The Ritz-Carlton, Chicago

The Club Lounge was a recent treat. Jeremy seems to create a lovely experience for guests, and Tiffanie C. deserves a lot of credit for getting our Friday girls’ night off to a great start. She was professional and fun, and seemed to understand what guests were looking for. I also love Mel and Jah at the bar. They’re just the right amount of friendly and attentive, and greet me like an old friend when I return. I’ve been a loyal Ritz-Carlton Chicago guest for a few years. The location is great, the lobby and bar are always beautiful, and the rooms, suites, and service are usually on point. A few things have been inconsistent over my last couple of stays. Turndown service used to happen every time, but now it’s hit or miss. Room service is meant to be available 24 hours, yet on two of our last four stays we were told around midnight that it wasn’t available. One receptionist said “until March,” but no one explained why, and it was strange and frustrating not to hear about it at check-in or find a note in the room. We’ve also had a couple of baggage issues, nothing major, but worth mentioning. There have been other small incidents too, the sort you don’t expect at a Ritz-Carlton given the high standard the brand usually sets for itself and regular guests. I still love the Ritz and it remains my go-to when I’m downtown in Chicago.

We stayed for two nights and would come back when we’re in Chicago again. The room was quiet, the bed plush and comfortable, and the carpet felt like cashmere. We had drinks in the lobby the first night and got Starbucks there the next morning. A tasty surprise was waiting in our room when we returned that evening. My boyfriend also enjoyed the fitness center.

Claudia and Rudy made my companion’s birthday one we won’t forget. They surprised us with a gift, a charcuterie plate, drinks, birthday cards, balloons in colors matching my companion’s home country, and a fantastic room upgrade. We felt thoroughly spoiled, and it was genuinely sad to leave for our separate flights home. We arrived early, and the suite was already ready for the birthday celebration. Our corner suite had breathtaking views of Lake Michigan and Navy Pier farther along the shore. It was spacious, with pristine, quality furnishings, plenty of seating, tables and desks, and a powder room in addition to the full bathroom. We were very comfortable there. We spent the last two nights of a remarkable twelve-day birthday trip at the Ritz, after splitting our Chicago stay across four luxury hotels. Every hotel gave us excellent service and special treatment, and none disappointed. At the Ritz, all the staff we met were friendly, professional, and eager to help. We felt valued and pampered. We had room dining, and also enjoyed breakfast at Torali, the main restaurant on the 12th floor lobby. The food was delicious, portions were generous, and service was impeccable and attentive. It was lovely to linger over one last coffee in such a beautiful setting. The whole trip was a pleasure. Chicago surprised us in the best way, and we’re already talking about returning to the Windy City. The Ritz will certainly be part of a future visit.

We’re really looking forward to our stay at Four Seasons Chicago. Leith made booking easy and gave me confidence in the service we’ll receive in person. He was very helpful over the phone, even late in the evening, and confirmed that we’d have a room upgrade before we arrive. The care and attention he showed make it clear the team puts guests first. I wanted to record this in advance so the staff can see the arrangements already made when we check in.