Le Meridien Oakbrook–Enlightenment

Until a month ago, Brooke and I have never even heard of Le Meridien Hotels.  Yes, we apparently live in some sort of abyssmal cave.  Well, let the sunshine in because we have seen Le Meridien Light!

A Little Background for our Fellow Cave Dwellers:

The Le Méridien brand was established in 1972 by Air France. The first Le Méridien property was a 1,000-room hotel in Paris.  Today, there are 146 of these gorgeous high-end hotels all over the world! (and we hope to visit them all)

Le Meridien Chicago-Oakbrook Center is located adjacent to the outdoor Oakbrook  Center which offers an abundance of luxury boutiques and dozens of restaurants, so talk about a prime location! For those of you not from the area, Oak Brook is a suburb of Chicago, about a 45 minute drive away.  When Brooke heard about the location of this hotel, she got that dreamy “mall” look in her eyes and I swear her pupils transformed into shopping bags.

 

Upon Arrival:

As we entered the lobby, also known as The Hub, we knew this weekend was going to be extraordinary.  The stunning mural, by local artist Justus Roe, immediately set the tone for a unique, creative and cultural experience.

Where in the world is Brooke?

Le Meridien Chicago-Oakbrook just received the Hotel of the Year Award for 2016 at the Marriot Conferences.   Over the past few years, the hotel has undergone a $25 million transformation and every dollar spent is evident in the fine details, beautiful artwork, literature, and more amenities than any guest could dream up.

 

 

After checking in, we headed to main floor lounge, Longitude 87, for drinks and a snack before heading to our mother-daughter spa treatments. At Longitude 87, we had the pleasure of meeting the kindest staff members.  Our server, Miguel Olaez, offered Brooke custom made cuisine since she was in the mood for something that wasn’t on the menu.  (Yes, she’s a very picky eater).  Miguel also informed us that the sunrise views from the rooftop are amazing, so Brooke and I were up the next morning bright and early and mother nature did not disappoint!  Miguel also informed me that there is  wine tasting each afternoon at 5pm. To quote Orphan Annie, “I think I’m gonna like it here!”

Brooke’s first impression vibe: “Le Meridien Chicago is modern, sleek, artistic, super-cool, unexpected,  and has an awe-inspiring Chicago urban chic atmosphere.  I love this place!”

Heading to Our Suite:

The unique hallways are inspired by the Chicago city grid and its skyline. Sprinkled throughout the property are all kinds of Windy City icons.  Walking down the hallway, I  had the the feeling I was heading into an authentic Chicago Blues Club.  Cool is really the only word to describe these hallways–such a refreshing change from the cliche floral decor of most hotels.

Our Executive Suite:

There are six grand executive suites, each 650 square feet, and we had the honor of staying in one.  Comfy club chairs, sleek leather couches and marble-topped coffee tables are balanced in softness with live plants, plush colorful pillows, and home away from home details. It really is the eclectic details that set Le Meridien apart.

Another fantastic component of Le Meridien Hotels is their partnerships with local cultural centers. In your room, you will find an Unlock Art Pass that gives you complimentary admission to The Elmhurst Art Gallery, along with access to special events!

 

The bathrooms are so luxurious with freestanding tubs and glass showers.  After an excursion to Lush at Oakbrook Shopping Center, Brooke thoroughly enjoyed her bath bombs and bubble bars.

 

 

Time For Dinner:

 

El Tapeo is the epitome of fine dining– Spanish Tapas with a modern flair.  The spacious restaurant is located on the ninth floor with 360 degree views.  The staff, decor, cuisine and atmosphere were mas allas de nuetras expectativas!  For one glorious hour, we were transported to Barcelona.

The Best For Last–The Life Changing Spa:

The highlight of our staycation was without question, the spa.  Probably, the best, and definitely the most personalized massages we’ve ever received.  Thank you Robyn and Mesha–you are muscle relaxing magicians.   For essential oils, Brooke chose “Restorative” and I chose “Soothing.” Those two words alone sum up this transformational experience.  Literally the first question Brooke asked after coming out of her post massage trance was, “Where in the world am I?”  We were  certainly not in Oakbrook or even on planet Earth any longer–the experience was surreal.

And to top it off, after your treatments, you get 40 more minutes of private R&R time in this luxurious paradise, complete with water, tea, juices, tropical fruits (our first taste of an Asian Pear), a heated tile lounger, steam room,  soaking tub and rain shower.

 

Truly, the most luxurious spa. Do not pass this up.

Early Morning:

The fitness center is a perfect place to start your day, especially since you have a view of the Chicago Skyline in the distance…and the open area just outside is perfect for  reading, painting, yoga, meditatation or take in those stunning sunrises.

 

After catching the sunrise and morning yoga, we ordered room service which is guaranteed to be delivered to your door in  thirty minutes.  They keep their word.

 

Le Meridien Chicago-Oakbrook Center was a cultural journey around the world, a restorative and soothing mom-daughter getaway and a ray of  golden sunshine that has warmed our wanderlust souls.