For Brooke’s 8th grade graduation, I surprised her with a weekend in Chicago–the highlight being tickets to Hamilton and a magnificent stay at the Renaissance Chicago Downtown Hotel.
Anyone that has visited our home in the last three months has heard the full chorus of Hamilton numerous times. Brooke has memorized every word of every song, so choosing her graduation gift was a no-brainer for me.
If you are planning a night in Chicago to see Hamilton or any play in the Theater District, you are going to want to choose a hotel that is in the perfect location–for us the choice was easy. With a prime spot and spectacular skyline views, the Renaissance Chicago Downtown offered everything we were looking for and more.
The Train Ride…
We actually missed the train we had hoped to catch by less than two seconds so we ended up taking taking the 4pm train to the city from Naperville and walked from Union Station to the hotel–a beautiful 20 minute stroll on a sunny May afternoon. We were in our hotel room by 5:30pm!
Upon Arrival….
Upon arrival at the hotel, we were planning on relaxing a bit before heading to the theater. Discovering our room was a luxurious top floor suite, was the icing on the Graduation Cupcakes!
The Renaiisance Chicago Downtown Hotel…
Located right on the Chicago River on West Upper Wacker Drive, the Renaissance Chicago Downtown Hotel is a beautiful, art inspiring, luxury boutique hotel. Upon entering the lobby, you don’t know which way to look. It’s amazing–there is so much to see! It has such a fun vibe featuring a lounge, artist studio, coffee bar and a library.
The rooftop bar offers incredible views and is the perfect gathering place to unwind.
The 2nd Floor Restaurant is light and airy and offers lovely views and delicious food!
Time for the Play!!!
After dinner, we headed for the theater. This however, was no leisurely stroll, for Brooke power walked the entire way. Working up a thirst, champagne was definitely a must.
Having been to numerous Broadway plays in New York and Chicago, this was the first time sitting in balcony seats. I have to honestly say, I will never purchase seats here again. It is worth the extra money to sit in orchestra or first mezzanine. The first thirty minutes of the play were not an issue because the two seats in front of us were vacant–until Lebron James and his seven foot wife arrived. Despite the obstructed view, we made the best of it. This gives us even more reason to see the play a second time, right?
Nevertheless, the play was surreal; we laughed, we cried–a roaring standing ovation and an opportunity to meet the cast afterwards made for a dreamy theater evening.
The Next Morning…
The next morning Brooke woke up for an early morning dip in the heated indoor pool.
Upon awaking, I asked Brooke which was more astounding–Hamilton or this skyline sunrise view? Her response will remain a secret!
A Note From Brooke:
I can’t thank all of the staff at the Renaissance Chicago Downtown Hotel enough. My 8th Grade Graduation Weekend was a dream come true! Hope to return well before my High School Graduation. Thank you again for everything. It was perfect!
This is amazing. I loved Hamilton when I saw it over Christmas break 🙂
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