The Peninsula Chicago

"A renowned restaurant where chef Curtis Duffy and Michael Muser first collaborated 16 years ago, setting a foundation for future ventures in the fine dining scene." - Ashok Selvam

"When you think of luxury in Chicago, The Peninsula definitely comes to mind due to its spacious guest rooms, intuitive technology, stunning spa, and glamorous decor. Check out the high-rise's 80-foot pool with floor-to-ceiling windows that overlook the city from the 19th floor, or grab a drink at the cozy European-style café and wine bar, Pierrot Gourmet. Eat dinner one-on-one in your guest room featuring delicious in-room service, and head to the sultry rooftop lounge, Z Bar, for a nightcap. If you're really trying to up the ante, book the romance package for Valentine's Day which includes your suite of choice (pending availability), complimentary breakfast for two, chocolate strawberries, a bottle of Champagne, and rose petals during turndown."

"New hotels keep popping up in Chicago, but for discerning families, none can do it quite like the Peninsula. Take your pick from amenities that include an in-room tent and scavenger hunt for the little ones with the Camp Peninsula package, or, head out to the city with a children’s map of places to explore, available from the concierge. During the winter, the Peninsula is home to the only hotel skating rink in Chicago. Guests can enjoy this winter wonderland with hot drinks and snacks from the Chalet." - Nina Kokotas Hahn

"This high-rise hotel really rolls out the red carpet for Christmas celebrations. You could easily spend all day there taking the kids to gingerbread-decorating, caroling, and live storybook readings. Fortunately, there’s also plenty of relaxing to be done in the guest rooms, many of which are more spacious than a Chicago apartment. You know a hotel is at the top of its game when the towels are so plush they feel as though they were woven on-site, and there are neatly labeled amenity drawers so you don’t have to pry each one open to find what you’re looking for."

"This high-rise hotel might be home to the city’s best-kept secret: a sprawling, 80-foot pool some 19 floors up, with floor-to-ceiling windows and a view you can’t peel your eyes from. You could easily spend all day there in unperturbed bliss—block off a whole day to alternate between spa treatments and dips in the pool. Fortunately, there’s plenty of relaxing to be done in the guest rooms, many of which are more spacious than a Chicago apartment. You know a hotel is at the top of its game when the towels are so plush they feel as though they were woven on-site and there are neatly labeled amenity drawers so you don’t have to pry each one open to find what you’re looking for. Peninsula hotels are known for their intuitive technology (in-room tablets let you control the lights, request housekeeping, and check your flight status). If you’re in need of a good night’s sleep, spend a night at a Peninsula hotel." - CNT Editors