect scenery. Well, perfect if you are bundled up inside with hot cocoa in hand.
During Easter, The Children’s Lounge at this Forbes Travel Guide Five-Star hotel hosts an egg hunt and a magician. This just adds to the fun that you and your family will experience during a holiday visit to the Chicago hotel.
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You almost can’t miss the jogging route near the Peninsula Chicago: Lake Michigan. No, we’re not saying you need to walk or jog on water; instead, the lake has a path running parallel to it that lets you go for a run with a terrific scenery at your side. You can pick up a jogging map from the concierge or in your room to plan out your cardio session along the great lake.
Just four blocks from the hotel is Oak Street Beach, and you can access the lake shore path through a tunnel that takes you under the legendary Lake Shore Drive. On a nice day, this lakeside path can get pretty crowded, so make sure you keep your head up. You can run anywhere from one mile to 10 miles along the lake, and the lobby at the Peninsula Chicago has water and towels for you on the weekend to supplement your cardio trek.
You can also jog through the beautiful Gold Coast neighborhood; with the exception of Michigan Avenue, Chicago’s sidewalks are not usually that crowded and tend to be pretty easy to run on - not to mention a great way to explore a side of the city you may not see otherwise. You can get a solid run in as you navigate through the Gold Coast, and you’ll notice the streets are lined with beautiful brownstones, each one of them unique.
Chicago is a great place to jog when the weather permits. If you are visiting in the winter, you’ll more than likely stay inside and make use of one of the six treadmills in the gym. You will still get a view of the lake, but without that frostbitten wind whipping at your face. But for the rest of the year, the Peninsula Chicago’s ideal location puts you right in the heart of some of the city’s best scenery and jogging paths.
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The best time of year to be in Chicago is in the summer; consequently this is the best time of year to visit The Peninsula Chicago. The city comes alive in the warmer weather, and there are countless activities to participate in from the twice-weekly fireworks show off Navy Pier; on Wednesday and Saturday nights, a stunning 15-minute display lights up the touristy pier. If you prefer something more cultural, try catching a classical opera in Millennium Park. Also, there are numerous food-focused events not to be missed. One of the most popular is the annual Taste of Chicago, one of the country’s largest food festivals. It can get very crowded though, so aim to get there early. Having said that, our editors think a visit to this Forbes Travel Guide Five-Star hotel is worth it, any time of the year.
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As a guest of The Peninsula Chicago, you can order just about anything you desire from the in-room dining menu. Ingredients are always fresh and seasonal. We loved the English pea tendril soup with fresh chunks of lobster meat. The truffle macaroni and cheese is a not-to-be missed comfort food to enjoy on its own or perhaps as a side to the herb-roasted chicken. Don’t be too timid to ask staff for an off-menu item, too. This Forbes Travel Guide Five-Star hotel is only too happy to accommodate special dietary requests and has recently introduced a vegan and gluten-free menu.
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If you are an early riser, you don’t have to worry about The Peninsula Chicago’s gym not being open. Monday through Friday, the gym is available 5:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. On the weekends, the hours change a bit. Saturday, you can work out anytime between 6:30 a.m. and 10 p.m. Then on Sunday, the Chicago hotel keeps the gym open from 6:30 a.m. to 8 p.m.
If you are the kind of person who likes to workout in the wee hours of the night, the staff would be happy to arrange other hours to accommodate you. But during regular gym hours, you can participate in one of the 30-plus complimentary fitness classes offered. The gym also provides personal training during its posted hours; but once again, this can be adjusted if need be.
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The gym at the Peninsula Chicago has enough cardio equipment that you likely won’t ever have to wait for a machine; six Life Fitness treadmills are calling your name for a good jog, even when it is too cold outside. If you’re looking for a low-impact cardio machine, five Life Fitness cross-trainers and a Nordic Track Incline Trainer can suit your needs.
As far as bikes go, you can enjoy all the benefits of a ride along Lake Michigan without stepping foot (or pedaling, for that matter) outside. The three Star Trac Upright Cycles and one Cybex Recumbent cycle offer the comfort of the indoors - not to mention the gym’s great view of Lake Michigan.
Rather than taking the stairs up the neighboring John Hancock Tower, you can get your stair climbing in on one of the two Cybex Steppers inside the Five-Star hotel. Whether you’re a runner or just looking to get in a good cardio session during your stay at the Peninsula Chicago, you can take advantage of the whole swath of cardio equipment in the Five-Star hotel’s gym.
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The Peninsula Chicago boasts both fitness classes and personal training in the gym. With more than 30 complimentary classes featured per week, there is no doubt that you will find one that suits your fitness level. Yes, you read that right; all of the classes are complimentary.
Aqua Pilates and aqua aerobics both take advantage of the indoor pool located next to the gym. The strength classes each specialize in something different, such as core, cardio and functional strength. For a butt-kicking class, try out the boot camp, which is just as tough as it sounds. Of course, to calm yourself down after all this fitness, choose from a variety of yoga and Pilates classes.
If you are looking to learn the ropes in the gym, book a session with one of the certified personal trainers. The trainers at this Forbes Travel Guide Five-Star hotel are professionals in every sense of the word. You will walk out of your $80-per-hour session — well, you may crawl after the hard work you’ve accomplished in just 60 minutes — feeling like a million bucks. There are also personal trainers who will specifically school you in yoga and Pilates.
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The gym at Peninsula Chicago is filled with sunlight, thanks to its prime corner location. We can’t think of a better motivator than a view of Lake Michigan as you work up a sweat on one of the six treadmills. There are also plenty of other cardio machines, pretty much guaranteeing that you won’t have to wait to get your heart rate going. And if you’re into throwing around dumbbells and free weights, an abundance of weight training equipment is waiting for you - we’re talking machines for just about every muscle you can think of, and then some.
The certified personal trainers at the Peninsula Chicago can give you a run for your money if you need that extra push to get yourself to the gym. The Five-Star hotel also offers more than 30 classes per week, none of which will cost you a thing extra. Private lockers along one wall prevent you from having to worry about keeping track of your room key while you work out, and you’ll find bottled water, both chilled and at room temperature, towels and headphones nearby to give you everything you need to stay efficient during your workout. The Peninsula Chicago’s gym might not quite be a health club - but it sure is close.
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At The Bar at The Peninsula Chicago you can select from a comprehensive list of wines. This Forbes Travel Guide Five-Star hotel offers a variety of wines by the glass that are well-chosen and would appeal to a variety of tastes. For example, we enjoyed a glass of the respectable house chardonnay, which is Chance, while those looking for a more distinctive label can choose a Stags Leap. Whether you’re looking for a glass or a bottle, red or white, you'll find a pour at The Bar at The Peninsula Chicago.
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At The Bar at The Peninsula Chicago you will find an eclectic mix of the well-heeled Gold Coast crowd, including the bold and beautiful socialites of Chicago. Throw in some jet-lagged and wide-eyed tourists and, if you have not guessed by now, people-watching is the entertainment at The Bar at this This Forbes Travel Guide Five-Star hotel. It’s a fabulous social-gathering spot in the city, but not a place to bring the kids. While lively at times, the ambience is very much a grown-up environment. As a business traveler, you will find this a great place to check your email at the end of the day over a handcrafted cocktail.
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The Peninsula Chicago offers a 24-hour room service menu that’s divided into clear and easy-to-read sections with choices that are varied, but not overwhelming. Create the experience you want with everything from a quick snack to a romantic three-course dinner for two.
Guests can choose from a variety of hot and cold breakfast dishes, light soups, salads and sandwiches on the all-day dining menu, and for dinner there’s fresh market fish and red meat entrées, as well as a kids menu. Still hungry after midnight? There’s a decent late-night snack menu offering a must-try-at-least-once Chicago-style hot dog. Staff will aptly set up everything at your finger tips, set your chair to face the TV and subtly place your remote control next to your fork to ensure a complete Five-Star in-room dining experience; suffice it to say, the in-room dining at the Peninsula Chicago sure beats picking up fast food.
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With three restaurants in the Peninsula Chicago — not to mention a great in-room dining menu — you can imagine how hard it is to choose only the five best things to eat and drink. Here are our picks for the top items you should order:
1. The English pea soup. If you don't feel like leaving your room, ask room service to send this refreshing and delicious summer soup studded with lobster meat.
2. Carved roasted Peking duck from Shanghai Terrace. This traditional Chinese dish is a must. With its crispy skin, thin-as-can-be pancakes, scallions and hoisin sauce, the Peking duck is out of this world.
3. The chocolate buffet. Served every Friday and Saturday from 8 p.m. to midnight, kids and kids-at-heart should not miss this all-you-can-eat service prepared by executive chef Kai Lermen and executive pastry chef Hsing Chen. As far as desserts go, it's pricey — $40 for adults and $20 for kids under 12 — so be sure to bring your sweet tooth.
4. The truffle mac and cheese. Served in a Staub dish, this gourmet mac and cheese is just the heart-warming food you need on a freezing Chicago winter night. The presentation is high-quality and the flavor comforting — just what you’d want to curl up with in your room.
5. A sourdough tartine from Pierrot Gourmet, washed down with a cappuccino. This warm European-style café, located next to the Peninsula Chicago, is always crowded, so ask the concierge to help you plot the best time to snag a table here, especially during the summer, when the outdoor space is highly coveted.
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The Peninsula Chicago’s aptly name the Bar is the place to meet for a pre-dinner, pre-theater or post-work drink.
Unlike the rest of the hotel, the Bar takes on a more art-nouveau style of décor, with a somewhat more contemporary, yet still classical vibe. The color scheme changes from golds and creams to dark rich woods and jewel tones. The Bar definitely has a more masculine appeal to it, yet is a warm and inviting environment where you can feel comfortable to loosen your tie, slip off your high heels and slouch into the sofas. The lighting is modulated to a soft glow, and you instantly feel the fast pace of the city fade away. Enjoy a cocktail, or choose a beverage from the diverse list of wines, cognacs and other popular night caps the Bar at the Peninsula Chicago has to offer when you just want to get away from it all, or when you’re looking to get the night started right.
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The most popular choice for breakfast at The Peninsula Chicago is The Lobby. The menu has something for everyone; choose from a variety of healthy wholesome fruits and cereals, to some fluffy pancakes and scrambled eggs. There is also a traditional Japanese breakfast available, so you will be sure to find something to suit your appetite. Try to get there early and grab a table by the coveted window seats. This restaurant always seems to have a perfectly balanced mix of suited businessmen meeting for a power breakfast, European tourists in jeans and sporting knapsacks and families with kids. If you want something more casual or quick, try the warm, intimate, wood-filled Pierrot Gourmet for brioche and a cappuccino. Either way, you'll start the day right at this Forbes Travel Guide Five-Star hotel.
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Forbes Inspector answered a question:
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While you will only find a terrace in one guestroom at The Peninsula Chicago, that doesn’t mean there aren’t great views to be seen. The Peninsula Suite boasts a private terrace on the 18th floor. With 3,000 square feet of living space, we can only expect an outdoor area. Sure enough, this Forbes Travel Guide Five-Star hotel has delivered, yet again. The terrace is complete with a whirlpool, allowing you to take in the hustle and bustle on Michigan and Chicago avenues while you relax.
If you can't book the three-bedroom suite, you can always head down to The Terrace on the fourth floor for drinks and appetizers. Sharing an outdoor space with Shanghai Terrace, this bar offers views of Michigan Avenue as well as Lake Michigan.
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Forbes Inspector answered a question:
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You’ll have plenty of dining options at The Peninsula Chicago where there’s four restaurants - the Lobby, Avenues, the Terrace and Shanghai Terrace - in addition to Pierrot Gourmet, a European-style café adjacent to the Five-Star hotel.
The Lobby is situated in - you guessed it - the lobby of the hotel. It’s decorated in the same classical European style as the rest of the hotel’s public spaces; chairs are luxuriously upholstered with soft fabric, and the 20-foot floor-to-ceiling windows loom over the restaurant, making this a bright and airy space - perfect for ladies to lunch. The Lobby serves American dishes for breakfast, lunch and dinner. You can also partake in a traditional afternoon tea service in the Lobby, if that’s your cup of tea.
Avenues, the hotel’s fine-dining option, has traditional seating and bar-style seating at its open kitchen. Traditional and understated in setup, Avenues might not excited you with its interior when you’re used to the design style of the rest of the hotel. However, you’ll soon forget about the ho-hum décor when the contemporary cuisine peppered with seasonal ingredients makes its way to your table. Flavors are one-of-a-kind, and your meal will be memorable - we highly suggest the grilled hamachi with crispy pig tail, or the tom kha gai, an aromatic Thai coconut soup.
The Terrace, open seasonally, serves cocktails and small plates with a side of views over Millennium Park. The best nights to get a table at this restaurant are Wednesday and Saturday evenings between May and September; come then, you’ll be able to enjoy the fireworks at nearby Navy Pier.
The Shanghai Terrace’s outdoor patio area is open seasonally, offering you Shanghai fare, Cantonese cuisine and delicious seasonal cocktails. Decorated in a 1930s supper-club style, this restaurant also offers private dining for small parties up to 30. It’s a perfect place to celebrate a special occasion with friends and family.
Decorated in the style of a little French bistro, the Pierrot Gourmet café next to the hotel offers traditional seating options and larger “family style” tables. Pastries, tarts and other sweet treats are not to be missed - we love the signature sourdough tartines and chocolate-orange brioches - a must for any Francophile.
Shanghai-chic, French patisserie and fine dining - whatever your desired style of meal, the Peninsula Chicago likely has something to satisfy your hunger.
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Forbes Inspector answered a question:
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Forbes Inspector answered a question:
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The Peninsula Chicago does not have a guest loyalty program. However, you should know that the hotel is part of Five Star Alliance, a collection of luxury hotels around the world. Five Star Alliance has an exclusive e-publication called The Informed Traveler and it’s a wealth of insightful information. Anyone can sign up for a free copy and, in addition to featuring interesting and helpful tidbits on all the luxury hotels in the association, you can take advantage of great deals and offers. The Five Star Alliance website also features offers directly from the hotels themselves.
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Forbes Inspector answered a question:
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Forbes Inspector answered a question:
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Forbes Inspector answered a question:
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At The Peninsula Chicago, the higher the floor the better the view, but do be careful to select the right room category to avoid disappointment. Your best bet is to book a suite at this Forbes Travel Guide Five-Star hotel, since they are all sit on the hotel’s upper floors and some afford views from north, south and east over scenic Lake Michigan. However, if you were to stay in one of the three room categories instead of a suite, you are better of booking a Grand Deluxe room, which guarantees a view of Michigan Avenue and Chicago’s Water Tower landmark. All Superior rooms, the most basic of accommodations, face Superior Street, which we found to be peaceful and well-lit. If views are not your thing, these rooms are perfect.
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Forbes Inspector answered a question:
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The beds at The Peninsula Chicago are what you’d expect from a Forbes Travel Guide Five-Star hotel located in the heart of the Windy City. The Chicago hotel beds are a generous king size and provide just the right amount of firmness. The 100 percent white-cotton Pratesi linens were excellent quality, and the bed was decorated with four, soft king-sized pillows as well as two decorative pillows that magically disappear after turndown and reappear perfectly positioned each day. The beds here are so comfortable, it was difficult to get out of them each morning, but wonderful to return to them each night.
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Forbes Inspector answered a question:
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At The Peninsula Chicago, you will get an exclusive set of Davi bath products. A Napa, California-based luxury skin care company designed the amenities exclusively for The Peninsula Hotel Group. Davi actually comes from famed wine family the Mondavis, who draw upon their winemaking roots for these bath products. Each bathroom is thoughtfully set up with a high-quality bath bar and hand soaps, bath gel, shampoo, conditioner and lotion. The scent is classic and light; we think it’s suitable for men and women.
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Forbes Inspector answered a question:
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The closet in the guestrooms at The Peninsula Chicago sits directly outside the double-door entryway to the bathroom, making the grooming and dressing space more than ample for two to get ready at the same time. The closet itself is well-lit and nicely sized for two people to store away a few nights worth of clothing; there's no need to live out of your suitcase at this luxury hotel. You will find a selection of hangers from padded satin, coat and clip styles to accommodate everything neatly. Each closet and dressing area provides plenty of storage, not only for hanging garments, but also for folded items, too. Need more space? Located directly outside of the closet is an upholstered built-in love seat surrounded by storage drawers. There is ample closet space for your things at this Forbes Travel Guide Five-Star hotel.
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Forbes Inspector answered a question:
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At the Peninsula Chicago, you can get ready in the comfort of a spacious and luxurious bathroom. Each marble bathroom has a deep-soaking tub with fixed and hand-held shower heads, and the tub is surrounded by a thick marble ledge - convenient for placing toiletries, magazines and dare we say it, your iPhone.
The tub also has a built-in TV, so you can indulge in a relaxing bubble bath and catch up on the day’s news. The Five-Star hotel provides you with luxury Davi bath products, made exclusively for the Peninsula Hotels chain, which feature a light, classic scent. You’ll be all set with a bath bar, hand soap, bath gel, shampoo, conditioner and moisturizing lotion.
There’s a separate, glass-enclosed shower stall, vanity table and single sink vanity with generous countertop space in every bathroom. The water closet is in the same room, even has a more private feel, despite being in the same room. The double-door entry into the Peninsula Chicago’s luxurious bathrooms makes getting dressed a bit of treat; combine this with multiple mirrors and good lighting, and you get a truly Five-Star bathroom experience.
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Forbes Inspector answered a question:
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You will find a generously sized workspace in the rooms at The Peninsula Chicago. Though it may be hard to drag yourself to do any work in a room equipped with other great amenities, the setup at this Chicago hotel makes perfecting that presentation all the more enjoyable. You will find desk drawers are thoughtfully stocked with business-related items such as pens, highlighters and paper. The outlets for re-harging your electronics and plugging in the laptop are all within easy reach. The desk is large enough to accommodate a laptop, papers and a telephone — plus there still is enough space for a room service sandwich if you must have that working lunch. To many, the make-or-break factor at a hotel work desk is the chair itself. The desk chair provided at the Forbes Travel Guide Five-Star hotel was adequately comfortable for short periods of time, but don’t expect to make this your second office when in town for business. The desk also comes with a task lamp and blotter.
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Forbes Inspector answered a question:
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The Peninsula Chicago boasts suites that are like a home-away-from-home, but better - that is, unless you live in a castle. The suites in this Five-Star hotel range from 793 square feet to a whopping 3,000 square feet, and each of the six types of suites will make you feel like royalty.
The executive suite is the smallest of the six, but still has a separate living room and bedroom that overlook Michigan Avenue and the historic Water Tower. The next level up is the junior suite, which boasts French doors between the bedroom and living room for extra privacy. These suites overlook Michigan Avenue. A step up from the junior suite is the deluxe suite, which entails one bedroom, one full bathroom and one powder room, spread over 887 to 926 square feet. This suite, which overlooks Chicago Avenue and Rush Street, can connect to a room with one queen bed to make a two-bedroom suite. This setup stands out as an option for bridal suites.
At 1,007 square feet, the grand deluxe suite features one bedroom and a separate living room, with a full bath connected to the bedroom and a powder room off the foyer. The next suite is more than double the size of the grand deluxe suite, spread out over 2,500 square feet. We know; that’s the size of a single-family home, which is precisely why it’s called the grand suite. With two bedrooms, two full baths and a powder room, there’s plenty of room for you to enjoy the north, east and south views of Chicago. Past the marble foyer is the study with an oversized executive desk. And don’t forget the dining room with space for six. This suite can be blocked off from the rest of the hotel for added security if you really need it.
The final suite is the big kahuna; the 18th-floor Peninsula Suite has a large outdoor terrace complete with a whirlpool. Whether you need just one bedroom or even three, this suite can be adjusted to accommodate your needs. You’ll even find a living room with a gas fireplace and grand piano in your 3,000 square feet. Don’t want to go down to the gym? A private exercise room located off of the master bedroom lets you break a sweat without having to deal with other guests. That’s just one example of the top-end luxury you get at the Peninsula Chicago; but you’ll feel pampered and taken care of, no matter what size room you choose.
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Forbes Inspector answered a question:
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Forbes Inspector answered a question:
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The guestrooms at the Peninsula Chicago are decorated in a style and design much like the public spaces: classic and elegant. As you ascend from the lobby, you’ll find the hallways decorated in soft, calming hues, which blend effortlessly into the palette of your guestroom.
In there you’ll find traditional, classic whites, along with warm gold tones and splashes of earthy colors. The overall color scheme is neutral, approachable for both male and female guests alike, and very residential in its design.
The basic rooms at the Peninsula Chicago are spacious, at 531 square feet, and come complete with a comfortable seating area, generously sized work desk and private dressing area with ample storage and closet space. This floor plan of regular rooms at the Five-Star hotel actually allows you to store your suitcase out of the main bedroom area, enhancing the comfort factor and allowing you to truly feel at home - and avoid staring at your luggage for a few days.
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Forbes Inspector answered a question:
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Keep up with all your favorite programs, news and weather at The Peninsula Chicago with the high-quality 42-inch plasma-screen TVs. In our room, the high-definition television was conveniently set upon a turnstile, so one could easily adjust the screen to view from the desk, sofa or bed. If you want audio entertainment, radio is integrated into the TV system and provides a plethora of musical genres. All of the in-room technology got an upgrade during a 2009 renovation, so this Forbes Travel Guide Five-Star hotel offers the latest when it comes to radio and TV viewing. So relax and enjoy the latest episode of Mad Men.
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Forbes Inspector answered a question:
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The guestrooms at The Peninsula Chicago, a Forbes Travel Guide Five-Star hotel, have some of the latest in-room technology. A multi-functioning bedside control system is easy to operate and won’t leave you feeling like throwing the thing across the room and switching off the lights the old-fashioned way. At the touch of a button, take charge of comfort features such as lighting and temperature. The console will also provide you with an alarm call and one-touch dialing so you can reach any department within the Chicago hotel in seconds. Though the drapes are not electronically controlled with the system, a cool feature we did enjoy was being able to illuminate the "Do Not Disturb" sign without ever getting out of bed.
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Forbes Inspector answered a question:
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The Peninsula Chicago offers several vacation packages that run throughout the year. Many will reflect a special occasion or event, such as the hotel’s recent 10-year anniversary. Others coincide with the season and will help you get the most out of your time in Chicago. We love the Summer Splendour package, offering some of the lowest room rates all year long, with free upgrades and a credit in the Four-Star Peninsula Spa by ESPA Chicago — an essential to spruce up your feet just in time for sandal season. Another notable deal available year round is the American Girl package, which, of course, includes American Girl amenities along with the ultimate in personalized service, like an embroidered pillowcase with your child’s name. For the latest vacation packages, check the website of the Forbes Travel Guide Five-Star hotel.
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Forbes Inspector answered a question:
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One of the things we love about The Peninsula Chicago is the complimentary Internet access — a rarity in luxury hotels. Connect wirelessly or with a cable to the Internet throughout the hotel. It is easy to surf the Web at your leisure without worrying about when your time is going to run out. The Wi-Fi is very reliable and has a strong connection in the guestrooms and suites. You can also access the Internet in the public areas such as The Bar and the pool. There is Wi-Fi access throughout this Forbes Travel Guide Five-Star property, allowing you to stay connected at all times.
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Forbes Inspector answered a question:
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If you choose to tackle the task of driving to The Peninsula Chicago, you really only have one option for parking. For $51 per night, valet your car with the trustworthy attendants at the Forbes Travel Guide Five-Star hotel. You have in-and-out privileges, so you can take your vehicle for a ride down Lake Shore Drive to see Lake Michigan, if you so choose. Of course you can park on the street, but that is at your own risk; street parking is pricey and extremely hard to find in this Gold Coast neighborhood. The valet attendants will take good care of your car while you enjoy your carefree stay at the Forbes Travel Guide Five-Star hotel. And if you decide to leave the car at home, not to worry: The Peninsula also has a house car that will shuttle you to various areas in the city.
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Forbes Inspector answered a question:
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If you are looking for planned activities during your stay at The Peninsula Chicago, a Forbes Travel Guide Five-Star hotel, you are in luck. The hotel can arrange for a number of excursions throughout Chicago. Try and give the hotel as much notice as possible — about two weeks — in order to properly book the right activity for you. One tours that surely will pique the interest of the budding artist in all of us is the personalized and private tour of the Art Institute of Chicago, one of the most-visited sights in the Windy City. One of our favorites is The Chicago Film tour. The tour includes stops at famous movie locations in Chicago, a must-do if you loved the 1980s and are a John Hughes fan. Just about any type of tour — visits to museums, personal shopping on Michigan Avenue or unique activities such as a city Segway tour — can be arranged through the Chicago hotel.
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Forbes Inspector answered a question:
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When you are packing for a stay at The Peninsula Chicago, keep in mind that the Chicago weather can be unreliable and turn from a hot summer day to a chilly wind at the drop of a hat. With that in mind, here are our top tips for packing:
1. A rain jacket. In the spring and summer, pack with lots of layers, so you can stay a step ahead of the weather; a light rain jacket will always come in handy.
2. A thick coat. In the winter, bring your thickest goose-down coat, preferably one that comes below your knees
3. Winter accessories. Speaking of cold weather, a coat won't suffice. Come ready with a wooly hat, earmuffs and a good pair of warm gloves — make that two pairs of gloves. It gets very cold, both during the day and at night.
4. A bathing suit. Even if you do visit in the winter, the Forbes Travel Guide Five-Star has an indoor pool that is open year round. Bring your swimsuit to take a dip.
5. Comfortable shoes. The Chicago hotel is right off of Michigan Avenue, aka the Magnificient Mile. You'll need broken-in footwear to walk to all of Michigan Avenue's designer stores, from Neiman Marcus to Salvatore Ferragamo.
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The Peninsula Chicago flaunts a magnificent indoor pool, which is fitting, since it overlooks Michigan Avenue, otherwise known as the “Magnificent Mile.” Though you may not get that envious suntan, you’ll feel like you’re outside, thanks to the amount of windows surrounding the pool. With blue-striped lounge chairs and palm trees, you can relax by the pool that is kept at a refreshing 82 degrees.
There isn’t a lifeguard on duty, but kids are certainly allowed at the Peninsula’s pool, provided that they have adult supervision. The nice thing about the indoor pool is that you can comfortably swim even when it is snowing. Trust us, the irony won’t be lost as snowflakes fall while you jump into the pool.
If you really want to take advantage of the Chicago weather in the summer, you can set up camp on one of the plush lounge chairs on the outdoor sun deck, and you can order lunch as you take in the views of the entire city. Take advantage of the three months of pool weather in Chicago, because after that, it’s parkas and snow boots. Unless of course, you’re in the indoor pool at the Peninsula Chicago laughing at all the unfortunate souls shivering on Michigan Avenue while you splash about in a bathing suit.
We can’t forget to mention the Jacuzzi that’s kept at a delightful 102 degrees. This is nice spot to sit and let your muscles relax after a long day in the Windy City - and just another reason to love the pool offerings at the Peninsula Chicago.
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Forbes Inspector answered a question:
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At The Peninsula Chicago, turndown included some expected services as well as some thoughtful enhancements. When we stayed recently, we returned to find the room and bathroom had received a general refresh; the bed linens were smoothed out and the decorative covers stored discreetly away. The curtains were drawn and the lighting had been dimmed to a subtle “ready for bed” glow. A bottle of mineral water and a glass were left bedside and the TV remote with channel guide were placed within easy reach. Some soft mood music hummed gently in the background, and housekeeping left a newsletter on our bed listing the Forbes Travel Guide Five-Star hotel's activities for the following day along with a breakfast menu. After we slipped between the soft sheets, there was little left for us to do other than simply switch off the lights and close our eyes; though we’re certain if asked the staff would have come up to do this for us, too.
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Forbes Inspector answered a question:
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The Peninsula Chicago can take care of all your laundry needs. Whether you need clothes washed in a 24-hour period or dry cleaned within three or four hours, hand off your dirty laundry to this Forbes Travel Guide Five-Star hotel. You can also get your outfit pressed or steamed for those special occasions or that business meeting you have the next morning. Or course, you don’t want to leave the room with a scuff on your shoes, so take advantage of the complimentary shoe shine that The Peninsula Chicago offers. This luxurious Chicago hotel makes sure you’re well-groomed for your business meeting, family outing or upscale event.
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Forbes Inspector answered a question:
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As you lounge on one of the blue striped chairs surrounding the pool at The Peninsula Chicago listening to the music in the background, you have plenty of special amenities at your fingertips. You don’t need to worry about bringing those swimming diapers for your little one. The Peninsula has an entire basket full of waterproof diapers at the pool, so the whole family can take a dip. In case you get thirsty, there is flavored water available.
Of course you don’t want to use your bath towels by the pool, which is exactly why the Chicago hotel supplies plush ones for you to use poolside. If you choose to take advantage of the outdoor sundeck, order room service to be delivered there so you can enjoy the summer sun. Don’t take that weather for granted because it is only warm for three months in the Windy City, then it’s back to parkas and Ugg boots. The indoor pool at The Peninsula Chicago supplies you with just about everything you can think of for a pool session. Then again, you shouldn’t expect anything less at this Forbes Travel Guide Five-Star hotel.
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The average price of a room at The Peninsula Chicago, a Forbes Travel Guide Five-Star hotel, is around $500 per night. That said, the rack rate for a Grand Deluxe Room, the highest basic room category, will set you back around $750 per night. But trust us, it is definitely worth it considering the location and comfortable elegance of The Peninsula Chicago. This room will guarantee you amazing views of Michigan Avenue and you’ll be able to get uninterrupted views of Chicago’s Water Tower right from the comfort of your guestroom. The Chicago hotel offers attractive package deals year round, and from our experience, the expert reservation staff is always enthusiastic to make sure you get the best deal.
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- Maria Zec
- The Peninsula Chicago
- Regional Vice President and General Manager
Additional fees are charged if there is property damage or if extra cleaning is required following a pet stay. -
- Maria Zec
- The Peninsula Chicago
- Regional Vice President and General Manager
Our cancellation policy requires 24 hours advanced notice by 6 p.m. prior to arrival, or the guest will be charged for one night’s stay, plus tax. -
Getting from the airport to The Peninsula Chicago is not difficult as Chicago is one of the easier cities to navigate, which is one of the benefits of staying here. Two international airports serve the city: O’Hare and Midway. During non-peak hours, you can swiftly whisk through light-to-moderate traffic and be at the hotel within 30 minutes.
Cabs are never in short supply going to or from the Forbes Travel Guide Five-Star hotel. Expect the trip to take around 20 minutes from Midway, which is southwest of downtown, while the trip from O’Hare can take a bit longer even without traffic. You should allow at least 30 minutes for your trip from this airport located northwest of the city. During rush hour, which usually starts at 3 and ends at 7 p.m., or in bad weather you can expect to at least double the travel time.
If you’re looking to avoid sitting in traffic, the CTA blue line will take you to the Loop from O’Hare, and the orange line from Midway. The Chicago hotel also offers a limousine service. For around $150 each way, you won’t get there any faster than a cab, but you’ll arrive in comfort and style. -
The closest station to The Peninsula Chicago would be the red line’s Chicago and State stop. The fast red line runs up and down State Street.
If you are flying in with light luggage and don’t mind a little bit of walking, O’Hare offers a convenient train service on the CTA and will drop you off just a few blocks from the hotel. Keep in mind taking any train service from the airport to the hotel can be challenging, and while a ticket will be a fraction of the cost of a cab or limo, maneuvering your luggage among the crowds and tight spaces is not the most pleasant way to start or end your trip to The Peninsula Chicago. Save your introduction to the hustle and bustle of the train system for small in-town trips such as heading up to Lincoln Park for a spot of lunch at North Pond.
Union and Ogilvie stations serve the Metra and Amtrak system and are also within two miles of the Forbes Travel Guide Five-Star hotel. These rails go to the Chicago-area suburbs as well as Milwaukee and other nearby cities.
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- Maria Zec
- The Peninsula Chicago
- Regional Vice President and General Manager
Five things we love most about The Peninsula Chicago are:
The people. The people and the personalized, warm genuine service the staff provides.
The Spa. The top of the hotel is a truly majestic place to start the morning as the sun rises over the Lake and Michigan Avenue.
The Location. The Peninsula is within walking distance of many of the city’s attractions in the heart of Chicago’s Magnificent Mile and close to the business district.
The restaurants. With four award-winning restaurants and a bar, each one offers a unique experience, atmosphere and cuisine.
The amenities and services we provide. Whether here for a business trip or with family, we provide a variety of amenities that cater to your specific needs. -
- Maria Zec
- The Peninsula Chicago
- Regional Vice President and General Manager
Five things you should know about the hotel are:
The hotel prides itself on being ideal for business travelers as well as families and it’s pet-friendly.
We offer four award-winning restaurants and a bar.
We have an exceptional location, in the heart of the Magnificent Mile. We offer a vast array of extensive spa treatments and a half-Olympic length swimming pool with sweeping city views.
The hotel offers a number of technology components including multifunction bedside electronic control panel that allows guests to control guestroom features with the touch of a button and iPod docking stations. -
The concierge at the Peninsula Chicago can do just about anything for you; no request is too big or too small and this team is used to handling everything from the ordinary to the obscure.
The chief concierge at the hotel.Todd Nelson,and his team of experts can arrange everything from noshing on foie gras at one of the city’s top restaurants to suggesting a casual eatery where the locals go for the best Chicago-style hot dogs or pizza. The Peninsula Chicago website features “Concierge Choice” for pre-arrival inspiration and will soon provide insight into the city’s best-kept shopping secrets. The concierge desk is situated just outside of the Lobby (where afternoon tea is served), but if you can’t muster the strength to get out of your suite, just speed dial the concierge at the Peninsula Chicago from your in-room phone console and they’ll bring the information right to you. -
- Todd Nelson
- The Peninsula Chicago
- Chief Concierge
The concierge staff speak Spanish, Chinese and English, but many of our staff members speak a variety of languages and can translate when needed. -
- Todd Nelson
- The Peninsula Chicago
- Chief Concierge
We suggest packing a camera and sunscreen during the summer months, other than that we provide most everything in your guestroom or suite or throughout the hotel. If you forget anything while you’re here, including workout clothing, we have a gift shop with necessities. Our pages, who serve as personal valets for guests would be more than happy to purchase any items you may have forgotten. -
The Peninsula Chicago does not have a guest loyalty program. However, you should know that the hotel is part of Five Star Alliance, a collection of luxury hotels around the world. Five Star Alliance has an exclusive e-publication called The Informed Traveler and it’s a wealth of insightful information. Anyone can sign up for a free copy and, in addition to featuring interesting and helpful tidbits on all the luxury hotels in the association, you can take advantage of great deals and offers. The Five Star Alliance website also features offers directly from the hotels themselves.
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- Maria Zec
- The Peninsula Chicago
- Regional Vice President and General Manager
In 2010, new carpeting, customized armoires to house 42’ and 52’ plasma screens for guestrooms and suites respectively, memory card readers, iPod docking stations, coffee tables and drapes were renovated. -
- Maria Zec
- The Peninsula Chicago
- Regional Vice President and General Manager
Any time of year is a good time to visit The Peninsula Chicago, as there are always exciting activities taking place in Chicago including shows, concerts, tours and art exhibits. There are also a variety of hotel activities taking place year round, simply visit the enticements section of our website to view the latest festivals, events and special occasions. -
With so many wonderful amenities at your fingertips at The Peninsula Chicago, we wouldn't blame you for not wanting to leave the luxury hotel. However, if you do venture out, here are the five best things to see and do that are in proximity to the Forbes Travel Guide Five-Star hotel:
1. Navy Pier. The Peninsula Chicago is in an amazing neighborhood, and within walking distance is Navy Pier. Here you will find the ever-popular Children’s Museum, a great rainy-day activity if you are traveling with the family. In good weather, try the 150-foot Ferris wheel, centrally located on the tip of the pier. It takes you on a seven-minute ride over the city skyline, and you can catch some breathtaking views of Lake Michigan. Don’t miss out on the Crystal Garden for a cool place to hide from the summer sun.
2. Shopping. Everyone needs to be able to say he or she went shopping on the world-famous Michigan Avenue, aka “The Magnificent Mile,” and for good reason. Some key stops include American Girl, Tiffany’s, Burberry and Neiman Marcus.
3. Water Tower. Our editors recommend a visit to the Water Tower, one of Chicago’s most historic buildings and an architectural must-see. It's one of the few structures that survived the Great Chicago Fire of 1871.
4. Hancock building. For another rainy-day activity, take the elevator to the observation deck in the John Hancock Center. The observatory is open until 11 p.m., with last admission at 10:30 p.m. Or sit back and enjoy a drink in the 95th-floor restaurant or bar and watch the view 1,000 feet above it all. This is also a great spot to watch the Navy Pier fireworks.
5. River Walk. If you are visiting Chicago in the summer or fall, have the hotel concierge direct you to the River Walk. Along here, you will find a plethora of boat companies with river and lake tours to afford you a new perspective of the Windy City. -
Nearly all of Chicago’s top museums are within walking distance or a short cab ride form The Peninsula Chicago. Must-sees are the Shedd Aquarium, the Adler Planetarium, The Museum of Natural History and — a little farther to the south, but worth the trek — the Museum of Science and Industry. Admission to the museums will run about $20 or $30 per adult.
Don’t forget to include Lincoln Park Zoo on your itinerary. Access to this world-class zoo is free. If you do make it up to the zoo, try to stop at the working farm, which is great for little kids. They can see pigs, cows and chickens among other farm-yard animals. We suggest getting there early to catch the staff milking the cows. Unless you intend to stroll over to Lincoln Park for a bite to eat, ask The Peninsula Chicago to pack you a lunch and a blanket for a picnic at the zoo.
You could spend a week in Chicago and not hit all the top spots. Be sure to ask the concierge at this Forbes Travel Guide Five-Star hotel where he suggests you spend the day. The concierge can advise on the latest special exhibits currently be shown at each museum. -
Chicago is surrounded by beautiful parks that are all within walking distance of The Peninsula Chicago. Not to be missed in summer and fall is Lincoln Park, which sits north of the hotel. It is home to the famous Lincoln Park Zoo and picturesque North Pond. Take a stroll along the boardwalk that encircles a nature preserve; if you are there at just the right time of year, watch your step, since you may catch young ducklings waddling around behind their mother.
Another great park near the Forbes Travel Guide Five-Star hotel is Grant Park, which sits to the east and runs along Lake Michigan. Grant Park is host to some of the best festivals in Chicago, including Lollapalooza and Taste of Chicago. If you walk down there, make a stop at Buckingham Fountain. Officially named Clarence Buckingham Fountain Memorial, it was dedicated in 1927 and it’s one of the largest fountains in the world. Cross over Lake Shore and walk back up along the lakefront. -
- Todd Nelson
- The Peninsula Chicago
- Chief Concierge
The Magnificent Mile and surrounding area hold a vast array of boutiques and retailers, including Ralph Lauren, Saks Fifth Avenue, Tiffany’s and Macy’s. You have found Chicago’s shopping Mecca. -
- Todd Nelson
- The Peninsula Chicago
- Chief Concierge
There are a variety of restaurants located near The Peninsula Chicago, including restaurants such as RL (Ralph Lauren Restaurant) and great deep-dish pizzerias such as Giordano’s. We recommend asking our concierge for advice on which restaurant to visit. -
- Todd Nelson
- The Peninsula Chicago
- Chief Concierge
There are a variety of popular attractions including The Art Institute of Chicago, Millennium Park, Water Tower, Magnificent Mile shopping, the Chicago Lakefront and The John Hancock Observatory located near The Peninsula Chicago. -
- Todd Nelson
- The Peninsula Chicago
- Chief Concierge
The Peninsula Chicago is located near numerous Chicago nightlife locations, including Chicago blues and jazz clubs like the Redhead Piano Bar. -
Public transportation near The Peninsula Chicago is easy to navigate. You can take advantage of the Chicago Transport Authority, or the CTA, knowing it offers one of the most reliable and convenient public transportation systems in the country. The red line runs up and down State Street to whisk you to most areas of the city, while the Metra can be found at Union and Ogilvie stations, if you want to venture out of the Loop and into the suburbs. Tickets and day passes are easy to purchase from the automated ticket machines, which accept cash and credit cards. This all said, if you don’t want to walk, hop in a taxi. In the summer, take go for a ride in the water taxi, which is not only a great way to get around, but allows you to see the city from a different vantage point.
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- Todd Nelson
- The Peninsula Chicago
- Chief Concierge
The nearest golf course is Sydney R. Marovitz Golf Course, which is a 9-hole course near the Lakefront. -
- Maria Zec
- The Peninsula Chicago
- Regional Vice President and General Manager
Set in the heart of the Magnificent Mile, The Peninsula Chicago is ideally located for visitors to experience all that the city has to offer. On the doorstep of Chicago's premier business and shopping district, the hotel is in the midst of the city's most exclusive boutiques and retailers and steps from the historic Water Tower, lakefront and many cultural institutions. -
- Maria Zec
- The Peninsula Chicago
- Regional Vice President and General Manager
Five things we love most about The Peninsula Chicago are:
The people. The people and the personalized, warm genuine service the staff provides.
The Spa. The top of the hotel is a truly majestic place to start the morning as the sun rises over the Lake and Michigan Avenue.
The Location. The Peninsula is within walking distance of many of the city’s attractions in the heart of Chicago’s Magnificent Mile and close to the business district.
The restaurants. With four award-winning restaurants and a bar, each one offers a unique experience, atmosphere and cuisine.
The amenities and services we provide. Whether here for a business trip or with family, we provide a variety of amenities that cater to your specific needs. -
- Maria Zec
- The Peninsula Chicago
- Regional Vice President and General Manager
Five things you should know about the hotel are:
The hotel prides itself on being ideal for business travelers as well as families and it’s pet-friendly.
We offer four award-winning restaurants and a bar.
We have an exceptional location, in the heart of the Magnificent Mile. We offer a vast array of extensive spa treatments and a half-Olympic length swimming pool with sweeping city views.
The hotel offers a number of technology components including multifunction bedside electronic control panel that allows guests to control guestroom features with the touch of a button and iPod docking stations. -
The concierge at the Peninsula Chicago can do just about anything for you; no request is too big or too small and this team is used to handling everything from the ordinary to the obscure.
The chief concierge at the hotel.Todd Nelson,and his team of experts can arrange everything from noshing on foie gras at one of the city’s top restaurants to suggesting a casual eatery where the locals go for the best Chicago-style hot dogs or pizza. The Peninsula Chicago website features “Concierge Choice” for pre-arrival inspiration and will soon provide insight into the city’s best-kept shopping secrets. The concierge desk is situated just outside of the Lobby (where afternoon tea is served), but if you can’t muster the strength to get out of your suite, just speed dial the concierge at the Peninsula Chicago from your in-room phone console and they’ll bring the information right to you.
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- Maria Zec
- The Peninsula Chicago
- Regional Vice President and General Manager
The personalized service. Our staff ensures each guest’s visit exceeds expectations. There is a department dedicated to acquiring and understanding each of our guests’ preferences. We aim to ’wow’ guests with our attention to detail and anticipating their needs during their stay. The hotel’s mission is to offer a combination of “Far Eastern Graciousness combined with Midwestern Hospitality.” -
- Todd Nelson
- The Peninsula Chicago
- Chief Concierge
The hotel’s five best amenities are:
We offer complimentary fitness center, group fitness classes and a beautiful swimming pool.
A 24-hour business center is located inside the hotel.
We have excellent children’s amenities including Play Stations, coloring books and crayons, board games, children’s videos, children’s menus, a swimming pool and an American Girl package.
Our Peninsula Academy Program offers unique, cultural and educational experiences via The Peninsula Chicago.
Guests staying in suites can also enjoy a chauffeured MINI Cooper for up to three hours for suite guests. -
The Peninsula Chicago offers both limousine and car service during your stay. In fact, this Forbes Travel Guide Five-Star hotel is famous for its luxury house vehicles. The hotel recently added brand-new Mini Coopers to its fleet. Complimentary access to the Mini Cooper S Club cars is restricted to those checking into suites, however all guests have access to the chauffeur-driven limo service by reservation. Getting around the Windy City in the Chicago hotel’s car and limo service is traveling in style all the way. It’s a great way to explore the sights, restaurants and attractions of the world-class city.
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The design style of the Peninsula Chicago is classic with a blend of traditional European elegance. The façade of the building is adorned with attractive lighting that distinguishes the hotel, even among the other fancy buildings in the neighborhood. Inside you’ll find a relaxing color scheme of cream and gold spilling from the lobby.
The enormous 20-foot windows in the hotel’s casual restaurant, the Lobby, and abundant use of high-quality stone, gracious lighting fixtures and gold leaf accents create an elegant atmosphere that’s as comfortable as your own living room. The classic design seamlessly continues into the contemporary, yet luxuriously designed guestrooms, which are adorned with attractive prints topped with high-quality fabrics and furnishings. You can’t help but look around the Five-Star hotel and be inspired for ideas to incorporate into your own home. The Peninsula Chicago’s design style instantly makes you feel at home and surrounds you with a comfortable sense of luxury. -
- Maria Zec
- The Peninsula Chicago
- Regional Vice President and General Manager
The Peninsula Chicago’s pool is located on the 19th floor with floor-to-ceiling 20 ft. windows offering views of the Magnificent Mile and Lake Michigan. It features an 82-foot heated indoor pool, a Jacuzzi, and an outdoor sundeck overlooking the city. Swim conditioning classes and water Pilates are offered as well as room service. -
- Maria Zec
- The Peninsula Chicago
- Regional Vice President and General Manager
During summer, cold towels, refreshing sorbets and fruit skewers are offered. During the winter months, we offer complimentary towels and seasonal amenities. We also offer a variety of swimming gear, including kickboards, noodles, a Jacuzzi and reading materials. Guests can also order room service at the pool or out on the sundeck and can also partake in Sunrise Yoga, which takes place each morning. -
The Peninsula Chicago can take care of all your laundry needs. Whether you need clothes washed in a 24-hour period or dry cleaned within three or four hours, hand off your dirty laundry to this Forbes Travel Guide Five-Star hotel. You can also get your outfit pressed or steamed for those special occasions or that business meeting you have the next morning. Or course, you don’t want to leave the room with a scuff on your shoes, so take advantage of the complimentary shoe shine that The Peninsula Chicago offers. This luxurious Chicago hotel makes sure you’re well-groomed for your business meeting, family outing or upscale event.
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- Maria Zec
- The Peninsula Chicago
- Regional Vice President and General Manager
The Peninsula Chicago offers a variety of special room packages including value-added benefits, family-oriented offers such as our American Girl package and relaxation packages. This information is located on our website under the enticements section, as well as our room packages section. -
- Todd Nelson
- The Peninsula Chicago
- Chief Concierge
The Peninsula offers a variety of planned activities for adults and children. We’ve created a series of programs called The Peninsula Academy, which gives guests a personalized and unique experience to key aspects of culture, history, lifestyle, cuisine and arts. We have also created an exciting series of customized tours around Chicago available in our MINI Cooper S Clubman for guests staying in suites. -
If you choose to tackle the task of driving to The Peninsula Chicago, you really only have one option for parking. For $51 per night, valet your car with the trustworthy attendants at the Forbes Travel Guide Five-Star hotel. You have in-and-out privileges, so you can take your vehicle for a ride down Lake Shore Drive to see Lake Michigan, if you so choose. Of course you can park on the street, but that is at your own risk; street parking is pricey and extremely hard to find in this Gold Coast neighborhood. The valet attendants will take good care of your car while you enjoy your carefree stay at the Forbes Travel Guide Five-Star hotel. And if you decide to leave the car at home, not to worry: The Peninsula also has a house car that will shuttle you to various areas in the city.
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One of the things we love about The Peninsula Chicago is the complimentary Internet access — a rarity in luxury hotels. Connect wirelessly or with a cable to the Internet throughout the hotel. It is easy to surf the Web at your leisure without worrying about when your time is going to run out. The Wi-Fi is very reliable and has a strong connection in the guestrooms and suites. You can also access the Internet in the public areas such as The Bar and the pool. There is Wi-Fi access throughout this Forbes Travel Guide Five-Star property, allowing you to stay connected at all times.
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- Maria Zec
- The Peninsula Chicago
- Regional Vice President and General Manager
The Peninsula Chicago loves the holiday season. From the exterior to the guest suites, we decorate the entire hotel. The front entrance has garlands and twinkling lights. The Chinese guardian lions are festively dressed with wreaths. In The Lobby, there are multiple Christmas trees, some supporting the hotel’s Trees of Hope campaign for the Make a Wish Foundation. Each restaurant is decorated and the hotel places trees in suites and meeting rooms. -
The Peninsula Chicago holds plenty of holiday events for its guests. Whether it’s Halloween, Christmas, New Year’s or Thanksgiving, you will certainly be celebrating at this Forbes Travel Guide Five-Star hotel. The Lobby hosts hearty brunches for Easter, Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Years, Mother’s Day and Father’s Day. Ring in the coming year at The Peninsula’s New Year’s Eve Gala with a 10-course dinner and dancing.
Your kids can join in on the holiday fun at the Chicago hotel. From Easter egg hunts to Halloween costume contests, there is plenty of fun to be had in The Children’s Lounge no matter which holiday it is. During the Christmas season, Mrs. Claus stops by for story time and Santa shows up for surprise visits with treats in hand. -
Located on the sixth floor of The Peninsula Chicago, the business center is available 24 hours a day with your room key. This “think center” offers complimentary touch-screen computers that are erased every day to ensure privacy. There is also a paper shredder available for you for added security. If it is going to be a long work session, take advantage of the complimentary bottled water provided by the Chicago hotel. There are also a variety of conference rooms available if you want to plan a meeting there and need space. The business center also features a private office if you have to buckle down and get some work done. This Forbes Travel Guide Five-Star hotel is ideal for business travelers.
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- Todd Nelson
- The Peninsula Chicago
- Chief Concierge
A grand ballroom and seven meeting and banquet rooms are available, many of which have windows. Several of the meeting rooms can be combined to create a larger meeting or event space, if necessary. -
If you forgot your laptop during your stay at The Peninsula Chicago, there is no need to worry. This Forbes Travel Guide Five-Star hotel loans out laptops as well as iPads. All you have to do is ask the concierges, and your wish is their command. The nice thing about getting a loaner laptop at the Chicago hotel is that you don’t have to lug your computer throughout your travels. You can print and scan files from your laptop in your room and use the complimentary Wi-Fi.
If you don’t want to use a laptop, borrow one of the complimentary touch-screen computers in the business center on the sixth floor. Also, the iPads are available at the concierge desk as well as in the restaurants. Sometimes, if you are dining alone, it is nice to read the newspaper or a magazine. Now you can do it the modern way: digitally. -
- Todd Nelson
- The Peninsula Chicago
- Chief Concierge
The Peninsula Chicago loans out iPads to guests dining alone, needing concierge assistance or taking a tour in our MINI Cooper. -
- LeeAnn Brown
- The Peninsula Chicago
- Guest Relations Manager
The Peninsula Chicago provides a 24-hour business center with a wide variety of amenities including printers, fax machines, computers and more. There are also printers/scanners/fax machines located in each guestroom. Suites can easily be turned into the perfect space for a small board meeting. -
The Peninsula Chicago goes out of its way to keep kids happy and feeling every bit as pampered as Mom and Dad. At this Forbes Travel Guide Five-Star hotel, the five best amenities for little ones are:
1. The gift shop. Don’t forget to stop in and pick up a unique souvenir that the kids will be proud to add to their toy collection. We love the “Peter the Bear” teddy. Complete with a pristine white page jacket and distinctive pillbox hat, gold brocade finishes his outfit to make Peter one of the smartest dressed teddy bears in town.
2. Chocolate. Be sure to indulge in Chocolate at The Pen. On Friday and Saturday evenings feast on the most fabulous chocolate buffet prepared by executive chef Kai Lermen and executive pastry chef Celine Plano. At $40 per adults and $20 for children under 12, the all-you-can-eat display is a must-do if you happen to be in town on the weekend and have a mean sweet tooth.
3. Kids Academy. Book your kids into a Peninsula Kids Academy program. The luxury hotel offers unique and fun activities such as their Pen Kids Scavenger Hunt Questions. Or, try the Little Bakers class where kids get to bake and decorate cookies with the pros. Activities start at $49 per child.
4. Overnight deals. At The Peninsula Chicago, you should also ask your reservationist about the Pen Kids’ overnight packages. Goodies including a cute lime-green backpack emblazoned with a Peter the Bear mascot and stuffed with goodies. Packages also include welcome amenities, a duck or frog-themed bath toy and kid-sized robe and slippers to use during their stay.
5. American Girl perks. All fans of American Girl should know that the Chicago hotel has some special amenities for American Girl dolls, too. Some packages include an American Girl doll bed, ensuring everyone in your party gets a good night’s rest. -
While the concierge can set up almost anything to keep your kids entertained during your visit, The Peninsula Chicago offers families The Peninsula Kids Academy. With guidance from the concierge team, enroll your little ones in some fun activities, hand them over to the experts and let the fun begin. Programs include treasure hunts around the luxury hotel and “Little Bakers” classes for budding chefs. Overnight accommodation packages are also available with a host of kid-friendly amenities included. Either way, little ones are sure to have a fun time, make new friends and take home some unique memories of their trip to Chicago. A stay at this Forbes Travel Guide Five-Star hotel will not soon be forgotten.
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- Maria Zec
- The Peninsula Chicago
- Regional Vice President and General Manager
The Peninsula Chicago provides a variety of amenities for families with children, including robes, slippers, special menus, cribs, games on loan, Peter Bear visits, child-friendly welcome amenities, a pool and Peninsula Kids’ Academy Programs. -
- Maria Zec
- The Peninsula Chicago
- Regional Vice President and General Manager
Babysitting services can be arranged if guests are looking for a night out. Simply ask our front desk managers or concierge for assistance. -
- Maria Zec
- The Peninsula Chicago
- Regional Vice President and General Manager
The Peninsula Chicago can host the wedding of your dreams. From an intimate family celebration in a private dining room in one of our restaurants to a grand dinner dance reception with 300 guests in the ballroom, we guarantee wedding perfection. -
- Maria Zec
- The Peninsula Chicago
- Regional Vice President and General Manager
Our naturally lit Grand Ballroom opening onto the flower-filled terrace is the perfect wedding setting for guests. We also have several ’after’ party reception rooms as well as an outdoor terrace when the weather permits. -
- Maria Zec
- The Peninsula Chicago
- Regional Vice President and General Manager
Yes, The Peninsula Chicago is pet-friendly. Pets less than 20 lbs. are welcome in the hotel. The ninth floor is reserved for guests with pets. The hotel offers a variety of pet amenities including pet beds, bowls, special menus and dog-walking services. -
- Todd Nelson
- The Peninsula Chicago
- Chief Concierge
The Peninsula Chicago provides a special room service menu, pet welcome amenities, dog sitting and dog walking, in-room Rover Relaxation Massage and access to 24-hour emergency veterinarian care. -
- Todd Nelson
- The Peninsula Chicago
- Chief Concierge
There are a number of romantic spots at The Peninsula Chicago. Some would say no matter the setting you’re in — it can be the most romantic spot. The Bar is sexy and romantic with the roaring fireplace and cozy nooks. The Terrace has beautiful, romantic and quiet locations with day beds and spectacular views of the iconic John Hancock building. Avenues offers great views of the historic Water Tower Park. The Sun Deck at The Spa is quiet and serene. Our guestrooms are also quite serene and romantic. -
- Maria Zec
- The Peninsula Chicago
- Regional Vice President and General Manager
The personalized service. Our staff ensures each guest’s visit exceeds expectations. There is a department dedicated to acquiring and understanding each of our guests’ preferences. We aim to ’wow’ guests with our attention to detail and anticipating their needs during their stay. The hotel’s mission is to offer a combination of “Far Eastern Graciousness combined with Midwestern Hospitality.” -
- Todd Nelson
- The Peninsula Chicago
- Chief Concierge
The hotel’s five best amenities are:
We offer complimentary fitness center, group fitness classes and a beautiful swimming pool.
A 24-hour business center is located inside the hotel.
We have excellent children’s amenities including Play Stations, coloring books and crayons, board games, children’s videos, children’s menus, a swimming pool and an American Girl package.
Our Peninsula Academy Program offers unique, cultural and educational experiences via The Peninsula Chicago.
Guests staying in suites can also enjoy a chauffeured MINI Cooper for up to three hours for suite guests. -
The design style of the Peninsula Chicago is classic with a blend of traditional European elegance. The façade of the building is adorned with attractive lighting that distinguishes the hotel, even among the other fancy buildings in the neighborhood. Inside you’ll find a relaxing color scheme of cream and gold spilling from the lobby.
The enormous 20-foot windows in the hotel’s casual restaurant, the Lobby, and abundant use of high-quality stone, gracious lighting fixtures and gold leaf accents create an elegant atmosphere that’s as comfortable as your own living room. The classic design seamlessly continues into the contemporary, yet luxuriously designed guestrooms, which are adorned with attractive prints topped with high-quality fabrics and furnishings. You can’t help but look around the Five-Star hotel and be inspired for ideas to incorporate into your own home. The Peninsula Chicago’s design style instantly makes you feel at home and surrounds you with a comfortable sense of luxury. -
- Maria Zec
- The Peninsula Chicago
- Regional Vice President and General Manager
The Peninsula Chicago’s pool is located on the 19th floor with floor-to-ceiling 20 ft. windows offering views of the Magnificent Mile and Lake Michigan. It features an 82-foot heated indoor pool, a Jacuzzi, and an outdoor sundeck overlooking the city. Swim conditioning classes and water Pilates are offered as well as room service.
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- Maria Zec
- The Peninsula Chicago
- Regional Vice President and General Manager
The turndown service involves mood lighting, soothing music to create a relaxing atmosphere, turning down each bed, closing the drapes and sheers, bottled water, slippers and a mat, which is positioned bedside. The breakfast menu is placed on the bed. The staff will clean the room, replenish amenities, and leave our Daily Occasions, a newsletter for the following day. -
- Maria Zec
- The Peninsula Chicago
- Regional Vice President and General Manager
We offer 42- and 50-inch plasma televisions in guestrooms and suites respectively with cable programs. -
- Todd Nelson
- The Peninsula Chicago
- Chief Concierge
Yes, The Peninsula Chicago offers in-room DVD players as well as iPod, iPhone and USB drive docking stations. -
- Maria Zec
- The Peninsula Chicago
- Regional Vice President and General Manager
Each guestroom and suite is equipped with a state-of-the-art electronic bedside system that allows guests to control guestroom features with the touch of a button. iPod docking stations as well as memory card readers are in rooms as well. -
- Maria Zec
- The Peninsula Chicago
- Regional Vice President and General Manager
The Peninsula Chicago offers spacious rooms in an atmosphere of big-hearted hospitality, which we’re famous for. Our rooms are classically furnished with elegant decor. A Peninsula Room is a welcome haven, with a luxurious king-sized bed, marble bathroom and soaking tub, complete with inset TV. -
- Maria Zec
- The Peninsula Chicago
- Regional Vice President and General Manager
The Peninsula Chicago’s suites are decorated in our trademark, sophisticated tones of warm beige, browns and gold, and have an elegantly contemporary, timeless and residential feel. Suites include a sitting area, some are separated with double French doors for added privacy. The Grand Deluxe Suite was recently renovated with muted lavender tones and black lacquer finishes, providing a contemporary feel. -
The beds at The Peninsula Chicago are what you’d expect from a Forbes Travel Guide Five-Star hotel located in the heart of the Windy City. The Chicago hotel beds are a generous king size and provide just the right amount of firmness. The 100 percent white-cotton Pratesi linens were excellent quality, and the bed was decorated with four, soft king-sized pillows as well as two decorative pillows that magically disappear after turndown and reappear perfectly positioned each day. The beds here are so comfortable, it was difficult to get out of them each morning, but wonderful to return to them each night.
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- Maria Zec
- The Peninsula Chicago
- Regional Vice President and General Manager
Each guestroom’s workspace includes an integrated sitting area with a desk lamp, two-line international direct dial phones with voice mail and speakerphone capabilities, a private fax/printer/scanner machine and complimentary high speed Wi-Fi and wired Internet access. Business supplies and a desk extension also are also provided. -
The closet in the guestrooms at The Peninsula Chicago sits directly outside the double-door entryway to the bathroom, making the grooming and dressing space more than ample for two to get ready at the same time. The closet itself is well-lit and nicely sized for two people to store away a few nights worth of clothing; there's no need to live out of your suitcase at this luxury hotel. You will find a selection of hangers from padded satin, coat and clip styles to accommodate everything neatly. Each closet and dressing area provides plenty of storage, not only for hanging garments, but also for folded items, too. Need more space? Located directly outside of the closet is an upholstered built-in love seat surrounded by storage drawers. There is ample closet space for your things at this Forbes Travel Guide Five-Star hotel.
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- Maria Zec
- The Peninsula Chicago
- Regional Vice President and General Manager
All guestrooms feature oversized deluxe marble bathrooms with separate water closet and a telephone, a shower, a soaking tub with inset steam-free television, hands-free telephones and mood lighting. -
- Maria Zec
- The Peninsula Chicago
- Regional Vice President and General Manager
The Peninsula Chicago provides Davi, fresh from the vineyards of Napa Valley, California and is a revolutionary luxury skincare line for men and women. Created by winemaker Carlo Mondavi, grandson to the modern American icon Robert Mondavi, Davi skincare is founded upon the antioxidant health benefits found in the fermented grape extracts. A tribute to the Mondavi name, Davi products contain only perfect grapes, as set by the Mondavi standard of nine sets of eyes reviewing each grape before they are deemed suitable for inclusion. The hotel provides shampoo, conditioner, lotion, bath gels and bar soap. -
- Maria Zec
- The Peninsula Chicago
- Regional Vice President and General Manager
Each room at The Peninsula Chicago offers luxurious beds, state-of-the-art technology, unique views, spacious closets and bathrooms as well as a plethora of amenities. Some guests prefer our Grand Deluxe Suites, which offer Northeastern views of Chicago and Michigan Avenues and overlook the historic Water Tower Park. -
- Maria Zec
- The Peninsula Chicago
- Regional Vice President and General Manager
Our smallest guestroom is 530 square feet, which is quite large in the city of Chicago. We provide a variety of different amenities including the ability to open windows for fresh air, a refreshment center, TVs that are built into the armoires, desks with business supplies, scanners, fax machines and printers, bed lights and bedside panels that allow guests to control the TV, radio, lights, privacy features and air conditioning. -
- Maria Zec
- The Peninsula Chicago
- Regional Vice President and General Manager
Some guests prefer our Grand Deluxe Suites, which offer Northeastern views of Chicago and Michigan Avenues and overlook the historic Water Tower Park. -
While you will only find a terrace in one guestroom at The Peninsula Chicago, that doesn’t mean there aren’t great views to be seen. The Peninsula Suite boasts a private terrace on the 18th floor. With 3,000 square feet of living space, we can only expect an outdoor area. Sure enough, this Forbes Travel Guide Five-Star hotel has delivered, yet again. The terrace is complete with a whirlpool, allowing you to take in the hustle and bustle on Michigan and Chicago avenues while you relax.
If you can't book the three-bedroom suite, you can always head down to The Terrace on the fourth floor for drinks and appetizers. Sharing an outdoor space with Shanghai Terrace, this bar offers views of Michigan Avenue as well as Lake Michigan. -
The Peninsula Chicago offers a few options for connected rooms and suites. Request to have two Grand Deluxe rooms, complete with king-sized beds, side-by-side so that you can connect them. This is ideal for families or groups of friends because you can always keep track of the people in the other room. These rooms share door in the middle.
There is also the option of combining a Deluxe Suite and Deluxe Room to create a two-bedroom suite. The living room space that is part of the Deluxe Suite acts as a common area between the two bedrooms. This is perfect for larger families who need the extra space. The suite can either have two double beds or one king-sized bed while the guestroom will come with a king bed.
You can also connect two Executive Suites, which will make a two-bedroom suite complete with two king beds. There are a variety of options to connect rooms and suites at the Forbes Travel Guide Five-Star hotel. -
The Peninsula Chicago has 339 guestrooms and suites spanning 20 floors. The hotel’s most recent renovation was in 2009, when all rooms and suites received aesthetic and electronic upgrades.
Within the 256 standard rooms, there are three categories; the superior rooms are the smallest of the guestrooms, but are in no way standard when it comes to luxury. With more than 530 square feet, these rooms are some of the largest in Chicago. The deluxe rooms are a step above the superior rooms, as they’re a bit bigger, and the grand deluxe rooms are the largest of the guestrooms, offering views of Michigan Avenue and the historic Water Tower.
The 83 suites at the Five-Star hotel are broken up into six categories that range from one- to three-bedroom configurations. The executive suite is the smallest of the six, but still features a separate living room. Two of these suites can connect to create a two-bedroom suite that’s perfect for families. The junior suite features a living area and bedroom separated by French doors. These suites offer stellar views of Michigan Avenue, which explains why it’s the most popular category of suites.
The deluxe suite is a step above the junior suite and can have one king bed or two double bed, and deluxe suites can connect to create a perfect bridal suite. The grand deluxe suite, which overlooks Michigan Avenue, boasts one bedroom, 1.5 bathrooms and a separate living room that combine to spread more than 1,000 square feet. The grand suite flaunts two bedrooms with views of Chicago from three sides. Lastly, the Peninsula Suite is this Five-Star hotel’s answer to the presidential suite. Located on the 18th floor, this suite can be anywhere from one to three bedrooms, and there’s even an outdoor terrace that features a whirlpool.
No matter how many people are in your party, or how much space you need to feel comfortable, the guestrooms and suites at the Peninsula Chicago offers a variety of solutions for you accommodation needs. -
- Maria Zec
- The Peninsula Chicago
- Regional Vice President and General Manager
The Peninsula Chicago offers spacious rooms in an atmosphere of big-hearted hospitality, which we’re famous for. Our rooms are classically furnished with elegant decor. A Peninsula Room is a welcome haven, with a luxurious king-sized bed, marble bathroom and soaking tub, complete with inset TV. -
- Maria Zec
- The Peninsula Chicago
- Regional Vice President and General Manager
The Peninsula Chicago’s suites are decorated in our trademark, sophisticated tones of warm beige, browns and gold, and have an elegantly contemporary, timeless and residential feel. Suites include a sitting area, some are separated with double French doors for added privacy. The Grand Deluxe Suite was recently renovated with muted lavender tones and black lacquer finishes, providing a contemporary feel. -
- Maria Zec
- The Peninsula Chicago
- Regional Vice President and General Manager
All guestrooms feature oversized deluxe marble bathrooms with separate water closet and a telephone, a shower, a soaking tub with inset steam-free television, hands-free telephones and mood lighting. -
When you first walk into your suite at The Peninsula Chicago, you will certainly ogle at the amazing bathroom. The deep soaking tub is accompanied by a steam-free television embedded in the wall, allowing for utter relaxation. Mood lighting transforms the bathroom into your very own day spa or romantic oasis at the touch of a button. The marble shower gives off great water pressure, while a robe and slippers are waiting for you to curl up in after your nice hot shower. The water closet has an extra privacy feature with its own cubicle surrounded by frosted glass.
There is a telephone in the bathroom as well, so you don’t have to miss that call you’ve been waiting for all day. The great thing about the phone is that it is hands-free, in case you have to jump out of the bath to answer a call. The grandiose vanity boasts two sinks with plenty of room to organize your toiletries. Each bathroom comes with a hair dryer and toiletries. The bathrooms are one of the top features of this Forbes Travel Guide Five-Star Chicago hotel. -
There is just one room in The Peninsula Chicago that has a fireplace. The Peninsula Suite boasts three bedrooms spread out over 3,000 square feet; so it is only natural that it would have a fireplace. The gas fireplace is located in the suite’s spacious living room. If you can't get the suite, you have other options. The Bar has a great fireplace that is a perfect place to cozy up next to that special someone on a cold Chicago winter night. The dark lighting in The Bar allows for the fireplace to illuminate the room in a romantic way.
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- Maria Zec
- The Peninsula Chicago
- Regional Vice President and General Manager
Hamachi Ceviche or Halibut Cassoulet at The Lobby are two popular lunch or dinner entrees. One of the beautiful French pastry desserts, such as the tartines or tart flamb�s, are the most popular options from Pierrot Gourmet. Our wide assortment of dim sum and Peking Duck at Shanghai Terrace are two great choices for dinner. The sushi, mini hamburgers and scotch flights are popular at The Bar. Lastly, The Chocolate Bar offered at The Lobby on Friday and Saturday evenings is always a winning choice. -
You’ll have plenty of dining options at The Peninsula Chicago where there’s four restaurants - the Lobby, Avenues, the Terrace and Shanghai Terrace - in addition to Pierrot Gourmet, a European-style café adjacent to the Five-Star hotel.
The Lobby is situated in - you guessed it - the lobby of the hotel. It’s decorated in the same classical European style as the rest of the hotel’s public spaces; chairs are luxuriously upholstered with soft fabric, and the 20-foot floor-to-ceiling windows loom over the restaurant, making this a bright and airy space - perfect for ladies to lunch. The Lobby serves American dishes for breakfast, lunch and dinner. You can also partake in a traditional afternoon tea service in the Lobby, if that’s your cup of tea.
Avenues, the hotel’s fine-dining option, has traditional seating and bar-style seating at its open kitchen. Traditional and understated in setup, Avenues might not excited you with its interior when you’re used to the design style of the rest of the hotel. However, you’ll soon forget about the ho-hum décor when the contemporary cuisine peppered with seasonal ingredients makes its way to your table. Flavors are one-of-a-kind, and your meal will be memorable - we highly suggest the grilled hamachi with crispy pig tail, or the tom kha gai, an aromatic Thai coconut soup.
The Terrace, open seasonally, serves cocktails and small plates with a side of views over Millennium Park. The best nights to get a table at this restaurant are Wednesday and Saturday evenings between May and September; come then, you’ll be able to enjoy the fireworks at nearby Navy Pier.
The Shanghai Terrace’s outdoor patio area is open seasonally, offering you Shanghai fare, Cantonese cuisine and delicious seasonal cocktails. Decorated in a 1930s supper-club style, this restaurant also offers private dining for small parties up to 30. It’s a perfect place to celebrate a special occasion with friends and family.
Decorated in the style of a little French bistro, the Pierrot Gourmet café next to the hotel offers traditional seating options and larger “family style” tables. Pastries, tarts and other sweet treats are not to be missed - we love the signature sourdough tartines and chocolate-orange brioches - a must for any Francophile.
Shanghai-chic, French patisserie and fine dining - whatever your desired style of meal, the Peninsula Chicago likely has something to satisfy your hunger. -
The Peninsula Chicago’s aptly name the Bar is the place to meet for a pre-dinner, pre-theater or post-work drink.
Unlike the rest of the hotel, the Bar takes on a more art-nouveau style of décor, with a somewhat more contemporary, yet still classical vibe. The color scheme changes from golds and creams to dark rich woods and jewel tones. The Bar definitely has a more masculine appeal to it, yet is a warm and inviting environment where you can feel comfortable to loosen your tie, slip off your high heels and slouch into the sofas. The lighting is modulated to a soft glow, and you instantly feel the fast pace of the city fade away. Enjoy a cocktail, or choose a beverage from the diverse list of wines, cognacs and other popular night caps the Bar at the Peninsula Chicago has to offer when you just want to get away from it all, or when you’re looking to get the night started right. -
- Maria Zec
- The Peninsula Chicago
- Regional Vice President and General Manager
If you’re looking for fresh, organic and flavorful contemporary American cuisine, The Lobby is ideal for a power breakfast. If you’d like to spend your morning in a European café, you can join us at our street level café at Pierrot Gourmet. -
- Maria Zec
- The Peninsula Chicago
- Regional Vice President and General Manager
Our egg white frittata and classic eggs benedict are some of our signature breakfast dishes, as well as the freshly baked bread available in both The Lobby and at Pierrot Gourmet. The pastrami corned beef hash served in The Lobby was selected by GQ Magazine as one of the 10 best breakfasts in the country. Pierrot Gourmet’s menu features a variety of European dishes available for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Some of our breakfast items include vegetable and sausage frittatas, Scottish smoked salmon, Belgium waffles, a variety of fruits and oatmeal, and coffee, espresso and teas. -
- Maria Zec
- The Peninsula Chicago
- Regional Vice President and General Manager
Our signature dishes at Shanghai Terrace are Peking Duck, Kung Pao Prawns and Steamed Market Fish. The Lobby’s signature dinner dishes are Truffle Macaroni and Cheese, Modern Barbeque, and our new Hamachi Ceviche. Downstairs at Pierrot Gourmet, our signature dishes are Quiche Lorraine and Lamb Shepherds Pie. -
At The Bar at The Peninsula Chicago you can select from a comprehensive list of wines. This Forbes Travel Guide Five-Star hotel offers a variety of wines by the glass that are well-chosen and would appeal to a variety of tastes. For example, we enjoyed a glass of the respectable house chardonnay, which is Chance, while those looking for a more distinctive label can choose a Stags Leap. Whether you’re looking for a glass or a bottle, red or white, you'll find a pour at The Bar at The Peninsula Chicago.
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- Maria Zec
- The Peninsula Chicago
- Regional Vice President and General Manager
While we don’t currently offer entertainment at The Bar, we do feature live musicians, who perform in The Lobby during afternoon tea, dinner service weekdays and Sunday Brunch. -
The Peninsula Chicago offers a 24-hour room service menu that’s divided into clear and easy-to-read sections with choices that are varied, but not overwhelming. Create the experience you want with everything from a quick snack to a romantic three-course dinner for two.
Guests can choose from a variety of hot and cold breakfast dishes, light soups, salads and sandwiches on the all-day dining menu, and for dinner there’s fresh market fish and red meat entrées, as well as a kids menu. Still hungry after midnight? There’s a decent late-night snack menu offering a must-try-at-least-once Chicago-style hot dog. Staff will aptly set up everything at your finger tips, set your chair to face the TV and subtly place your remote control next to your fork to ensure a complete Five-Star in-room dining experience; suffice it to say, the in-room dining at the Peninsula Chicago sure beats picking up fast food. -
- Maria Zec
- The Peninsula Chicago
- Regional Vice President and General Manager
You can order virtually anything from the room service menu at The Peninsula Chicago, from truffle popcorn to Polish beef hot dogs, we serve it all and if it isn’t on our menu, we will prepare it for you or find it for you. -
In-room dining at The Peninsula Chicago is one of the easiest dining options for families dining with children, since there are no formalities here. Most of the restaurants at this Forbes Travel Guide Five-Star hotel are really only suitable if your kids are “restaurant trained.” If they are, The Lobby is a great option, not too formal, and menu has something for everyone. If you are brave (or foolish) you may want to try taking the kids to the Sunday brunch. There are many options on the menu and surely something to suit even the pickiest of little eaters.
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The Peninsula Chicago offers a great kids’ room service menu. Whether your little one wants breakfast for lunch or a creative dinner, this menu has it. Your child can choose from breakfast dishes such as silver dollar pancakes and farm eggs cooked any style. The imaginative TV dinners are served with organic vegetables and a delicious gooey brownie. There are choices such as all natural mini burgers and free-range chicken tenders on this classic menu. Other items include macaroni and cheese, heirloom tomato soup, and spaghetti with tomato sauce. There is even a kids’ dessert menu with choices such as a banana split, berry yogurt and a rice crispy bar. Your kids will eat well at this Forbes Travel Guide Five-Star hotel.
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- Maria Zec
- The Peninsula Chicago
- Regional Vice President and General Manager
Yes, a beautiful Sunday Brunch is offered in the sun-drenched Lobby from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. A variety of different stations are offered each Sunday, including cheeses, omelet stations, Japanese stations and pastry stations. We also feature a live jazz band and vocalist each Sunday. We also serve child-friendly foods featuring items all children love, such as peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, brownies, rice crispy treats and mini pizzas. Brunch is $75 per adult and $32 per child 12 years and under. During the holidays, we offer festive brunch buffets featuring seasonal cuisine, three to four seating options and festive music. -
- Maria Zec
- The Peninsula Chicago
- Regional Vice President and General Manager
Hamachi Ceviche or Halibut Cassoulet at The Lobby are two popular lunch or dinner entrees. One of the beautiful French pastry desserts, such as the tartines or tart flamb�s, are the most popular options from Pierrot Gourmet. Our wide assortment of dim sum and Peking Duck at Shanghai Terrace are two great choices for dinner. The sushi, mini hamburgers and scotch flights are popular at The Bar. Lastly, The Chocolate Bar offered at The Lobby on Friday and Saturday evenings is always a winning choice. -
You’ll have plenty of dining options at The Peninsula Chicago where there’s four restaurants - the Lobby, Avenues, the Terrace and Shanghai Terrace - in addition to Pierrot Gourmet, a European-style café adjacent to the Five-Star hotel.
The Lobby is situated in - you guessed it - the lobby of the hotel. It’s decorated in the same classical European style as the rest of the hotel’s public spaces; chairs are luxuriously upholstered with soft fabric, and the 20-foot floor-to-ceiling windows loom over the restaurant, making this a bright and airy space - perfect for ladies to lunch. The Lobby serves American dishes for breakfast, lunch and dinner. You can also partake in a traditional afternoon tea service in the Lobby, if that’s your cup of tea.
Avenues, the hotel’s fine-dining option, has traditional seating and bar-style seating at its open kitchen. Traditional and understated in setup, Avenues might not excited you with its interior when you’re used to the design style of the rest of the hotel. However, you’ll soon forget about the ho-hum décor when the contemporary cuisine peppered with seasonal ingredients makes its way to your table. Flavors are one-of-a-kind, and your meal will be memorable - we highly suggest the grilled hamachi with crispy pig tail, or the tom kha gai, an aromatic Thai coconut soup.
The Terrace, open seasonally, serves cocktails and small plates with a side of views over Millennium Park. The best nights to get a table at this restaurant are Wednesday and Saturday evenings between May and September; come then, you’ll be able to enjoy the fireworks at nearby Navy Pier.
The Shanghai Terrace’s outdoor patio area is open seasonally, offering you Shanghai fare, Cantonese cuisine and delicious seasonal cocktails. Decorated in a 1930s supper-club style, this restaurant also offers private dining for small parties up to 30. It’s a perfect place to celebrate a special occasion with friends and family.
Decorated in the style of a little French bistro, the Pierrot Gourmet café next to the hotel offers traditional seating options and larger “family style” tables. Pastries, tarts and other sweet treats are not to be missed - we love the signature sourdough tartines and chocolate-orange brioches - a must for any Francophile.
Shanghai-chic, French patisserie and fine dining - whatever your desired style of meal, the Peninsula Chicago likely has something to satisfy your hunger. -
The Peninsula Chicago’s aptly name the Bar is the place to meet for a pre-dinner, pre-theater or post-work drink.
Unlike the rest of the hotel, the Bar takes on a more art-nouveau style of décor, with a somewhat more contemporary, yet still classical vibe. The color scheme changes from golds and creams to dark rich woods and jewel tones. The Bar definitely has a more masculine appeal to it, yet is a warm and inviting environment where you can feel comfortable to loosen your tie, slip off your high heels and slouch into the sofas. The lighting is modulated to a soft glow, and you instantly feel the fast pace of the city fade away. Enjoy a cocktail, or choose a beverage from the diverse list of wines, cognacs and other popular night caps the Bar at the Peninsula Chicago has to offer when you just want to get away from it all, or when you’re looking to get the night started right. -
The Peninsula Chicago offers a 24-hour room service menu that’s divided into clear and easy-to-read sections with choices that are varied, but not overwhelming. Create the experience you want with everything from a quick snack to a romantic three-course dinner for two.
Guests can choose from a variety of hot and cold breakfast dishes, light soups, salads and sandwiches on the all-day dining menu, and for dinner there’s fresh market fish and red meat entrées, as well as a kids menu. Still hungry after midnight? There’s a decent late-night snack menu offering a must-try-at-least-once Chicago-style hot dog. Staff will aptly set up everything at your finger tips, set your chair to face the TV and subtly place your remote control next to your fork to ensure a complete Five-Star in-room dining experience; suffice it to say, the in-room dining at the Peninsula Chicago sure beats picking up fast food.
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The gym at Peninsula Chicago is filled with sunlight, thanks to its prime corner location. We can’t think of a better motivator than a view of Lake Michigan as you work up a sweat on one of the six treadmills. There are also plenty of other cardio machines, pretty much guaranteeing that you won’t have to wait to get your heart rate going. And if you’re into throwing around dumbbells and free weights, an abundance of weight training equipment is waiting for you - we’re talking machines for just about every muscle you can think of, and then some.
The certified personal trainers at the Peninsula Chicago can give you a run for your money if you need that extra push to get yourself to the gym. The Five-Star hotel also offers more than 30 classes per week, none of which will cost you a thing extra. Private lockers along one wall prevent you from having to worry about keeping track of your room key while you work out, and you’ll find bottled water, both chilled and at room temperature, towels and headphones nearby to give you everything you need to stay efficient during your workout. The Peninsula Chicago’s gym might not quite be a health club - but it sure is close. -
- Maria Zec
- The Peninsula Chicago
- Regional Vice President and General Manager
The Peninsula Chicago’s Fitness Centre offers ultra-modern Life Fitness and Cybex equipment, complete with personal televisions and headphones. -
The Peninsula Chicago boasts both fitness classes and personal training in the gym. With more than 30 complimentary classes featured per week, there is no doubt that you will find one that suits your fitness level. Yes, you read that right; all of the classes are complimentary.
Aqua Pilates and aqua aerobics both take advantage of the indoor pool located next to the gym. The strength classes each specialize in something different, such as core, cardio and functional strength. For a butt-kicking class, try out the boot camp, which is just as tough as it sounds. Of course, to calm yourself down after all this fitness, choose from a variety of yoga and Pilates classes.
If you are looking to learn the ropes in the gym, book a session with one of the certified personal trainers. The trainers at this Forbes Travel Guide Five-Star hotel are professionals in every sense of the word. You will walk out of your $80-per-hour session — well, you may crawl after the hard work you’ve accomplished in just 60 minutes — feeling like a million bucks. There are also personal trainers who will specifically school you in yoga and Pilates.
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- Maria Zec
- The Peninsula Chicago
- Regional Vice President and General Manager
The Peninsula Chicago’s gym is open Monday-Friday from 5:30 a.m.-10 p.m., Saturdays from 6:30 a.m.-10 p.m. and Sundays from 6:30 a.m.-8 p.m. If guests want access prior, the hotel can make arrangements for them. The Peninsula Chicago’s pool’s hours are 5:30 a.m.-9:30 p.m. on Monday-Saturdays and 6:30 a.m.-7:30 p.m. on Sundays. -
After a hard workout in the gym at The Peninsula Chicago, relax in the spacious locker room. Even though there are private lockers in the gym itself for you to store your room key and whatnot, it is always nice to freshen up after a good sweat. The locker rooms have wood lockers available for you to store a change of clothes during your workout.
There is a seating area for you to take a breather while you sip on some of the bottled water and cool down with a chilled towel. There’s nothing more relaxing than a good steam room session after a long workout. Luckily, the locker rooms at this Forbes Travel Guide Five-Star hotel have a great steam room. You don’t even have to worry about carrying the wet bathing suit back up to your room because the locker rooms have a special swimsuit dryer.
When you need to clean up, hit one of the four showers enclosed by frosted glass. There are plenty of towels available, too. The locker room is what you’d expect at a Forbes Travel Guide Five-Star hotel. -
- Chrysse Preonas
- The Peninsula Chicago
- Director of The Peninsula Spa by ESPA
The Peninsula Spa by ESPA’s fitness center provides a wide variety of amenities for guests. We provide water, headphones and complimentary towels, as well as many hair products and necessities in our locker rooms. We provide small lockers for guests to keep items in, room temperature or cold water, and the staff passes out cool towels to guests using cardio equipment. -
You almost can’t miss the jogging route near the Peninsula Chicago: Lake Michigan. No, we’re not saying you need to walk or jog on water; instead, the lake has a path running parallel to it that lets you go for a run with a terrific scenery at your side. You can pick up a jogging map from the concierge or in your room to plan out your cardio session along the great lake.
Just four blocks from the hotel is Oak Street Beach, and you can access the lake shore path through a tunnel that takes you under the legendary Lake Shore Drive. On a nice day, this lakeside path can get pretty crowded, so make sure you keep your head up. You can run anywhere from one mile to 10 miles along the lake, and the lobby at the Peninsula Chicago has water and towels for you on the weekend to supplement your cardio trek.
You can also jog through the beautiful Gold Coast neighborhood; with the exception of Michigan Avenue, Chicago’s sidewalks are not usually that crowded and tend to be pretty easy to run on - not to mention a great way to explore a side of the city you may not see otherwise. You can get a solid run in as you navigate through the Gold Coast, and you’ll notice the streets are lined with beautiful brownstones, each one of them unique.
Chicago is a great place to jog when the weather permits. If you are visiting in the winter, you’ll more than likely stay inside and make use of one of the six treadmills in the gym. You will still get a view of the lake, but without that frostbitten wind whipping at your face. But for the rest of the year, the Peninsula Chicago’s ideal location puts you right in the heart of some of the city’s best scenery and jogging paths. -
The gym at Peninsula Chicago is filled with sunlight, thanks to its prime corner location. We can’t think of a better motivator than a view of Lake Michigan as you work up a sweat on one of the six treadmills. There are also plenty of other cardio machines, pretty much guaranteeing that you won’t have to wait to get your heart rate going. And if you’re into throwing around dumbbells and free weights, an abundance of weight training equipment is waiting for you - we’re talking machines for just about every muscle you can think of, and then some.
The certified personal trainers at the Peninsula Chicago can give you a run for your money if you need that extra push to get yourself to the gym. The Five-Star hotel also offers more than 30 classes per week, none of which will cost you a thing extra. Private lockers along one wall prevent you from having to worry about keeping track of your room key while you work out, and you’ll find bottled water, both chilled and at room temperature, towels and headphones nearby to give you everything you need to stay efficient during your workout. The Peninsula Chicago’s gym might not quite be a health club - but it sure is close. -
- Maria Zec
- The Peninsula Chicago
- Regional Vice President and General Manager
The Peninsula Chicago’s Fitness Centre offers ultra-modern Life Fitness and Cybex equipment, complete with personal televisions and headphones. -
- Chrysse Preonas
- The Peninsula Chicago
- Director of The Peninsula Spa by ESPA
The Peninsula Spa by ESPA’s fitness center provides a wide variety of amenities for guests. We provide water, headphones and complimentary towels, as well as many hair products and necessities in our locker rooms. We provide small lockers for guests to keep items in, room temperature or cold water, and the staff passes out cool towels to guests using cardio equipment. -
You almost can’t miss the jogging route near the Peninsula Chicago: Lake Michigan. No, we’re not saying you need to walk or jog on water; instead, the lake has a path running parallel to it that lets you go for a run with a terrific scenery at your side. You can pick up a jogging map from the concierge or in your room to plan out your cardio session along the great lake.
Just four blocks from the hotel is Oak Street Beach, and you can access the lake shore path through a tunnel that takes you under the legendary Lake Shore Drive. On a nice day, this lakeside path can get pretty crowded, so make sure you keep your head up. You can run anywhere from one mile to 10 miles along the lake, and the lobby at the Peninsula Chicago has water and towels for you on the weekend to supplement your cardio trek.
You can also jog through the beautiful Gold Coast neighborhood; with the exception of Michigan Avenue, Chicago’s sidewalks are not usually that crowded and tend to be pretty easy to run on - not to mention a great way to explore a side of the city you may not see otherwise. You can get a solid run in as you navigate through the Gold Coast, and you’ll notice the streets are lined with beautiful brownstones, each one of them unique.
Chicago is a great place to jog when the weather permits. If you are visiting in the winter, you’ll more than likely stay inside and make use of one of the six treadmills in the gym. You will still get a view of the lake, but without that frostbitten wind whipping at your face. But for the rest of the year, the Peninsula Chicago’s ideal location puts you right in the heart of some of the city’s best scenery and jogging paths.
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Getting from the airport to The Peninsula Chicago is not difficult as Chicago is one of the easier cities to navigate, which is one of the benefits of staying here. Two international airports serve the city: O’Hare and Midway. During non-peak hours, you can swiftly whisk through light-to-moderate traffic and be at the hotel within 30 minutes.
Cabs are never in short supply going to or from the Forbes Travel Guide Five-Star hotel. Expect the trip to take around 20 minutes from Midway, which is southwest of downtown, while the trip from O’Hare can take a bit longer even without traffic. You should allow at least 30 minutes for your trip from this airport located northwest of the city. During rush hour, which usually starts at 3 and ends at 7 p.m., or in bad weather you can expect to at least double the travel time.
If you’re looking to avoid sitting in traffic, the CTA blue line will take you to the Loop from O’Hare, and the orange line from Midway. The Chicago hotel also offers a limousine service. For around $150 each way, you won’t get there any faster than a cab, but you’ll arrive in comfort and style. -
The closest station to The Peninsula Chicago would be the red line’s Chicago and State stop. The fast red line runs up and down State Street.
If you are flying in with light luggage and don’t mind a little bit of walking, O’Hare offers a convenient train service on the CTA and will drop you off just a few blocks from the hotel. Keep in mind taking any train service from the airport to the hotel can be challenging, and while a ticket will be a fraction of the cost of a cab or limo, maneuvering your luggage among the crowds and tight spaces is not the most pleasant way to start or end your trip to The Peninsula Chicago. Save your introduction to the hustle and bustle of the train system for small in-town trips such as heading up to Lincoln Park for a spot of lunch at North Pond.
Union and Ogilvie stations serve the Metra and Amtrak system and are also within two miles of the Forbes Travel Guide Five-Star hotel. These rails go to the Chicago-area suburbs as well as Milwaukee and other nearby cities.
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- Todd Nelson
- The Peninsula Chicago
- Chief Concierge
The hotel’s five best amenities are:
We offer complimentary fitness center, group fitness classes and a beautiful swimming pool.
A 24-hour business center is located inside the hotel.
We have excellent children’s amenities including Play Stations, coloring books and crayons, board games, children’s videos, children’s menus, a swimming pool and an American Girl package.
Our Peninsula Academy Program offers unique, cultural and educational experiences via The Peninsula Chicago.
Guests staying in suites can also enjoy a chauffeured MINI Cooper for up to three hours for suite guests. -
The Peninsula Chicago offers both limousine and car service during your stay. In fact, this Forbes Travel Guide Five-Star hotel is famous for its luxury house vehicles. The hotel recently added brand-new Mini Coopers to its fleet. Complimentary access to the Mini Cooper S Club cars is restricted to those checking into suites, however all guests have access to the chauffeur-driven limo service by reservation. Getting around the Windy City in the Chicago hotel’s car and limo service is traveling in style all the way. It’s a great way to explore the sights, restaurants and attractions of the world-class city.
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The concierge at the Peninsula Chicago can do just about anything for you; no request is too big or too small and this team is used to handling everything from the ordinary to the obscure.
The chief concierge at the hotel.Todd Nelson,and his team of experts can arrange everything from noshing on foie gras at one of the city’s top restaurants to suggesting a casual eatery where the locals go for the best Chicago-style hot dogs or pizza. The Peninsula Chicago website features “Concierge Choice” for pre-arrival inspiration and will soon provide insight into the city’s best-kept shopping secrets. The concierge desk is situated just outside of the Lobby (where afternoon tea is served), but if you can’t muster the strength to get out of your suite, just speed dial the concierge at the Peninsula Chicago from your in-room phone console and they’ll bring the information right to you. -
- Todd Nelson
- The Peninsula Chicago
- Chief Concierge
The concierge staff speak Spanish, Chinese and English, but many of our staff members speak a variety of languages and can translate when needed. -
- Todd Nelson
- The Peninsula Chicago
- Chief Concierge
The Peninsula offers a variety of planned activities for adults and children. We’ve created a series of programs called The Peninsula Academy, which gives guests a personalized and unique experience to key aspects of culture, history, lifestyle, cuisine and arts. We have also created an exciting series of customized tours around Chicago available in our MINI Cooper S Clubman for guests staying in suites. -
If you choose to tackle the task of driving to The Peninsula Chicago, you really only have one option for parking. For $51 per night, valet your car with the trustworthy attendants at the Forbes Travel Guide Five-Star hotel. You have in-and-out privileges, so you can take your vehicle for a ride down Lake Shore Drive to see Lake Michigan, if you so choose. Of course you can park on the street, but that is at your own risk; street parking is pricey and extremely hard to find in this Gold Coast neighborhood. The valet attendants will take good care of your car while you enjoy your carefree stay at the Forbes Travel Guide Five-Star hotel. And if you decide to leave the car at home, not to worry: The Peninsula also has a house car that will shuttle you to various areas in the city.
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One of the things we love about The Peninsula Chicago is the complimentary Internet access — a rarity in luxury hotels. Connect wirelessly or with a cable to the Internet throughout the hotel. It is easy to surf the Web at your leisure without worrying about when your time is going to run out. The Wi-Fi is very reliable and has a strong connection in the guestrooms and suites. You can also access the Internet in the public areas such as The Bar and the pool. There is Wi-Fi access throughout this Forbes Travel Guide Five-Star property, allowing you to stay connected at all times.
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- Todd Nelson
- The Peninsula Chicago
- Chief Concierge
We suggest packing a camera and sunscreen during the summer months, other than that we provide most everything in your guestroom or suite or throughout the hotel. If you forget anything while you’re here, including workout clothing, we have a gift shop with necessities. Our pages, who serve as personal valets for guests would be more than happy to purchase any items you may have forgotten. -
- Todd Nelson
- The Peninsula Chicago
- Chief Concierge
Yes, The Peninsula Chicago offers in-room DVD players as well as iPod, iPhone and USB drive docking stations. -
You almost can’t miss the jogging route near the Peninsula Chicago: Lake Michigan. No, we’re not saying you need to walk or jog on water; instead, the lake has a path running parallel to it that lets you go for a run with a terrific scenery at your side. You can pick up a jogging map from the concierge or in your room to plan out your cardio session along the great lake.
Just four blocks from the hotel is Oak Street Beach, and you can access the lake shore path through a tunnel that takes you under the legendary Lake Shore Drive. On a nice day, this lakeside path can get pretty crowded, so make sure you keep your head up. You can run anywhere from one mile to 10 miles along the lake, and the lobby at the Peninsula Chicago has water and towels for you on the weekend to supplement your cardio trek.
You can also jog through the beautiful Gold Coast neighborhood; with the exception of Michigan Avenue, Chicago’s sidewalks are not usually that crowded and tend to be pretty easy to run on - not to mention a great way to explore a side of the city you may not see otherwise. You can get a solid run in as you navigate through the Gold Coast, and you’ll notice the streets are lined with beautiful brownstones, each one of them unique.
Chicago is a great place to jog when the weather permits. If you are visiting in the winter, you’ll more than likely stay inside and make use of one of the six treadmills in the gym. You will still get a view of the lake, but without that frostbitten wind whipping at your face. But for the rest of the year, the Peninsula Chicago’s ideal location puts you right in the heart of some of the city’s best scenery and jogging paths. -
With so many wonderful amenities at your fingertips at The Peninsula Chicago, we wouldn't blame you for not wanting to leave the luxury hotel. However, if you do venture out, here are the five best things to see and do that are in proximity to the Forbes Travel Guide Five-Star hotel:
1. Navy Pier. The Peninsula Chicago is in an amazing neighborhood, and within walking distance is Navy Pier. Here you will find the ever-popular Children’s Museum, a great rainy-day activity if you are traveling with the family. In good weather, try the 150-foot Ferris wheel, centrally located on the tip of the pier. It takes you on a seven-minute ride over the city skyline, and you can catch some breathtaking views of Lake Michigan. Don’t miss out on the Crystal Garden for a cool place to hide from the summer sun.
2. Shopping. Everyone needs to be able to say he or she went shopping on the world-famous Michigan Avenue, aka “The Magnificent Mile,” and for good reason. Some key stops include American Girl, Tiffany’s, Burberry and Neiman Marcus.
3. Water Tower. Our editors recommend a visit to the Water Tower, one of Chicago’s most historic buildings and an architectural must-see. It's one of the few structures that survived the Great Chicago Fire of 1871.
4. Hancock building. For another rainy-day activity, take the elevator to the observation deck in the John Hancock Center. The observatory is open until 11 p.m., with last admission at 10:30 p.m. Or sit back and enjoy a drink in the 95th-floor restaurant or bar and watch the view 1,000 feet above it all. This is also a great spot to watch the Navy Pier fireworks.
5. River Walk. If you are visiting Chicago in the summer or fall, have the hotel concierge direct you to the River Walk. Along here, you will find a plethora of boat companies with river and lake tours to afford you a new perspective of the Windy City. -
Nearly all of Chicago’s top museums are within walking distance or a short cab ride form The Peninsula Chicago. Must-sees are the Shedd Aquarium, the Adler Planetarium, The Museum of Natural History and — a little farther to the south, but worth the trek — the Museum of Science and Industry. Admission to the museums will run about $20 or $30 per adult.
Don’t forget to include Lincoln Park Zoo on your itinerary. Access to this world-class zoo is free. If you do make it up to the zoo, try to stop at the working farm, which is great for little kids. They can see pigs, cows and chickens among other farm-yard animals. We suggest getting there early to catch the staff milking the cows. Unless you intend to stroll over to Lincoln Park for a bite to eat, ask The Peninsula Chicago to pack you a lunch and a blanket for a picnic at the zoo.
You could spend a week in Chicago and not hit all the top spots. Be sure to ask the concierge at this Forbes Travel Guide Five-Star hotel where he suggests you spend the day. The concierge can advise on the latest special exhibits currently be shown at each museum. -
Chicago is surrounded by beautiful parks that are all within walking distance of The Peninsula Chicago. Not to be missed in summer and fall is Lincoln Park, which sits north of the hotel. It is home to the famous Lincoln Park Zoo and picturesque North Pond. Take a stroll along the boardwalk that encircles a nature preserve; if you are there at just the right time of year, watch your step, since you may catch young ducklings waddling around behind their mother.
Another great park near the Forbes Travel Guide Five-Star hotel is Grant Park, which sits to the east and runs along Lake Michigan. Grant Park is host to some of the best festivals in Chicago, including Lollapalooza and Taste of Chicago. If you walk down there, make a stop at Buckingham Fountain. Officially named Clarence Buckingham Fountain Memorial, it was dedicated in 1927 and it’s one of the largest fountains in the world. Cross over Lake Shore and walk back up along the lakefront. -
- Todd Nelson
- The Peninsula Chicago
- Chief Concierge
The Magnificent Mile and surrounding area hold a vast array of boutiques and retailers, including Ralph Lauren, Saks Fifth Avenue, Tiffany’s and Macy’s. You have found Chicago’s shopping Mecca. -
- Todd Nelson
- The Peninsula Chicago
- Chief Concierge
There are a variety of restaurants located near The Peninsula Chicago, including restaurants such as RL (Ralph Lauren Restaurant) and great deep-dish pizzerias such as Giordano’s. We recommend asking our concierge for advice on which restaurant to visit. -
- Todd Nelson
- The Peninsula Chicago
- Chief Concierge
There are a variety of popular attractions including The Art Institute of Chicago, Millennium Park, Water Tower, Magnificent Mile shopping, the Chicago Lakefront and The John Hancock Observatory located near The Peninsula Chicago. -
- Todd Nelson
- The Peninsula Chicago
- Chief Concierge
The Peninsula Chicago is located near numerous Chicago nightlife locations, including Chicago blues and jazz clubs like the Redhead Piano Bar. -
Public transportation near The Peninsula Chicago is easy to navigate. You can take advantage of the Chicago Transport Authority, or the CTA, knowing it offers one of the most reliable and convenient public transportation systems in the country. The red line runs up and down State Street to whisk you to most areas of the city, while the Metra can be found at Union and Ogilvie stations, if you want to venture out of the Loop and into the suburbs. Tickets and day passes are easy to purchase from the automated ticket machines, which accept cash and credit cards. This all said, if you don’t want to walk, hop in a taxi. In the summer, take go for a ride in the water taxi, which is not only a great way to get around, but allows you to see the city from a different vantage point.
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Located on the sixth floor of The Peninsula Chicago, the business center is available 24 hours a day with your room key. This “think center” offers complimentary touch-screen computers that are erased every day to ensure privacy. There is also a paper shredder available for you for added security. If it is going to be a long work session, take advantage of the complimentary bottled water provided by the Chicago hotel. There are also a variety of conference rooms available if you want to plan a meeting there and need space. The business center also features a private office if you have to buckle down and get some work done. This Forbes Travel Guide Five-Star hotel is ideal for business travelers.
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- Todd Nelson
- The Peninsula Chicago
- Chief Concierge
A grand ballroom and seven meeting and banquet rooms are available, many of which have windows. Several of the meeting rooms can be combined to create a larger meeting or event space, if necessary. -
If you forgot your laptop during your stay at The Peninsula Chicago, there is no need to worry. This Forbes Travel Guide Five-Star hotel loans out laptops as well as iPads. All you have to do is ask the concierges, and your wish is their command. The nice thing about getting a loaner laptop at the Chicago hotel is that you don’t have to lug your computer throughout your travels. You can print and scan files from your laptop in your room and use the complimentary Wi-Fi.
If you don’t want to use a laptop, borrow one of the complimentary touch-screen computers in the business center on the sixth floor. Also, the iPads are available at the concierge desk as well as in the restaurants. Sometimes, if you are dining alone, it is nice to read the newspaper or a magazine. Now you can do it the modern way: digitally. -
- Todd Nelson
- The Peninsula Chicago
- Chief Concierge
The Peninsula Chicago loans out iPads to guests dining alone, needing concierge assistance or taking a tour in our MINI Cooper. -
While the concierge can set up almost anything to keep your kids entertained during your visit, The Peninsula Chicago offers families The Peninsula Kids Academy. With guidance from the concierge team, enroll your little ones in some fun activities, hand them over to the experts and let the fun begin. Programs include treasure hunts around the luxury hotel and “Little Bakers” classes for budding chefs. Overnight accommodation packages are also available with a host of kid-friendly amenities included. Either way, little ones are sure to have a fun time, make new friends and take home some unique memories of their trip to Chicago. A stay at this Forbes Travel Guide Five-Star hotel will not soon be forgotten.
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- Todd Nelson
- The Peninsula Chicago
- Chief Concierge
The nearest golf course is Sydney R. Marovitz Golf Course, which is a 9-hole course near the Lakefront. -
- Todd Nelson
- The Peninsula Chicago
- Chief Concierge
The Peninsula Chicago provides a special room service menu, pet welcome amenities, dog sitting and dog walking, in-room Rover Relaxation Massage and access to 24-hour emergency veterinarian care. -
- Todd Nelson
- The Peninsula Chicago
- Chief Concierge
There are a number of romantic spots at The Peninsula Chicago. Some would say no matter the setting you’re in — it can be the most romantic spot. The Bar is sexy and romantic with the roaring fireplace and cozy nooks. The Terrace has beautiful, romantic and quiet locations with day beds and spectacular views of the iconic John Hancock building. Avenues offers great views of the historic Water Tower Park. The Sun Deck at The Spa is quiet and serene. Our guestrooms are also quite serene and romantic. -
- Maria Zec
- The Peninsula Chicago
- Regional Vice President and General Manager
The Peninsula Chicago’s pool is located on the 19th floor with floor-to-ceiling 20 ft. windows offering views of the Magnificent Mile and Lake Michigan. It features an 82-foot heated indoor pool, a Jacuzzi, and an outdoor sundeck overlooking the city. Swim conditioning classes and water Pilates are offered as well as room service. -
- Maria Zec
- The Peninsula Chicago
- Regional Vice President and General Manager
During summer, cold towels, refreshing sorbets and fruit skewers are offered. During the winter months, we offer complimentary towels and seasonal amenities. We also offer a variety of swimming gear, including kickboards, noodles, a Jacuzzi and reading materials. Guests can also order room service at the pool or out on the sundeck and can also partake in Sunrise Yoga, which takes place each morning. -
The gym at Peninsula Chicago is filled with sunlight, thanks to its prime corner location. We can’t think of a better motivator than a view of Lake Michigan as you work up a sweat on one of the six treadmills. There are also plenty of other cardio machines, pretty much guaranteeing that you won’t have to wait to get your heart rate going. And if you’re into throwing around dumbbells and free weights, an abundance of weight training equipment is waiting for you - we’re talking machines for just about every muscle you can think of, and then some.
The certified personal trainers at the Peninsula Chicago can give you a run for your money if you need that extra push to get yourself to the gym. The Five-Star hotel also offers more than 30 classes per week, none of which will cost you a thing extra. Private lockers along one wall prevent you from having to worry about keeping track of your room key while you work out, and you’ll find bottled water, both chilled and at room temperature, towels and headphones nearby to give you everything you need to stay efficient during your workout. The Peninsula Chicago’s gym might not quite be a health club - but it sure is close. -
- Maria Zec
- The Peninsula Chicago
- Regional Vice President and General Manager
The Peninsula Chicago’s Fitness Centre offers ultra-modern Life Fitness and Cybex equipment, complete with personal televisions and headphones. -
The Peninsula Chicago boasts both fitness classes and personal training in the gym. With more than 30 complimentary classes featured per week, there is no doubt that you will find one that suits your fitness level. Yes, you read that right; all of the classes are complimentary.
Aqua Pilates and aqua aerobics both take advantage of the indoor pool located next to the gym. The strength classes each specialize in something different, such as core, cardio and functional strength. For a butt-kicking class, try out the boot camp, which is just as tough as it sounds. Of course, to calm yourself down after all this fitness, choose from a variety of yoga and Pilates classes.
If you are looking to learn the ropes in the gym, book a session with one of the certified personal trainers. The trainers at this Forbes Travel Guide Five-Star hotel are professionals in every sense of the word. You will walk out of your $80-per-hour session — well, you may crawl after the hard work you’ve accomplished in just 60 minutes — feeling like a million bucks. There are also personal trainers who will specifically school you in yoga and Pilates.
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- Maria Zec
- The Peninsula Chicago
- Regional Vice President and General Manager
The Peninsula Chicago’s gym is open Monday-Friday from 5:30 a.m.-10 p.m., Saturdays from 6:30 a.m.-10 p.m. and Sundays from 6:30 a.m.-8 p.m. If guests want access prior, the hotel can make arrangements for them. The Peninsula Chicago’s pool’s hours are 5:30 a.m.-9:30 p.m. on Monday-Saturdays and 6:30 a.m.-7:30 p.m. on Sundays. -
After a hard workout in the gym at The Peninsula Chicago, relax in the spacious locker room. Even though there are private lockers in the gym itself for you to store your room key and whatnot, it is always nice to freshen up after a good sweat. The locker rooms have wood lockers available for you to store a change of clothes during your workout.
There is a seating area for you to take a breather while you sip on some of the bottled water and cool down with a chilled towel. There’s nothing more relaxing than a good steam room session after a long workout. Luckily, the locker rooms at this Forbes Travel Guide Five-Star hotel have a great steam room. You don’t even have to worry about carrying the wet bathing suit back up to your room because the locker rooms have a special swimsuit dryer.
When you need to clean up, hit one of the four showers enclosed by frosted glass. There are plenty of towels available, too. The locker room is what you’d expect at a Forbes Travel Guide Five-Star hotel. -
- Chrysse Preonas
- The Peninsula Chicago
- Director of The Peninsula Spa by ESPA
The Peninsula Spa by ESPA’s fitness center provides a wide variety of amenities for guests. We provide water, headphones and complimentary towels, as well as many hair products and necessities in our locker rooms. We provide small lockers for guests to keep items in, room temperature or cold water, and the staff passes out cool towels to guests using cardio equipment.