For a city getaway, Chicago is the ultimate choice. Here are our top 5 hotel recommendations in the Windy City.
By Jordan Estrada
Candy cart at Ritz Carlton Hotel Chicago (Courtesy Four Seasons)
Chicago is a city that has it all: classy restaurants, exciting shops and museums, and a rich cultural history. With so much to do, it’s no wonder it’s a wonderful city to stay for a family getaway with kids. When planning a trip to this magnificent city, parents will want to choose a hotel that will accommodate their family, and here is a list of some of the best choices for travelers with children.
Trump International Hotel & Tower Chicago
Luxurious room at Trump International Hotel & Tower Chicago (Courtesy Trump International)
Families looking to stay in downtown Chicago can book a room at the Trump International Hotel & Tower Chicago to enjoy luxurious accommodations and unbeatable hospitality. This hotel has a Five-Star Forbes Rating and offers guests unbeatable hospitality and a variety of high-class amenities. In-room dining is available 24 hours a day and there are three onsite restaurants that offer kid’s menus: Sixteen, The Terrace At Trump and Rebar. Babysitting services are available and families can take advantage of the Trump Kids program that helps younger guests feel right at home by providing children’s books, games and movies. Pets are welcome and will be greeted with their own water bowl and fresh bottled water, doggie toys and even a map of the city that shows where the dog-friendly parks are located.
Four Seasons Hotel Chicago
Kids clubroom at Four Seasons Hotel Chicago (Courtesy Four Seasons)
The Four Seasons Hotel Chicago is another great option for travelers who want to be close to popular shopping areas like the Magnificent Mile. Families can enjoy its indoor swimming pool, which is open all year long. Parents can request babysitting services with 24 hours notification. There is also an onsite kids club where children can play games, watch movies, and do arts and crafts. Teenagers can sign up for teen pizza-making classes or check out some of the treatments on the teen spa menu. Childproof rooms can be requested and kids stay for free at the hotel if they share a room with their parents. This is another Chicago hotel that allows pets and will provide a bed, water bowl and food bowl for any furry friends staying there.
Peninsula Hotel Chicago
A Peninsula Hotel Chicago Moment (Courtesy Peninsula)
For a truly unique experience when visiting the city, the Peninsula Hotel Chicago is an Asian-themed hotel that offers many stylish amenities. Its suites are designed to accommodate families and feature pull-out sofas along with king-sized beds. Connecting rooms are available as well, and there are several deluxe rooms for travelers who want more space to relax in. The hotel hosts a weekly Sunday brunch that welcomes little ones with kid-friendly items. The onsite Lobby Restaurant serves contemporary American food and the Shanghai Terrace specializes in Cantonese and Shanghainese dishes while the Pierrot Gourmet serves European-influenced entrees. When guests want to go for a swim or simply relax, they can visit the indoor pool on the 19th floor that has floor-to-ceiling windows, offering dazzling views of the city.
Embassy Suites Downtown Chicago
Atrium at Embassy Suites Downtown Chicago ((c) 2015 Embassy Suites)
Guests of the Embassy Suites Downtown Chicago will find themselves right in the heart of Downtown Chicago. Families can wake up to a complimentary breakfast that is cooked-to-order every morning as well as a complimentary evening reception with snacks and drinks. Visitors will be treated to free Wi-Fi access, a mini-fridge and microwave in each room. Suites also feature a separate living room, sofa bed and two LCD TVs. Cribs, high chairs and playpens are available upon request and a kid’s menu is available for onsite dining. Restaurants at this hotel include the Osteria Via Stato and Pizzeria Via Strato where guests can eat delicious Italian food.
(MORE: Top 25 Reasons to Visit Chicago with Kids)
Ritz Carlton Hotel Chicago
The Ritz Carlton Hotel Chicago is a five-star location situated right on the Magnificent Mile. Kid-friendly amenities like child-sized bath robes, complimentary coloring books and a welcome box with cookies and juice will make younger guests feel welcome. The hotel staff will even pitch an in-room tent for children to play or sleep in and can provide a selection of toys and DVDs for little ones. Parents can request babysitting services when they need some time alone. There is even an onsite Candy Man who parents can request to visit their room wearing his red and white striped jacket and pushing a cart full of tasty treats, a surefire way to excite the kids. People of all ages are welcome at the indoor pool and families can order room service 24 hours a day whenever they want to enjoy a delicious meal in the comfort of their room.
Jordan Estrada contributed this to MiniTime. He is a freelance travel writer from Southern California who spends him time gardening, studying music and performing with his band.