With an enviable location between Michigan Avenue and the Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago, The Ritz-Carlton, Chicago has offered visitors a luxe oasis from the city for the past 45 years.
Recently the hotel underwent a $100 million renovation, led by the San Francisco interior design firm BAMO.
Here’s what’s new at The Ritz Carlton Chicago.
The Guestrooms
All 434 guestrooms received an extensive facelift, though thankfully, one thing that hasn’t changed is the ample room size, a legacy of a time when downtown square footage was easier to come by. Furnished with a king or two double beds, a navy couch and a small built-in bar, the tranquil rooms are a good place to spend a night in, ordering room service in your complimentary robes and slippers. The property offers one- and two-bedroom guest rooms as well as a few different suite options, all with beautiful city or lake views through the huge picture windows. Plus, if you’re a Diptyque fan, you’ll feel right at home with the Philosykos bath products.
The Lobby
The twelfth-floor lobby is show-stopping Art Deco space that serves as a solid blend of sophistication and causal vibes, with cushy seating and floor-to-ceiling windows leading out to the hotel’s rooftop. Located on the 12th floor, The Lobby at The Ritz-Carlton, Chicago seamlessly connects the lobby reception and lounge areas with the restaurant, bar and cafe. As guests step off the elevator, they have a direct view of the lobby lounge and greenhouse-style cafe, complete with contemporary furnishings and plush seating. Guests will find Torali to the left and the copper-clad Torali Bar to the right, each glistening with custom light fixtures that grab their attention in every direction. Marble stone, walnut finishings and bold colors complement each other to create an art deco vibe perfect for grabbing a drink and unwinding. Architectural design elements encourage guests to move throughout the spaces and invite others to join them.
The Spa at the Ritz-Carlton Chicago
The spa offers massages, facials and body treatments, as well as a few seasonal options. If you’ve had a particularly taxing time before arriving into the luxe bubble of the Ritz, do your body a favor and schedule yourself a Stress Relief Massage. Plan to spend 30 minutes to an hour before or after your service making the rounds between the sauna and steam rooms, before rinsing off in the showers. After your service, you’ll be led to the relaxation room, where you can recline under thick, cozy blankets in low lighting and rest your tired eyes. If you’re one of those people who believes in maintaining your workout routine, even on vacation (why?), the hotel offers a full gym with big windows overlooking the city and Lake Michigan. And if swimming is more your jam, the hotel also offers a decently sized pool for you to knock out some laps.
Presidential Suite
Encompassing two floors connected by a showstopping spiral staircase, the expansive Presidential Suite offers a taste of luxury living in Chicago’s coveted Gold Coast neighborhood. Upon entering the room, guests are greeted by unparalleled views of Lake Michigan and skyscrapers. To the left, a full-service kitchen, island and spacious dining area are perfect for entertaining. The open living room features grand windows, plush sofas and lounge seating, ideal for intimate gatherings. Other highlights include a cozy media room, a wet bar, two bathrooms and a guest powder room. Upstairs, the primary bedroom features luxurious bedding, stunning views and a glistening bathroom with marble floors, a Jacuzzi bathtub and a rain shower.
Hotel Art
NINE dot ARTS used Chicago’s architecture as its primary inspiration for The Ritz-Carlton, Chicago art collection, which abstractly nods to Chicago’s iconic skyscrapers through its combination of contemporary and modern design pieces. With the hotel’s proximity to the Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago, the collection reflects and appeals to Chicago’s sophisticated art community, timelessly imbuing luxury and sophistication through the juxtaposition of modern art masters with contemporary artists. Notable pieces include:
- Tseng Kwong Chi’s Andy Warhol, New York, 1986, from the series “Artists in Their Studios.”
- René Magritte’s Le Fils de l’Homme (The Son of Man), 2004, #103/300
- Roy Lichtenstein’s Wallpaper with Blue Floor Interior, 1992
- Roger Reutimann’s Perception #11, 2013-2014
- Roy Lichtenstein’s Modern Art II, 1996, #35/50
- James Rosenquist’s Memory Continues but the Clock Disappears, 2011, edition of 45
Torali Restaurant
The fine dining experience at The Ritz-Carlton, Chicago starts at Torali, a modern Italian steakhouse that overlooks Chicago from the 12th floor. Traditional antipasti and handmade pasta are featured alongside prime and dry-aged meats, Old World-inspired cocktails and fine wines. Upon arrival, guests are greeted by glittery custom light fixtures and an open layout of contemporary booths, tables and chairs. Frosted 6-foot glass walls separate the restaurant from other concepts like the bar, lobby lounge and cafe while providing an open-air atmosphere. Curated by Executive Chef Guenther Moreno, Torali’s menu is inspired by the seasonal Midwest flavors, creating elevated comfort food dishes. Highlights include Vegetable Risotto, Grilled Lambchops and Grilled Prime Cowgirl Rib-Eye.
Meetings, weddings and Events
Set within the landmark Water Tower Place on the Magnificent Mile, The Ritz-Carlton, Chicago presents the ideal venue for meetings and corporate gatherings. Meeting rooms are spread across 25,000 square feet, offering breathtaking views of Michigan Avenue or Lake Michigan. From cozy private dining rooms of 400 square feet to Chicago’s largest luxury ballroom (boasting 8,370 square feet), this luxury hotel offers a striking venue for celebrations of all kinds. The Ritz-Carlton Ballroom hosts up to 1,200 guests in an elegant space adorned with a glittering 400,000-crystal chandelier and floor-to-ceiling windows. Other notable locations include the modern 1,450-square-foot St. Clair Foyer and the 456-square-foot Gallery. Intimate board meetings and large-scale conferences receive the same level of attention from hotel experts, including a dedicated concierge and a catering team that prides itself on featuring local ingredients.
About the Ritz-Carlton Chicago:
Set within the landmark Water Power Place on the Magnificent Mile and close to the upscale boutiques of Michigan Avenue, The Ritz-Carlton, Chicago features more than 400 sophisticated rooms, suites and luxury accommodations that offer a taste of luxury living in Chicago’s coveted Gold Coast neighborhood. Guests can enjoy locally inspired experiences and dedicated services through the hotel’s exclusive Club Lounge, state-of-the-art fitness center, luxury spa, more than 25,000 square feet of customizable meeting space, and an expansive art collection that showcases modern designs and architectural heritage. The hotel also offers elegant dining at Torali, an Italian-inspired steakhouse, plus countless socializing opportunities at The Cafe, Torali Bar and the Rooftop at Torali lounge.
