W Hotel Chicago Lakeshore
A friend of mine visited Chicago for a few days of work. However, he didn’t want to miss out on some of the sights Chicago had to offer, so I offered to show him around. I stopped by his hotel to pick him up' the W Hotel Chicago Lakeshore.
There is only one word for this place: swank. This is the lap of luxury on the lakefront. There are two W Hotels in Chicago, but this one is the only hotel along Lake Michigan, making it only steps away from the beaches, the Michigan Avenue stores, and Navy Pier.
When I walked into the chic lobby, it’s hard to believe this was once a very modest Days Inn. If it weren’t for the zig-zaggy registration desk, I would’ve sworn I had entered a trendy bar or club. The lobby bar is named “The Living Room,” and is quite an attraction with a recessed floor and dimly lit with candles and ceiling lights. High-energy music plays while fashionably-dressed patrons enjoy martinis, sitting on white-leather stools in the bar and circular black-velvet couches in the lobby. Many people advance from the Living Room to the rooftop Whiskey Sky, the lakefront ‘king’ of nightlife with a spectacular view of the skyline.
I took the elevator up to the appropriate floor and was amazed by the Zen hallways. Small, flat stones border the floors, and warm colors and soft lighting are soothing and inviting. And the rooms themselves? I’d never want to leave! Black faux-fur cube pillows are tossed onto 250-thread-count sheets. Bamboo treatments adorn windows with a city or Lake Michigan view. Sliding bathroom door panels. Ebony desks. Cranberry duvets. Plasma screen TVs. Terry spa robes. In-room massages. *le sigh* If that doesn’t fill your every whim and desire, there is a 24-hour concierge who will cater to all your needs and requests, whether that be reservations for a popular restaurant or candles and champagne.
If you’re looking to fill your Chicago visit with class and style, the single letter W is all you need.
Photo credit: (c/o Flickr) Atelier Teee, (clockwise)'Average Jane, Z_dead, mklingo
W Hotel Chicago Lakeshore: 644 N Lake Shore Dr; 312-943-9200
Parking pay lot, valet available
Public trans: Bus # 2, 3, 3X, 29, 65, 66, 124, 157
http://www.starwoodhotels.com/
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POSTED IN: Architecture & Attractions, Bars and Clubs, Hotels
1 opinion for W Hotel Chicago Lakeshore
Hangover Helpers
Sep 7, 2007 at 12:01 pm
[…] Bliss has locations all across the country, but their Chicago outpost can be found in the W Hotel on Lake Shore Drive, where a beautician scrubs, hydrates, and massages your skin with strange but […]
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