As I turned into the courtyard of the Waldorf Astoria Chicago, suddenly the bustle of Chicago’s busy streets disappeared. The city noises vanished, and it felt like I had been transported to another world. A Parisian courtyard made for an entrance second to none, and created a first impression of what would be truly a luxurious city escape.
The grandeur of an entrance gave you a taste of what would make the stay at the Waldorf special. Upon walking in, greeted by a friendly smile, I felt suddenly at home. The lobby showed way to a quiet area to unwind as I waited with a morning coffee in hand, and a seat fireside. The Waldorf Astoria’s location in Chicago’s Gold Coast neighborhood made for a great place to call home as it was walking distance to many shops, restaurants, and sights. I felt like I was in the heart of the city. On the first morning, I dropped the bags, and took off by foot for a day of exploring.
On site, the hotel offered many amenities to be enjoyed, and one could find themselves retreating when need be. An award-winning spa provided an opportunity to indulge in relaxation. The indoor lap pool room was a slice of heaven (see this post on Instagram). Upstairs, Bernard’s awaited for an intimate spot to grab a drink and a small bite after a day’s work.
After spending most of the day outside, it was time to check into the room. Booked in the Waldorf Suite, it was one of those “wow” moments upon walking in. Passing through a short hall bordered by a full mini bar and closet, it opened into a spacious living room. A small patio opened up from there, showcasing a view over Chicago’s skyline. The separate bedroom, provided a private place to unwind with a comfortable bed to fall asleep in. One of the highlights was the large bathroom with a soaking tub set in marble — the perfect way to end the trip in Chicago.
(Click through for room tour)
Bon Traveler’s Tips For Staying at the Waldorf Astoria
- The newly opened The Kitchen at the Waldorf Astoria Chicago is the place for a yummy Sunday brunch.
- Take advantage of the beautiful spa for a peaceful escape.
- Complimentary Mercedes-Benz luxury car service is available to guests for a 2 mile radius drop-off, making it convenient to get around. (Note: first come, first serve.)
Get in touch
Waldorf Astoria Chicago
11 E Walton St, Chicago, IL 60611
Call (312) 646-1300 or visit http://www.waldorfastoriachicagohotel.com/
*Bon Traveler was welcomed as a guest at Waldorf Astoria Chicago. As always, all opinions are my own.
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1. Book Your Accommodations
I use Booking.com for hotels and Airbnb for vacation rentals. They have the biggest inventory and consistently offer the best rates.
2. Book Your Rental Car
Self-driving is the best way to explore most destinations. I use Discover Cars for our rental cars, select full coverage insurance, and opt for a reputable company like Alamo, Hertz, or Sixt.
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I use Viator, Airbnb, and Get Your Guide to find the best tours and experiences. They are my favorite tour search engines. I always check all three as their inventory varies depending on the destination.
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For easy, reliable private transfers, I use Welcome Pickups. It’s my go-to for arranging a driver in advance — whether it’s an airport pickup, a hotel-to-hotel transfer, or a day trip. The experience is seamless, with English-speaking drivers and upfront pricing, so you can travel stress-free at every stage of your trip.
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I never leave the country without travel insurance. It provides comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong (ie. illness, injury, theft, or cancellations).
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Xx,
Jessica
