Our Amazing Stay at The Four Seasons in Chicago for a Mother-Daughter Weekend

If you are visiting Chicago and looking for an experience that is in a class of its own, a stay at the Four Seasons Chicago is a must.  Every few months Brooke and I have a tradition of spending a mother-daughter weekend in Chicago, a thirty minute train ride from our home, but believe us this is no mere staycation–staying at the Four Seasons is the most rejuvenating getaway a girl could possibly dream of–a luxurious dream hotel for pampering both teen and mom!

From the moment you arrive, you know you are entering a high end hotel, yet the Four Seasons Chicago is truly so warm and inviting–there is nothing pretentious about it, yet the staff and ambiance still exude such elegance, luxury and refined class.  From the moment we exit our taxi, the welcoming smiles of the doorman foreshadow the familial atmosphere abundantly present in every niche of the hotel.  The Four Seasons is the perfect balance of luxury and comfort. The location is also ideal, as just a few steps away and we are shopping and dining on Michigan Avenue. What we love as well is that the lobby is on the 7th floor which gives you the assurance of safety.  

 

Our Incredible Room on the 43rd Floor

Pristine, airy, spacious, luxurious…we could go on and on.  There are so many highlights of our hotel room but the view takes the cake.  Seeing the city skyline along with the beauty of Lake Michigan always leaves us in awe.  At night, the twinkling of the lights is pure magic.  Besides the magnificent view, we are in full agreement that there are no beds on the planet more comfortable than the beds at this hotel.  Brooke describes them as “sleeping on the fluffiest marshmallows topped with dollops of whipped cream”.  That description nails it!  The only complaint we have with the sumptuousness of the pillowtop beds and plump down pillows is that you will never want to rise and shine to start the new day.  Upon waking, we sincerely try to get out of bed and then end up diving back into the coziness for a few more hours. Our advice: don’t plan any early morning appointments–you will end up missing them!

 

The beautiful marble bathroom is also on point–spa decor and details in soft muted tones, plush robes hung on the back of the door, along with a deep tub and glass shower. The bathroom is stocked with lavish products from Malin and Goetz,  which are free from parabens, synthetic perfumes, and dyes and is not tested on animals, so this was definitely a bonus for us. There is even a bathroom scale for those who apparently are not eating deep dish while in town.   Needless to say, the scale was the only amenity in the bathroom that we left untouched.  

 

The Spa

For this trip, Brooke and I had appointments for massages and manicures.  Prior to our massage, we were offered time in the sauna/steam room or to lounge poolside.  We opted for poolside this time and enjoyed the beauty of the hot tub and stunning pool.

 When it was time for our massages, we were escorted into complete tranquility. We experienced  luxurious massages that we have agreed were probably the best we have ever had.  Thanks to Peggy and Anna for working your magic.  

After our massages, we enjoyed getting the most beautiful manicures by Jade and Lilette, two of the sweetest people you would ever want to meet.  It was as if we have known them our entire lives.  Besides being absolutely delightful, these women are truly gifted at their craft. Our hands and nails look amazing!  They used a sugar shea butter caramel lotion that is out of this world.  We asked if they could fill a bathtub with this lotion to completely submerge oneself in such luxury.  Unfortunately, they did not have enough made to handle that request, but they did give us some to take home.   

The Allium Restaurant

Elegant, classy, warm, and such a romantic ambiance…paired with delicious cuisine and the most attentive service and you have one of the most beautiful restaurants in Chicago.  We enjoyed Friday night dinner and a glorious Sunday brunch here.

 

 

Room Service

Prompt, impeccable, friendly, pampering…

Brooke and I enjoy ordering room service at least once on every vacation. On Saturday morning, we ordered breakfast and it arrived in under 20 minutes. Each evening the turndown service left water bottles and chocolates on our night stands, with special notes to have pleasant dreams. It’s these little touches that make you feel so special and pampered at The Four Seasons Chicago.

 

Our Chicago Adventures:

For this particular trip, we stayed the weekend during the Holiday Lights Parade and we literally were steps from the action.  Since the November temperatures drastically dropped over the course of the past few days, Four Seasons offered a child-friendly holiday party in their Gardenview Room, adjacent to the Allium Restaurant, with an aerial view of the parade, two delicious buffets (one for children, one for adults) along with a mocktail and cocktail bar for thirsty children and parents alike. Games were set up for children of all ages, along with Charlie Brown’s Christmas playing on the flat screen tv in one nook of the spacious dining room.  Brooke and I tried to endure the parade street side, but the wind quickly persuaded us to head indoors and enjoy the warmth of the hotel festival. Brooke said the chicken tenders were the best she’s ever had and I have to say the butternut squash ravioli had me returning for seconds (ok maybe thirds)…and let’s not even get started about the Zinfandel. Wow!

 

We decided to head to 360 Chicago on Sunday since that was an attraction we’ve never had the opportunity to try out.  The views were stunning, despite the cloudy weekend.

 

 

On Sunday afternoon, the painful reality hit;  our time at the Four Seasons was nearing an end.  We were in complete denial and refused to see this beautiful weekend come to a close, so we did the only logical thing we could think of–we called the front desk to request an extended checkout time.  Without delay, they told us we could stay until 3pm!  So for the extra four hours, we had time to enjoy more of Chicago, return to our hotel to relax in the afternoon before heading to Union Station to catch our train home.

So if you are heading off to Chicago, the Four Seasons is by far the choice for a luxury retreat in a superb location.  From the moment you enter the lobby, you will be swept away with the elegance, warmth and magical feel that only  Four Seasons Chicago can offer.

Thanks to Charlotte and  all of the employees at the Four Seasons in Chicago for a fairy tale weekend.  You truly made us feel so special and appreciated.  Brooke and I are extremely grateful for the opportunity to strengthen our mother-daughter bond.  These memories will last a lifetime.