Luxury Stays and Getaways: Personalized Experiences at Four Seasons Hotel Chicago
The name “Four Seasons” has become synonymous with the highest level of hospitality welcome and luxury experience. Whether it’s a stay at one of their resorts or a trip on their chartered jet, Four Seasons commits to going above and beyond.
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Four Seasons Hotel Chicago recently finished a renovation and the public areas sparkle. Gold accents jump out from the white palette with upscale urban artwork providing a warming element. Stepping off the elevator you can turn right toward the lobby and concierge desk or walk down a corridor of white rose trees to either side and a rain shower of golden leaves up above that take you to the royally carpeted stairs ascending to the Grand Ballroom.
The renovation aimed to reimagine the iconic luxury of the Four Seasons hotel throughout the property. Undertaken just after its 30-year anniversary, it invested millions to recreate the hotel as a hub of culture, style and energy.
The Forbes five-star hotel redid the lobby and social lounge, added a new restaurant and bar in partnership with Chef Jonathon Sawyer, and newly designed specialty suites and apartments. Tucked behind the main reception desk is a day bar and social lounge, with jars of hard candies out throughout the day.
“We are creating a destination where guests can revel in cultural immersion with locally-inspired food, drink, art and music that delivers the quintessential Chicago experience,” says Stephen Wancha, general manager of Four Seasons Hotel Chicago.
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The art throughout the hotel is chosen by Chicago-based art consultant Shashi Caudill, who will curate an ever-evolving permanent collection. The lobby is filled with contemporary photography.
Once you head to the guestrooms, marbled black walls with hanging sculptures make waiting for the elevator a pleasure. The rooms themselves are spacious and comfortable with an unparalleled view of the city from some of the highest suites downtown. Caudill’s touch is in the guestroom as well with modern artwork consisting of photography, drawings and abstract expressionism.
Accommodations
The property has a total of 345 guestrooms—160 rooms and 185 suites. They occupy the top 19 floors of a 66-story building. Some overlook Lake Michigan and others take in the Chicago skyline. Located on the Magnificent Mile, it is near the lakefront and easily accessible to Chicago’s business, dining and entertainment centers.
The one- and two-bedroom suites were all redesigned in the recent renovation. They’re inspired by 1940s French style with chocolate browns, steely greys and oceanic blues. The rooms are spacious and comfortable.
Why You’ll Love It
Four Seasons Hotel Chicago is all about providing you with personalized experiences whether it is a private cooking lesson from Chef Sawyer in your guest room or a “Mojitos and Manicure” experience delivered while relaxing in your room and taking in the view.
The view? It’s fantastic. In the suites, there are even cushions on the window ledges because they know you’re going to want to sit there and take in the city. On the weekend we visited, there was both an air show and a thunderstorm that we had front row seats to watch the dazzling shows by humans and nature both.
The hotel collaborates with BELLOSOUND to pipe in music programming form Chicago’s music scene. The tracks that play throughout the hotel are designed to connect you with the Windy City and live entertainment is booked for the lobby in the evenings.
What to Expect
Expect to be pampered in the way that you want to be pampered. Take the time to review their experiences and you’ll know what you want to ask for—whether that is an ice cream trolley visiting your room for the young ones in your life or assistance from the concierge in taking the tours of your choice around the city.
The lobby and common areas are beautifully appointed and there is an urban vibe, an excited energy of people who are happy to be out and about, even masked as the city required during our visit.
Key Features
The Roman-style pool is one made famous as it was the site of a half-minute scene in “Home Alone 2” where Kevin loses his swim trunks. The 50-foot pool has an attached whirlpool and a ceiling that opens up to the sky.
Their 2,300-square-foot fitness facilities have a scenic outlook overlooking Michigan Avenue. It’s open 24/7 and Four Seasons will provide you with a personal trainer upon request. There are also off-site yoga and fitness classes offered at special rates.
The largest ballroom is 7,708 square feet and there are 22 private dining rooms and 12 breakout spaces. The banquet capacity is 1,340. The Grand Ballroom got a recent refresh, newly designed by Pierre Yves Rochon.
The bridal lounge contains a sofa, a full-length tri-fold mirror, a closet and a marble bathroom.
Cuisine
Chef Jonathon Sawyer leads the food and drink experiences as Four Seasons Hotel Chicago. A huge fan of Japanese food—he told us that if he was only ever allowed to have one cuisine for the rest of his life, that is what it would be—he’s created a menu that is inspired by his global travels.
We ate at the Adorn Bar & Restaurant and were treated to three courses of divine cuisine. The Thai Fried Brussel Sprout appetizer was cooked in such away that every layer was crisp and filled with succulent flavor. It had a fish sauce but was not overly fishy, rather the taste of cilantro mint and sweet Fresno chili predominated.
We had to ask Ryder, our server—who was great at making suggestions and kept our meal moving quickly because he knew we had a show to get to that night—what sable was. Google tried to tell us it was a rodent, but he assured us there were no rodents on the menu, only a wonderful fish made with taro root, coconut-herb emulsion and baby bok choy.
Pastry Chef Juan Gutierrez has created an eclectic dessert menu from all around the world. We enjoyed a bowl of Indian delicacies delightfully scented with chai.
Insider’s Tip
Reserve the pool for a late night swim with a loved one. You can book the “Skylight Swim Under the Stars” where you will have the pool and spa to yourself. At 8:30, you get a signature couple’s 80-minute massage and then you can move to the pool area where you will be served a bottle of champagne and canapés.
Spa Treatments
The 8,000-square-foot Spa at Four Seasons Hotel Chicago is designed in a contemporary Mediterranean style with mahogany walls paneled in suede with natural wood flooring and ivory upholstery. There are four treatments rooms, a relaxation lounge, locker rooms with ample space, and a dry sauna and steam room.
Spa treatments include a variety of massages, facials, body treatments, men’s treatments, couples’ treatments, nail services, and such enhancements as back scrubs, scalp treatments, under eye treatments, seasonal champagne and paraffin dips.
To read learn more about my experience at the Spa at Four Seasons Chicago, read my Spa Diary.
For more information and to book a stay, call 312-280-8800 or visit Four Seasons Hotel Chicago’s website and follow them on Instagram: @fschicago
Four Seasons Hotel Chicago, 120 East Delaware Place, Chicago, IL 60611
[Photos by Bridgette Redman]
Bridgette Redman, who is a second-generation journalist, fell in love with spas and travel while working as a writer and editor for 16 years at the Educational Institute of the American Hotel & Lodging Association. As a freelancer for the International SPA Association, she co-wrote two textbooks, nine workbooks and numerous case studies on spas. Her freelance career began in the 80s and she has written for publications in Michigan, Arizona, California, and Texas along with several regional and national publications. She is a committed storyteller who loves sharing narratives which improve people's quality of life and build community. Born and raised in Michigan, she currently lives in Lansing with her husband and son. See more of her writing at www.bridgetteredman.com