The Peninsula in Chicago is an adventure in extravagance. Our suite was charming; spacious, and with the most extraordinary bathroom I've ever encountered in a hotel, complete with an enormous soaking tub overlooking the Chicago skyline...and a built-in television behind glass, so you could catch the news while indulging in a bubble bath. (It became my habit.) Our bedlinens were crisp and soft at the same time; and control panels for the lights, the radio, the television, and the front door "privacy" light were well-placed throughout the suite, always a finger-touch away. The hotel's public areas are unapologetically grand; amazing vistas, endless ceilings, and gleaming marble floors. Our only complaints? Room service could be a bit time-consuming; it often took forty minutes to an hour (a far longer wait then, say, the Four Seasons in Beverly Hills or the ever-speedy Covent Garden Hotel in London). Once we even placed a simple order (a pot of coffee) and it never arrived. And the valet wasn't too speedy delivering our luggage upon departure; we must have waited fifteen minutes. If the staff can learn the value of alacrity, then this hotel will rapidly become a true favorite of mine.

After our trip fell thru down to florida b/c my parents still didnt have power from Wilma, the hubby and I decided to take a short trip to chicago. We usually only stay at the Four Seasons, but decided to try the Peninsula based on pics and reviews on here.. and WOW!!! We loved it!

From the moment we arrived.. how the head doorman greeted us and they took care of our bags. we got there early at 11am and our room was ready.. we were personally brought to it and given a tour. we then stepped out and got some lunch.. unfortunately their french bistro was booked solid and i didnt want to wait 1 hour.. so, we ate on michigan. upon returning to the hotel they had placed a bottle of champage and choc dipped strawberries and whipped creme out for us!! what a TREAT!! :)

i then took a bath in the great tub with the tv.. adn set the mood lighting! so much fun!

we had a dinner reservation at Shangai terrace.. and i will agree with the last review.. i wasnt that impressed with the food. to me, it didnt seem to have much taste at all- i got the wok seared lobster and my hubby got the kobi filet.. we also got a bottle of wine and splurged on $20 teas which were amazing.

we had a 9pm reservation for the chocolate buffet.. but, we were so exhuasted from the day we decided to pass.. but, i bet it is amazing!!

upon waking up sunday morning i called to see if we could get a late checkout... they just told me to "name the time".. so, we didnt even have to check out until 3pm!!

i had booked my hubby for a massage at the spa and myself a facial.. the spa and pool are GREAT! on the 19th and 20th floors of the hotel! great viwes! my hubby loved working out and looking at lake michigan! :)

we did have lunch at pierre gourmet then.. it was only a 10 min wait.. EXCELLENT food! i felt like i was back in france! :) tables are very close together and the wait people have to watch out from bumping into one another-- but, itsnt that truly what a french cafe is??

one other thing about the hotel-- im an Orchid lover.. and i could not believe the huge, gorgeous orchids they had all around the hotel!! such an oriental, gorgeous look!!!!

location as well cannot be beat! right across the street from Saks and Neimanns and within walking distance to all that i love about Michigan Ave!

What a great trip! The hotel made all the difference and we will be returning!!

The Peninsula is almost perfect. Simply beautiful hotel. We generally stay at the Four Seasons in Chicago and decided to try the Peninsula for a change. Staff is superb, rooms relatively spacious and location can't be beat. Only one negative. If you are seeking a quiet enviroment, the Peninsula may fall short. Our first room faced Michigan Aveneue and even on the 18th floor, the street noise was significant. Also, our room had a connecting door and the sounds from the room next us were annoying enough that I requested a room change. Staff handled the request quickly and professionally. Our new room faced Chicago Ave and was much better. I do understand that if you want to stay in the heart of a major metro area you will have noise. Although I will say that we've not had noise problems at the Four Seasons. And it borders Michigan Ave also.
But overall the Peninsula is a real treat. Just as a sidebar, I didn't think the Shanghai Terrace was that good. It's ok but the food had too much msg.

Pure luxury ! It would be difficult to find fault with this hotel. The rooms are fantastic - you can't argue with a TV in the bathroom - the staff always anxious to help - and the location for perfect for the Magnificent Mile. If you are able to stay here take the chance!