Arrival/Check-In: We arrived at the hotel on a chilly afternoon to a warm greeting from the doorman and were directed to the lobby on the second floor, where we received another warm greeting and a speedy check-in.
Guest Quarters: I was in a suite on a high floor with a 180-degree view of the Chicago River.
The suite included an entrance hall which opened into a small sitting room with a sofa, an oval coffee table and two round ottoman stools; and a side table held the coffeemaker. The sitting room flat-screen TV hung on the wall opposite the sofa.
The bedroom had a king-sized bed and two bedside tables, an easy chair and a dresser, plus another flat-screen TV. The closet held an iron and ironing board and a safe.
The spacious bathroom included a spacious, glass-walled shower and a large single sink. I liked the amenities by (MALIN+GOETZ) because they are almost scent-free, and I am not a great fan of overly scented soap, shampoo or conditioner.
Services/Amenities: The hotel was once the iconic London Guarantee & Accident headquarters, built in 1923 and renowned as one of the “Big Four” skyscrapers around the former Michigan Avenue Bridge. It sits within walking distance of Millennium Park and Magnificent Mile shopping.
LondonHouse features several dining and drinking options. Land & Lake, at street level, is ideal for breakfast and casual dining, and Bridges Lobby Bar on the second floor offers a great place to meet friends for a drink and snacks. As for fine dining, Ocean Prime within the hotel has great views of the river.
The hotel has Chicago’s only three-level rooftop bar; the LH on 21 is an indoor bar, and LH on 22 is an outdoor terrace bar with phenomenal views of the city, while the exclusive Cupola bar is on the 23rd floor.
The LondonHouse proves an ideal location for meetings, with 13 meeting rooms running the gamut from the Juliette Grand ballroom to small meetings spaces.
The fitness center provides all of the equipment one needs for a good workout.
TOP TAKEAWAYS:
◆ I have experienced many friendly hotel staff, but the LondonHouse’s dedicated staff, from the doormen to the people at reception and to the bartenders and wait staff, take the prize as the best in the business.
◆ The development that transformed this former traditional office tower into a timeless take on luxury did a great job in creating a contemporary yet warm environment, which really appealed to me.
◆ I look forward to visiting Chicago in warmer weather and enjoying LH on 22, the terrace bar, and taking in the fabulous views of the Chicago River, Lake Michigan and the Magnificent Mile.
LONDONHOUSE CHICAGO, CURIO COLLECTION BY HILTON
85 E. Wacker Drive
Chicago, IL 60601
tel 312 357 1200
hilton.com
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