Chicago is an incredible world-class city with dynamic neighborhoods, top attractions and some of the greatest restaurants around. Open since 2001, The Peninsula Chicago represents the best of the city with enticing places to eat and many proud Chicagoans on staff who want you to love their city just as much as they do. The property’s sense of grandeur makes you feel like a VIP upon arrival, regardless of which one of the 339 luxurious guestrooms and suites you stay in.

STREET CRED: IT’S ALL ABOUT LOCATION

In Chicago, the Magnificent Mile represents the heartbeat of the city. It’s a dynamic area chock full of high-end retailers, gorgeous eateries and businesses. The Peninsula sits smack dab in the middle of it all, providing access to the best the area offers. And just steps away is the Water Tower, one of the city’s most beloved historical landmarks – a survivor of the Great Chicago Fire of 1871 and a symbol of resilience for locals.

WHO HANGS HERE: IS THIS HOTEL FOR YOU?

When celebrities and all-star athletes come to town, it’s likely that you’ll find them staying at The Peninsula. Jennifer Aniston, Aaron Eckhardt, George Clooney and Sophia Loren have all bedded down here. While A-listers feel at home, everyone else does, too. A sophisticated clientele appreciates the high level of service offered, from doormen to housekeeping and front desk staff. It attracts locals, too. The Peninsula is special place where families and friends gather for Sunday brunch and special occasions. It’s where many people create memories.

THE STRAIGHT GOODS: WHAT’S IN THE ROOM?

My corner room was filled with natural light and luxurious amenities. It felt welcoming as soon as I opened the door. I do two things when I enter a hotel room. I check out the toiletries in the bathroom, then sit on the bed to assess the quality of the mattress and linens. At The Peninsula, the toiletries were lovely, packaged in metal tubes – a great way to reduce plastic use. And each property has their own signature scent. In Chicago, it’s a homey mix of red apple, spiced berries and exotic florals. On the bed front, there was more good news. It was dressed in luxurious, made-in-Italy linens from Pratesi and the mattress was both perfectly soft and firm.

The room prioritized comfort with a cozy sofa, a pair of chairs, a proper desk with ample room to work, a small fridge, a Nespresso machine, ultra-plush bathrobes, a bathroom with a separate shower and tub, and dual sinks (with adequate lighting to do makeup and hair). Kudos are also due to excellent blackout curtains – a must for me.

BRAGGING RIGHTS: WHAT ELSE HAS IT GOT?

I didn’t have time to check out the spa, but it looked fab. Treatments are inspired by Ayurvedic and Asian philosophies, ranging from an all-natural Hot Stone Massage, which combines holistic, aromatic oils to a Healthy Glow Facial with customized anti-aging serums. The fitness center looked inviting as well with a full range of state-of-the-art equipment and pleasant views of the city below. I always love it when hotels don’t relegate their fitness facilities to dark basements, almost as an afterthought. And one more highlight is the property’s incredible art. It’s everywhere and it changes throughout the year so there’s always something new to enjoy on repeat visits.

GOOD EATS: COCKTAILS AND CUISINE

You don’t even have to leave the hotel if you don’t want to. You can find places to eat and drink from morning to night right at The Peninsula. I dined at the Shanghai Terrace one evening and discovered some new favorites, including a sumptuous version of Peking duck. Veggie haters will be won over by the braised eggplant in Szechwan sauce and wok-fried Asian vegetables, heavy on the garlic. I fell hard for the dumplings –  crab siewmai as well as the lobster and chicken with black truffle.

Dinner was followed by cocktails at Z Bar, a gorgeous spot with perfect views of the city. Exclusivity shapes its menu, focusing on rare spirits and small-batch bitters you won’t find elsewhere.

Don’t leave without breakfast in the lobby, an elegant, airy space that just begs you to stay and linger a while. I sampled the stuffed French toast made with brioche and The Pen-edict, the hotel’s luxe spin on a classic with a whole lobster tail, caviar and shaved truffle.

A FEW OF OUR FAVORITE THINGS: WHAT STOOD OUT?

It’s an easy answer for me. It’s the service that makes The Peninsula stand out from other five-star hotels. You can sense the pride of the staff working there. They’re friendly and engaging, and very proud of their city. I got great suggestions about what to see and do from everyone – doormen, wait staff and the concierge. A special shout out to the housekeeping staff for folding clothes I had left on the bed and for generously restocking the bathroom toiletries – many of which I took home to enjoy.

PARTING SHOT: IF WE COULD CHANGE ONE THING

Regrets… I have a few. My biggest one was missing out on the heated indoor pool with its stunning views of Lake Michigan. In truth, I couldn’t find any faults at The Peninsula. It is consistently ranked as one of my best hotels in the world. Now, I know why.

Rates at the hotel start at US$521.

Photos courtesy of The Peninsula Chicago.

Michele was a guest of the hotel during her stay. The hotel had no editorial input for this review.