No one except the Fairmont would manage to combine full-length, startling views of Millennium Park, a brand new restaurant, luxury accommodation, warm and friendly service, and the best concierge in the city, would they?
Fairmont Chicago is centrally located downtown – even more so to the parks than the buildings – and the ideal hotel for business, leisure, or family travel.
The 687-room hotel is full of conveniences (an in-house spa, access to the city’s underground Pedway, child-care and car rental facilities, a lobby bar) but belies its large size with the intimacy it brings to service and attention to detail.
Opened earlier this year, the Columbus Tap is an urban tap house - a brew-centered restaurant that manages to be both modern and traditional, light and airy, but also cozy. While the food isn’t formal, it’s immensely satisfying and presented with a light, fine dining touch that speaks of quality ingredients, expert cooking, and culinary imagination.
While you may want to share chicken wings, pretzels, or pork cracklings, everyone will understand if you order one of the American classics (Rotisserie Chicken served with mashed potatoes, pan drippings and spring vegetables, Whiskey Honey Ham Hock, or a Porchetta Sandwich with chimichurri) all for yourself.
Not a beer drinker? Not to worry. Besides the curated collection of 16 drafts on tap, Columbus Tap also serves highly original seasonal craft cocktails. And the best part is, you don’t even have to leave the hotel (or, even better, find your way home again).
Oh yes – that concierge I mentioned? Gail Walker is calm, warm, and kind (I was in the line behind a very elderly, querulous guest, who was looked after with love), as well as superbly well connected. Talk to her about what you’d like to do in the city, or read on for her unique recommendations on the best in the Windy City.
Best bar:
Celeste: Swanky hangout cocktail bar and New American supper club known to be River North's sexiest 5 a.m. bar in a very sleek art deco space. An absolute Chicago favorite!
Best party spot:
Studio Paris: This is the premier nightlife destination! Studio Paris is for Chicago's most sexy and stylish inhabitants and is notorious for hosting the Windy City's hottest party any night of the week. Their space is very modern with an open and airy feel with a glass roof and windows that open onto the street below. Table reservations are required for entrance so be sure to let your concierge know if you’d like to visit.
Where should I take in some art?
While the Art Institute of Chicago has a fantastic reputation on its own, I personally LOVE walking through the city and taking in the Chicago public outdoor art. I find the most beautiful art on my walks to The Fairmont Hotel each day which of course includes Cloud Gate, aka "The Bean", the beautiful Crown Fountain and the stainless steel BP Bridge all located in Millennium Park. Must-sees also include Agora Grant Park (106 headless 9-foot figures), the Picasso and flamingo statues in Daley Plaza, and the beautiful Buckingham Fountain.
What market or festival should I visit?
Summertime is the best time in Chicago for festivals! I never miss the Chicago Blues Fest or the Chicago Jazz Fest. Randolph Street Market is one of the best markets to visit, and is held one full weekend each month, year round.
What spa do you recommend?
Allyu Spa is absolutely amazing! Allyu focuses on complete natural and holistic feeling and care which includes chakra balancing, reflexology massage, and natural skin care in a beautiful and peaceful setting.
Best new top class restaurant:
42 Grams is the new hottest upscale restaurant in town. This 2-star Michelin Award rated restaurant offers a Contemporary American multi course tasting menu located in Chicago's Uptown neighborhood. Reservations must be purchased in advance and it can be challenging to get in on a weekend so have your concierge call the restaurant for you well in advance.
And the best deep dish pizza?
Lou Malnati's is the most popular (and best known for their amazing butter crust!).
Best tour:
The Chicago Architecture Foundation's First Lady river tour is the most beautiful tour in Chicago! Known to have the most experienced docents (who work as volunteers), this 90-minute tour covers the 3 branches of the beautiful Chicago river and has been voted one of the top 10 tours in the U.S.A.
You can't come to Chicago without…?
After OUR winters? You must take in as many summer outdoor activities as possible! Chicago is the most beautiful city in the U.S. and from bike riding along the lakefront and stopping at one of the beaches along the way, to dining outside for lunch or dinner, to shopping on the Magnificent Mile, to visiting other wonderful neighborhoods like Lincoln Park or Wicker Park / Bucktown, to the free concerts every night at Pritzker Pavilion, summer in Chicago is never ending!