Among Chicago’s impressive offering of high-end hotels are several featuring lavish penthouses that will make you feel on top of the world.
(Photo: Viceroy Hotel)
For many hotel aficionados, the penthouse suite represents something of a holy grail – the apex of hotel experiences, if you will. And while they may be beyond the budget of most, if you can stretch to a penthouse apartment, perhaps for a special occasion, then you’re likely to leave with memories to last a lifetime. Here are 10 of the best Chicago hotels with penthouses.
Viceroy Hotel
Situated in Chicago’s Gold Coast neighbourhood, this historic hotel features a rooftop bar and lounge with a swimming pool and offering panoramic city views. However, those who want to enjoy such vistas in full privacy can do so by booking into the hotel’s penthouse suite, which comes complete with a king bedroom and a double queen guest bedroom, a dining table seating six, a fully equipped media room, two bathrooms, and a spacious business desk. Elsewhere in the hotel, there’s a state-of-the-art fitness centre and a large meeting and events space. The nearest beach can be reached in just 10 minutes on foot.
The Langham
(Photo: The Langham)
Located close to the shops, restaurants and nightspots that line Michigan Avenue’s Magnificent Mile, this luxury high-rise hotel places you at the heart of downtown Chicago. At the hotel’s summit is the Infinity Suite, an opulent penthouse suite featuring two bedrooms with ensuite bathrooms, formal dining facilities for up to ten guests, and a private butler pantry. An oversized living room complete with a fireplace and a custom-painted grand piano complete the suite’s stunning trappings, all accented by views of the Chicago River and cityscape framed by floor-to-ceiling windows. The hotel also has an award-winning wellness retreat and a lounge serving afternoon tea.
Thompson Hotel
This boutique city centre hotel is also perfectly placed for enjoying all that Chicago has to offer. Among the guest room offerings are six top-floor, bi-level penthouse suites that are ideal for hospitality and small, informal meetings. Each has a large terrace offering spectacular views and there are also options for outdoor dining. For maximum privacy, the upstairs sleeping areas are out of view of the rest of the suite and can be serviced individually without disturbing meetings. Beyond the guest rooms, hotel amenities include an on-site restaurant, fitness centre, and free coffees/teas served in the lobby. For respite from the city hubbub, the green expanse of Millennium Park is just a mile away.
Sofitel Hotel
(Photo: Sofitel Hotel)
Another upscale hotel within a short hop of the Magnificent Mile, this hotel is housed in an eye-catching prism glass building that extends upwards over 32 floors. At its peak is the Presidential Suite, a stylish penthouse suite featuring five bedrooms and floor-to-ceiling windows affording panoramic views. The master bedroom boasts a striking greenhouse design complete with ample natural light, and its ensuite bathroom features a bath tub tucked against a wall of windows, creating an illusion that you’re floating above the city. Hotel guests can also make use of a chic on-site bar, seasonal outdoor terrace, vast meeting space, ballroom and fitness centre. Notable nearby attractions include Navy Pier and the Art Institute of Chicago, both less than two miles away.
The Peninsula
A full-service Asian-inspired spa, half-Olympic indoor swimming pool, award-winning restaurants, and an outdoor sun terrace are just some of the sumptuous amenities you’ll find at this opulent hotel perched along the Magnificent Mile. Sitting atop the 18th floor, The Peninsula Suite celebrates modern design while preserving timeless artwork and touches of heritage. Flooded with natural light, the penthouse suite converts from a one- to three- bedroom space, with the entire wing easily blocked off for guests requiring additional privacy. A baby grand piano and wrap-around terrace overlooking Lake Michigan add to the decadence. If you can pull yourself away, Navy Pier is just a 15-minute walk from the hotel.
By Paul Joseph