If you’re a hotel junkie ready to traverse the world for a top spot to rest your head, you don’t need to travel that far. Where to get into the holiday vibe is the Peninsula Chicago. Nutcrackers and hot toddies included.

Atmosphere

There are some places in the world that are a classic. The Plaza Athenee, The Ritz and the Georges V in Paris come to the top of the mind — along with The Peninsula Chicago. The Chicago property is one of the best in the whole portfolio. Everything from the traditional-yet-updated decor, service, grand lobby and vibe clearly speaks to what they are selling. You come to The Peninsula Chicago for elegance and luxury, which is in the DNA of the entire experience. This isn’t uptight though; there’s bustle from guests that keeps it lively, and a good energy throughout.

Rooms

I’ve stayed in the most expensive, lavish, top-tier hotels in the world, and some with such incredible design aesthetic, that I’ve bought accessories for my own home. I don’t stay at the Peninsula for inspired home decor ideas. But their rooms have the kind of housekeeping that I would almost eat off the floors. There’s a perfection to the rooms, that it feels like home to me. The beds are deeply comfortable, and regular rooms are appointed with just the right desk space and seating. The baths are impeccably clean and classic (albeit the original, for the most part, and can use a face-lift). To get an impressive room at the Peninsula, you have to bypass a junior suite and splurge on the highest level suite you can in your budget. For me, I normally just take whatever rate I can get in the $500-$600 range and enjoy the hotel facilities.

Food + Beverage

The Peninsula always brings their A-game when it comes to quality of food and drinks on any given Sunday. However, during the holidays, they take it to the next level. The afternoon tea gets sold out months before the Thanksgiving holiday, though as a guest at the hotel, they’ve always managed to squeeze my nieces and me in somewhere. In a world where the tea sandwiches, even at some top hotels, are nothing to write home about, the Peninsula afternoon tea brings back the golden age of this genre. The savories include a lobster roll with caviar, roast beef sandwich and carrot and egg quiche on the unique side. There’s also an open-faced cucumber and a chicken salad for more simple tastes. The scones are tender and served warm, and the sweets are a kids delight. They have Santa on the weekend sittings and live classical music, which makes the tea an occasion.

But the highlight for me is the Christmas brunch, which has rooms of food throughout the lobby and adjacent private event space. Their sushi gives Nobu a run for their money, though for me, the caviar is everything. They have at least a half dozen, if not more, types of caviar with all the accouterments. It’s not inexpensive at $325/person, but I think they lose money on my personal caviar consumption alone. There are raw bar presentations, carving stations, Chinese dim sum, and more types of desserts than I knew existed. I am normally not a buffet person, but the Peninsula Chicago is something special.

On a regular day outside of the holidays, the breakfast shines. They have a Pen special, which is lobster, eggs, caviar and gold leaf on a croissant. In addition, they have items like Shakshuka and globally-inspired dishes, along with a healthy section that shows off their cooking chops. Whether or not I stay at the hotel, the Z Bar on their rooftop is always a stop for a drink. There are newer hotels — like the St. Regis, that has outside restaurants like Mira and Tre Dita, which are excellent. However the Peninsula Chicago never ceases to amaze me with their own in-house chef team.

Spa + Pool

I have spent many an afternoon with the kids at the pool. Even my 18-year-old still likes to dedicate an afternoon with me and her sisters. Because of this, I haven’t spent nearly enough time in the spa. However, like the rest of the hotel, it’s one of the best in the city, along with the workout center. Whether or not you’re staying at The Peninsula, this is a top spa not just in Chicago, but in the U.S.

Service

I’ve been staying at the Peninsula for over twenty years, and everyone is consistently lovely. There is a formal polish to the service that is flawless. It’s been harder though, for whatever reason, for me to form the kind of familiarity that I do at the Park Hyatt across the street. I step out of the Uber at the Park Hyatt and know every single doorman, bellman, and all the restaurant staff. The front desk always seems to change, but they already know that I’m a regular.

At the Peninsula, everyone is super nice to me and their front desk is lovely. However, for about 8 years of staying with them, I was consistently asked if it was my first time at the hotel. I finally said something (which I’m sure is in my file) that after 30+ stays, I thought they could have some sort of recognition that I’m a regular. I’m not that person to think I’m a BFD at all, or who needs anyone to suck up to me. But since then, I’ve received a “welcome back” each time at check in. My point in regaling this story, is that if you’re looking for warm and fuzzy, get to know everyone, maybe you’ll have better luck than me. If you want no-nonsense formal, polished and professional service, this is your place to stay.

Overall: 9/10

Other Reviews You’ll Like

The Updated Amanyara Review 
Park Hyatt Chicago 
Bulgari Hotel Paris 

FAQs

Q: Where is The Peninsula Chicago located?

A: The Peninsula Chicago is located at 108 E Superior St, Chicago, IL 60611.

Q: What restaurants does The Peninsula Chicago have on property?

A: The Peninsula Chicago has four places to dine and drink on property. Pierrot Gourmet is located street-level and is a casual European café. The Lobby is the main dining, which serves breakfast, lunch and dinner. Shanghai Terrace is their renowned Asian restaurant, which serves dim sum and other specialty dishes. Lastly, The Peninsula Chicago has their own rooftop bar, Z Bar, with both indoor and outdoor space for light bites and drinks.

Q: Does The Peninsula Chicago have a pool?

A: Yes, The Peninsula Chicago has an indoor rooftop pool, which is part of its fitness and spa center. It’s one of the most luxurious pools in Chicago.