Conrad Chicago
"How did it strike you on arrival?Slick, gleaming, discrete and appropriate to its upscale Magnificent Mile locale. There's an eye-catching lobby sculptural installation that looks like leaves falling to the ground that makes a great introduction to the hotel's stellar art (think Frank Stella, Donald Judd). What’s the crowd like?Business travelers with generous budgets, and shopaholics with designer tastes. The good stuff: Tell us about your room.Stimulation and serenity in balance. Geometric pattern carpeting and interesting modernist art add zest to the rooms' sleek, mid-century look with adequate space to include a window-side couch, table, and chair that lend residential ease even in the entry-level Superior Room. We’re craving some deep, restorative sleep. They got us?There's very cozy bedding, with loads of pillows and easy-to-reach plugs for digital devices on bedside built-in nightstand. How about the little things, like mini bar, or shower goodies. Any of that worth a mention?It's impossible to ignore all the great art, including prints, photographs, and tabletop sculptures, plus loads of natural light through the floor-to-ceiling windows to illuminate them. There are also generous closets and the Nespresso coffeemaker is a plus. Please tell us the bathroom won’t let us down.It's sleek, with polished stone vanities, modernist fixtures, and a spacious walk-in shower. Maybe the most important topic of all: Wi-Fi. What’s the word?Good Wi-Fi and included. Room service: What's it like here?Whether you call for room service or text for it, dishes manage to arrive hot, a not-so-common state. You can even get craft cocktails from the super lobby bar Baptiste & Bottle if you don't have the energy to change out of your bathrobe. Staff: If you could award one a trophy, who gets it?This is a collective star for the staffers who text to see if all is well after check-in, and the text and app services that make communication breezy. What'd we miss?You should get out of your bathrobe and head down to Baptiste & Bottle; it's worth the trip. It specializes in bourbon cocktails and American dishes, like cheddar and chive biscuits and triple-seared New York strip steaks. There's also a rooftop sushi bar with panoramic views, and a ground-level coffee-focused café to cover all your basic food and beverage needs. What was most memorable about your stay?The great cocktails in the lobby bar are worth the trip alone. Bottom line: Why are we booking here?Lovers of design and elevated drinks will embrace the Conrad." - Elaine Glusac
