Whiskey Blue at W New York

Located in Midtown Manhattan, Whiskey Blue is one of the many bars in the portfolio of nightlife entrepreneur Rande Gerber. This trendy, candle-lit lounge calls the names of New York professionals who are looking to loosen up their collared shirts and enjoy an extensive selection of libations. From 30 types of tequila to specialty cocktails such as the Bubblicious (bubblegum flavored vodka mixed with a dash of pomegranate), Whiskey Blue has all the right stuff.

541 Lexington Ave., New York, NY 10022 at 49th St. 212-407-2947. www.starwoodhotels.com/whotels.

Bar D’eau at Trump Soho

While we might question his hairstyle, there’s no questioning Donald Trump’s hotel expertise—the man knows how to make a hotel the talk of the town. Trump Soho’s Bar D’eau opened its doors in the beginning of August, just in time for rooftop-bar hoppers to relax by the 7th-floor pool and bocce court before summer draws to a close. Sip on eccentric spirits such as the Bourbon Tea with Woodford Reserve, which is infused with a house-made tea blend, fresh lemon and honey, and be sure to try the curry lobster roll.

246 Spring Street, New York, NY 10013. 212-842-5500. www.trumpsohohotel.com/Food-And-Wine/Bar-dEau.

Bemelmans Bar at The Carlyle

This classic watering hole has been satiating politicians, movie stars, socialites and business execs for more than 50 years. The bar’s namesake, Ludwig Bemelmans, was commissioned to paint a large mural of charming Central Park scenes on the walls of the bar and did so in exchange for a year and a half of accommodations at The Carlyle. Bemelmans is the perfect bar for those looking for a classy, old New York experience. The ceiling is coated in 24-karat gold leaf, the glass tables are nickel-trimmed and the single malt scotch selection is divine.

35 East 76th St., New York, NY 10021. 212-744-1600. www.thecarlyle.com/dine4.cfm.

A60 at 60 Thompson

You might want to book a room or don your “Members Only” jacket if you plan on checking out this ultra swanky rooftop bar—access is restricted to hotel guests, members and private parties—but it would certainly be worth it. With unmatched views of the Manhattan skyline, A60 is serving up more than just delicious cocktails made with exotic fruits; if you manage to score security clearance, you might as well order a drink or one of their Thai hors d’oeuvres.

60 Thompson St., New York, NY 10012. 877-431-0400. www.thompsonhotels.com/hotels/nyc/60-thompson/drink/a60.

The Bull and Bear at the Waldorf Astoria

If rooftop bars and chic lounges aren’t your style, come mingle and drink scotch with the Wall Street types; chances are you won’t see any twenty-somethings drinking oddly named cocktails. Named after the statues on Wall Street, The Bull and Bear exudes masculinity and class. Stop by for a drink with co-workers or stay to indulge in one of their mouthwatering steaks.

301 Park Avenue, New York, NY 10022. 212-872-4900. www.waldorfnewyork.com/dine-in-style/restaurants.

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Hotel Palomar Lobby Area

The Hotel Palomar is one of Chicago’s newest hotels, located in the desirable “River North” area of Downtown.  This newly built boutique property, is part of Kimpton Hotels & Resorts, offering a wide variety of custom tailored services and amenities.  This Palomar property offers 261 guest rooms and suites, each offering a contemporary city feel with elements to remind you of Chicago’s history.  Hotel Palomar also prides itself as being one of Chicago’s few truly Green Hotels.

Hotel Palomar Chicago was built as a multi-use condo/hotel development, and the building itself is brand new as of 2010.  While neighboring buildings are still undergoing construction, the Palomar has opened in a neighborhood that is close to the Chicago River, and just a few blocks from the city’s famous “Magnificent Mile”, Michigan Avenue.  While the immediate block or two might feel still “in the works” the hotel resides in a very convenient part of town.

Palomar’s lobby area resembles a sophisticated high rise condo entrance, complete with a small reception area, and cozy yet trendy sitting area.  The lobby is home to the hotel’s evening complimentary wine hour, a standard at every Kimpton property.  The wine hour is a great opportunity for guests to unwind, meet with fellow guests as well as the hotel management.

Trip Kick Tip:  When staying at Palomar, grab a glass of wine (they offer both red & white) and head up to the hotel’s private rooftop terrace!

Sable Kitchen & Bar

Sable Kitchen & Bar is located on the lobby level of Hotel Palomar Chicago.  Sable offers New American Cuisine with innovate cocktail offerings in a truly upbeat and hip setting.

The Guest Room Experience:

Let’s talk about the guest rooms, perhaps the most important component to any hotel experience!  We’ve been generally impressed by Kimpton’s guest room experience at our stays throughout the country, but we think it’s fair to say that Hotel Palomar Chicago has certainly hit the nail on the head this time better than ever before.  Having the luxury of designing a property from scratch probably was a tremendous help (properties such as The Hotel Palomar D.C. didn’t have this privilege).  Hotel Palomar has paid a great deal of attention to the details, and have made the guest rooms feel contemporary yet classic, a sometime tricky balance when designing a hotel.

While the hotel itself won’t be known for its jaw dropping views, the rooms have been designed to make you feel at home, while also reminding you that you’re on vacation.  Room categories range from standard “Deluxe Rooms” to “King Spa Premier Rooms” up to larger suite offerings.

Trip Kick Tip:  Book the “King Spa Premier Room” category for the best value.  King Spa Premier rooms offer upgraded bathrooms with jacuzzi tubs (for 2) and we actually liked them better than the suites!  King Spa Rooms ending in “04″ were our personal favorite: these are corner rooms that really do feel more like a suite.

King Spa Premier Room (Room Number 704)

Jacuzzi Tub & Separate Walk-In Shower, Room Number 704

The Palomar Chicago has a few Suite Category rooms including the “Luxury Suite” which offers a three room layout, including separate living room area, bedroom area and bathroom area.  These room types are particularly suitable for guests traveling with families, or business travelers wanting to conduct business in-room without having guests in the bedroom area.  While they do offer more space, we still preferred the “King Spa Premier Rooms” which offer a more open floor plan.

Luxury Suite, 1 King Bed, Living Room Area  (Room Number 1527)

All guest rooms and suites offer large flat panel television entertainment areas, as well as fully stocked mini-bars.  As you can see, furnishings are both sleek and classic in design.

Rooftop Area (A wonderful place to enjoy a glass of wine & take in the city views)

Other on property amenities offered at the Palomar Chicago include a rooftop indoor heated pool (a very rare feature in Chicago hotels) as well as a state of the art fitness center, with pleasant city views.

The Rooftop Pool

What we really liked about Palomar Chicago:

• Convenient, Downtown Address
• New Build Hotel with Sleek, Contemporary Lines & Residential Feel
• Complimentary Daily Evening Wine Hour for Hotel Guests  (5-6pm in the Lobby Area)
• Complimentary Guest Room WiFi
• Rooftop Deck & Views  (No Bar, but this makes it quiet & less of a fuss!)
• Rooftop Indoor Heated Pool
• Luxurious Bathrooms in King Spa Premier & Suite Category Rooms

There’s nothing quite like a brand new hotel, and while the Palomar Chicago won’t be new forever, they’ve designed this hotel to last.  Elegant, contemporary lines along with a true “boutique” feel make this Downtown Chicago property a worthwhile luxury hotel contender worth considering.  Guest rooms are elegant, yet fun, and offer exceptionally comfortable beds, indulgent bathrooms (particularly in the higher end categories) and convenient features (such as complimentary WiFi!)

For more guest room information on Palomar Chicago click here!

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Lobby Area, Hotel Palomar

The Hotel Palomar Washington D.C. is located in the Dupont Circle area of the city, known for its hip style and central yet not too touristy location.  Palomar is part of the Kimpton Hotels & Resorts group, a chain known for its uniquely designed boutique properties with utmost attention to personal service and style.  The Palomar brand itself offers a sophisticated city experience, bringing all the elements for a small boutique hotel into a cool city hotel package.

Even with 335 guest rooms in total, Hotel Palomar D.C. offers personalized touches such as a complimentary wine hour, a welcomed perk for those guests looking to wind down at days end.  Other services include a generous pet policy (you’ll want to stay on floors 4 & 7 if you have a pooch), and an all around friendly staff which feels more like family.

First Impressions:

Hotel Palomar enjoys a vibrant location while also feeling a bit removed from some of D.C.’s busiest attractions, something we very much appreciated after a long day in the city.  Palomar’s lobby is intimate, offering a small scale feel, fully equipped with a fireplace and comfortable sitting areas.  Albeit simple, Palomar strives to make you feel at home while also giving you a taste of hip and trendy.  Our check-in process was smooth and efficient, and our keys were delivered by a front desk staff that was both friendly and knowledgeable.

The Guest Room Experience:

The Palomar offers a wide array of guest room types starting from Deluxe to Spa Kings to Spa King Suites to Executive Rooms to Presidential Suites.  We particularly liked the “Executive” room type, as these room categories offer lots of space (what most other hotels would consider suites) and usually front facing views.  Motion category rooms feature a variety of exercise options including in-room bikes, treadmills etc.

Most guest room types feature upgraded bathrooms with Moen Square Sinks, Aveda Bath Products, and shower/bathtub combinations.  Select guest room types including Spa Kings and Spa King Suites offer larger bathroom options with deep soaking bathtubs and separate walk-in showers.

Executive 2 Queens (Room Number 903)

Executive King (Room Number 422)

In-Bath Amenities:  Aveda Products

Deluxe “Cozy” King Room  (Room Number 537)

Hotel Palomar D.C. combines the best of boutique and mid-size hotel by providing an endless number of amenities and services, while also preserving what’s best about a boutique hotel.  Palomar’s “Sculpting Room” (or Fitness Center) along with the hotel’s outdoor pool, bring services sometimes never found in city hotels, large or small.

What we really like about Hotel Palomar D.C.:

• Mid-size Hotel with Boutique Feel
• Complimentary Evening Wine Hour
  
• Complimentary High Speed WiFi
• Personalized, Friendly Service
• Excellent Pet-Friendly Policy
• Fantastic Location, Walk to Georgetown, 1 Minute From Dupont Circle Metro Station
• Generously Sized “Executive” Category Rooms
  

Hotel Vitale’s Landmark Suite Terrace

Our pursuit to find one of San Francisco’s most unique hotels was quite successful on our recent trip.  Meet Hotel Vitale, part of Joie de Vivre’s luxury collection of hotels.  In keeping with “JDV’s” boutique spirit, Hotel Vitale is both intimate and full of life.  Vitale’s approach is simple: modern, fresh and nurturing.

First Impressions:

Upon arrival you’ll immediately notice a zen-like feel, as Hotel Vitale has designed a contemporary yet inviting lobby experience that mimics the soothing tones of nature.  The hotel itself is a “stand alone” building, a unique design that benefits from a fantastic waterfront location with views of the Bay Bridge and Embarcadero.  Unlike other properties located in crowded areas of the city such as Union Square, Fisherman’s Wharf or even Knob Hill, Hotel Vitale is within close proximity to everything you’ll want to visit in San Francisco, yet far enough where you’ll be away from the city rush.

The Guest Room Experience:

Hotel Vitale prides itself on offering uniquely designed guest rooms that reflect a cool, clean and luxurious feel.  Vitale’s guest rooms will appeal to all the senses, through the use of aromatherapy (Vitale uses ‘Fresh’ products with fantastic scents in Waterfront King & Suite Category Rooms, and Lather Products in all other room types).  Little touches have been incorporated to make for a truly well rounded experience; guests will enjoy complimentary WiFi, complimentary use of the fitness center, iPod/MP3 docking stations, well stocked mini-bars with a wider variety of options.

There are a large number of room types ranging from Superior Rooms (averaging over 300 Sq. Feet) to Landmark Suites (averaging over 720 Sq. Feet)  Superior guest rooms are generously sized, and feature the same amenities as most other room categories.  Room layouts, bathroom features and views will vary as you go up in room category.  Waterfront Rooms offer dynamite views of the San Francisco Bay & Bay Bridge, a site seldom seen in other San Francisco hotels.  Waterfront rooms also feature spa inspired walk-in showers. Regardless of your room type, guests can enjoy one of two rooftop terraces, designed for relaxing and enjoying the view.  Bring a glass of wine, or even a book, and enjoy.

Waterfront King Room (Room Number 608)

Panoramic Suite (Room Number 716)

Spa Vitale, located on the 8th Floor of the hotel, offers a truly unique Spa Experience on the hotel’s Penthouse level.  A wide array of services and treatments are available, including an outdoor rooftop bath experience.  As seen below, guests are pampered in an outdoor city setting that is both calming and unique.

Spa Vitale

Hotel Vitale’s Lobby Space

Uniquely located, uniquely designed and tremendously well executed, Hotel Vitale was impressive all around, to say the least.  Hotel Vitale is everything a Boutique hotel should be, while also delivering a level of service on par with its five star counterparts.  For those travelers seeking an oasis in the city, this is it, you have arrived!

What we really liked about Hotel Vitale:

• A rare secluded yet convenient Waterfront location
• Calm & Soothing feel throughout the hotel
• Luxurious, Fresh feel
• Spacious & Exceptionally well appointed Guest Rooms
  
• Stunning Views
• Rooftop Decks for Guest Use Only
• Americana Restaurant: Fantastic Food & Great Outdoor Seating Area
• Highly Personalized Service
  

Check out Hotel Vitale on TripKick.com

A Walk Through Paris by Guest Blogger: Christopher Back

To launch my new post as Paris Destination Expert at TripKick.com, I decided to create a special walking tour of Paris just for Trip Kick users.  A walk that you can enjoy on foot in Paris or from a comfy chair at home.  The neighborhood I’ve chosen, from the Place Vendome to the Louvre, is on the top of everyone’s list of places to visit in Paris.  But, I’m going to show you a side that is lesser known, with some interesting history and stories of intrigue.  We’ll even approach the Louvre in same way as its last royal resident, Louis XIV and show you a side of this famous building that few tourists take time to see.

We’ll start at the Renaissance Vendome Hotel; a great boutique property with chic guestrooms, an intimate scale and a rare indoor pool in their luxurious spa.  It’s a great place for business and comfortable for family travel.  I’m sure you’ll appreciate their attention to detail and friendly service.

Insider Hotel Info. on The Renaissance Paris Vendome at TripKick.com

As the name implies, the hotel is located just off the historic Place Vendôme on a quiet street parallel to Rue St Honore, one of the best shopping streets in Paris.  Even if you’re not interested in shopping, it’s just a short walk from the Louvre and many other famous sights we’ll explore during our walk.

Along the way we’ll see a church with a magnificent altar inspired by Bernini’s altar at St Peters in the Vatican, hear stories about assassination plots by a scheming Catherine de Medicis, and find time for chocolate treats and a great burger if you’re feeling a little hungry.  You probably didn’t realize you’d find all of this within a few blocks of the hotel.  We’ll also visit a large sculpture installation ordered by former Paris Mayor and President Jacques Chirac, which he found so ugly that he halted construction as a public eyesore.  The artist was forced to sue the city to complete his work and now it’s an artistic highlight for many visitors.  Often, art is not appreciated until people have a chance to consider it for a while.

The same is true for the Louvre.  We’ll explore the evolution of its construction and hear stories of public outcry surrounding the expansions and renovations that have taken place over the last 800 years.  Did you know that in the 1850s the massive expansion launched by Napoleon III was considered too modern and out of keeping with the older 16^th Century structure?  Ironically, this is the same criticism heard following the completion of I.M. Pei’s now-iconic pyramid in the late 1980’s.

No matter how many times you’ve been to Paris, there are always new layers of history to uncover.  That’s the fun of coming back again, and what keeps me studying further.  After nearly ten years in Paris, I still learn new things every day and I hope this walk will inspire you to get to know my adopted city better.

Enjoy the walk and don’t forget to stop for a treat along the way.  After all, food is truly one of the greatest pleasures of Paris.

Let me know what you think of the walk, I’d love to have your feedback.

If you have questions about Paris, don’t hesitate to contact me!  Who knows, your question might inspire another blog post on TripKick.com.

Download the Walk By Emailing: tripkick@parisprivateguides.com.  You will receive a return reply with a PDF of the walk.

About Guest Author Christopher Back:

A long-time Paris resident and California native, Christopher’s diverse background combines with an in-depth knowledge of Parisian life, culture and history.  He followed his studies at the Sorbonne by completing  a full-time program covering history of French art, architecture and decorative arts at Christie’s France, the world renowned auction house.  Christopher is also a gourmet chef, with training at the Cordon Bleu and l’école du Ritz-Escoffier in Paris, including a brief stint working in the kitchens of the Hotel Ritz in Paris.

Besides his work with TripKick, Christopher is the Director of Paris Private Guides which offers a wide variety of private tours of Paris.  In addition to a personalized approach to clients, the company takes special care to provide accessible tours for seniors and others with reduced mobility.

Paris Private Guides

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Los Angeles hotels are plentiful, and often make every attempt to capture a “cool factor” that hasn’t yet been achieved.  We were excited about experiencing the Palihouse Holloway in West Hollywood, as we knew it wasn’t going to be just another L.A. hotel.  A property with only 37 rooms can certainly have its benefits, but we’ve also learned that smaller hotels can sometimes be lacking in the expenditure department, some offering fewer service and amenities than larger scale hotels.  Let’s just say that Palihouse surpassed our every expectation, and restored our faith in the ability for boutique hotels to really deliver an experience which exceeds that of its larger hotel counterparts.

Perhaps the best way to describe Palihouse’s feel is ” pied-a-terre” the French expression for “second residence.”  In fact, Palihouse was designed as an all suite residential-style concept hotel, and they’ve done it in a way that would even impress the folks at Architectural Digest.  Whether you’re staying for one night, or one year, Palihouse gives you that high-end residential feel while also preserving all that’s good about a luxurious hotel stay.

The Arrival Experience:

Upon arriving Palihouse, you are welcomed by an unimposing lobby space complete with eclectic yet tasteful designer furnishings.  The lobby feels more like a living room area, and that’s really the whole point.  The reception area (or front desk at most hotels) is intimate in design, and intended for a very personal check-in process.  We noticed the lobby staff that was eager to help at all times, whether it was fetching a cool cocktails or assisting us with connecting to the complimentary wireless internet.

Evenings and weekends are often filled with a-list celebs, and L.A.’s most fashionable, but in a very understated exclusive way.  Never did we feel put off as some might feel at other “hot spot” hotels throughout Los Angeles, rather the hotel takes a very sensible approach by maintaining a low key vibe even when very busy.

Palihouse Lobby Area

“The Hall, Courtyard Brasserie” Restaurant

Let’s talk about the guest suites:

Palihouse offers 37 Guest Suites in Total ranging from 600-2000 square feet. All guest suite areas are accessible only by a remote key fob, a nice touch which adds to the privacy factor. Classic Guest Suites, located in the front side of the hotel, offer a generously sized layout with 1 King Bed and a Kitchenette.  Corner King Suites are also located in the front of the hotel, and offer a prime over sized corner location with a separated living room and small kitchen area.  Studio, One-Bedroom and Two-Bedroom Residences are all located in the rear of the hotel and offer true residential-style floor plans with lofted ceilings, full kitchens and outdoor terraces.  All guest suites feature a stunning decor with individual touches that reflect the style of a truly discerning city dweller.

Corner King Suite (Room Number 404)

Loft Residences feature condo-style comforts including Full Kitchens, Hardwood Flooring, Outdoor Terraces as well as high ceilings.  These room types are ideal for extended stays, but are also wonderful for shorter weekend/weeknight getaways.

One-Bedroom Loft Residence, 1 King Bed  (Room Number 311)

Two-Bedroom Loft Residence, 2 King Beds (Room Number 319)

All Palihouse guest suites feature large bathrooms, most with over sized walk-in showers, and some with shower/tub combinations or separate showers and bathtubs.  Loft residences feature one full bathroom as well as a 1/2 bath in the main living room area.  Amenities in all accommodations include fully stocked kitchens as well as in-room laundry machines.

What we really liked about Palihouse:

• Chic, yet understated guest room experience
• Complimentary parking & internet for every room type
• Large guest rooms
• Large guest bathrooms (most with walk-in showers)
• Personalized experience
• “The Hall, Courtyard Brasserie” Restaurant, It was truly one of our favorite hotel restaurants (a must try)
  

Hotels are all about the experience, and Palihouse has done an extraordinary job at creating a hotel experience that is both luxurious and not so hotel like.  Palihouse offers a highly sought after central West Hollywood location, and a design scheme that rivals most hotels we’ve seen.  For those who seek something truly unique, stylish and out of the ordinary, Palihouse is your L.A. address.

The JW Marriott at L.A. LIVE has just opened as a part of a multi-use development which includes the JW, The Ritz-Carlton (opening later this month) as well as The Ritz-Carlton Residences.  Downtown was definitely missing a luxury hotel development, and this one is certain to impress.

The JW Marriott has 878 Guest Rooms and Suites in total, making it a large property but one that also feels more intimate than your typical convention hotel.  Speaking of typical, the JW is anything but; this property is a complete departure from anything you might expect from the Marriott brand.  Absent are the classic reds and traditional pasley’s.  The JW Marriott at L.A. LIVE has taken on a very contemporary feel, with an expansive & hip lobby space, cool fresh accommodations and a long list of resort style amenities and services.  The JW is located at L.A. LIVE which is downtown’s newest entertainment complex, featuring the Nokia Theater, Regal Cinemas as well as Staples Center.  As a guest of the JW, you’ll never be at a loss for entertainment options.

JW Marriott at L.A. LIVE features an jaw dropping lobby experience, appointed in bright yet sophisticated tones and offers a unique vantage point which views the Nokia Theater on one side, and the downtown skyline on the other.  The theme is both upbeat and modern, and you’ll quickly learn you’ve chosen the right place to stay.

Earlier this week, we had a brief opportunity to view some guest rooms and suites at JW, and we’re excited to share our report with you.  The guestroom hallways are adorned with a playful palette of colors, and the windows from the elevator area are a reminder of where you are, downtown!  The standard guest rooms or “Deluxe Category” offer plenty of space and feature a very luxurious yet fun furniture setup.  The entrances feature a bright orange credenza, something you won’t see at your average Marriott hotel.  Everything from the bedding experience to the furnishings are upscale and represent an emphasis on the contemporary flare this hotel is trying to deliver.  Yes, perhaps the design is a bit more conservative than some boutique hotels you may have encountered (such as The Standard Downtown) but in our opinion it’s more inviting and comfortable, and certainly more practical.  Bathrooms are quite large, and feature a spacious  walk-in shower (no tubs in most)  If a separate shower and tub is important, you may want to wait for The Ritz-Carlton to open, which is likely to offer larger bathrooms with separate showers and tubs.  The JW is shaped like  “T” and offers views in all directions, although the downtown views are probably our favorite.  Some guest rooms offer views of the Hollywood sign.

Deluxe Category Room, 1 King Bed  (Room Number 1972)  Views of Nokia Theater

The Executive King Category Rooms offer quite a bit more space in an open floor plan design; these rooms also feature wonderful direct views of downtown (a wonderful view at night!)  Jr. Suite Category Rooms feature a corner location with only a bit more space than the Executive Rooms (we honestly thought the Executive Rooms were a bit nicer…)  The hotel notes that Jr. Suites are ideal for families, as the entryway is large enough to accommodate a roll away bed and keeps the kids somewhat separate from the main area of the room.

Executive King Category Room  (Room Number 649)

Jr. Suite Category Room, 1 King Bed  (Room Number 667)

Some features are shared by both properties, however The Ritz-Carlton and JW Marriott each offer their own pool area.  The JW’s main pool area is located on the 4th Floor, and offers a resort-like feel, a well designed space for a city hotel.  The JW also offers an expansive fitness center and spa (the spa has not yet opened) located on the 2nd Floor.

This was a first look at the JW Marriott at L.A. LIVE, and we look forward to our next visit.  Downtown Los Angeles has changed dramatically over the past few years, and this project represents the direction of this change.  We were truly impressed by this JW and hope that it’s representative of the type of design we’ll see in other Marriott hotels and resorts in years to come.

Stay tuned for detailed guest room information on TripKick.com!

Four Seasons Chicago, Lobby Experience

Chicago is well known for its luxury hotels, as the Windy City is home to the Four Seasons Chicago, The Ritz-Carlton Chicago, Peninsula Chicago and numerous others.  The Four Seasons Chicago and The Ritz-Carlton Chicago are sister properties, both located off Chicago’s Magnificent Mile (Michigan Avenue)  Although normally competitors, these two hotels enjoy a unique relationship as they are both managed by Four Seasons (a relationship started when Four Seasons founder Isadore Sharp licensed Ritz Carlton’s name for his first U.S. property)  Both hotels have recently unveiled renovations that have added contemporary touches while preserving their timeless elegance and unparalleled reputation.

Four Seasons Chicago:

The Four Seasons Chicago offers a unique guest room experience, with guest rooms occupying floors 32-46 (an almost unseen feature, as most newer hotels position guest rooms on lower floors, and residences on higher floors)  Regardless of where you are in the hotel, you are certain to benefit from a stellar view.  We were particularly pleased with our lake & Michigan Avenue view (which can enjoyed in most Odd Numbered Rooms)  Deluxe Four Seasons Executive Suites, Located in the “25″ series of the hotel, offer perhaps the very best views in the hotel.

Four Seasons Chicago has transformed the guest room experience into something more contemporary (from its once more traditional past) offering a warm array of colors and smart furnishings.  Perhaps our favorite feature (which can be experienced in any Four Seasons hotel) is the oh so comfortable bed.  What’s better than a truly divine bed?… How about a divine bed with a view?  Four Seasons Executive Suites and Deluxe Executive Suites feature a larger layout with a separate living room and bedroom area.  If you’re traveling with your family, be certain to request an Executive Suite on Floors 30 or 31, as select suites feature unique floor plans with Kitchens as well as 1.5 baths.  These floors were also last to be renovated, and feature a different decor from the rest of the hotel. (See photos below)

Four Seasons Executive Suite, 1 King Bed, Separate Living Room & Bedroom Area  (Room Number 3111)

Four Seasons Executive Suite, Lake & City View  (Room Number 3111)

The Four Seasons Chicago features an unrivaled guest room experience (perhaps with the exception of The Ritz-Carlton Chicago) as well as a long list of amenities and services designed for the savvy business or leisure traveler.  Among the many features you may enjoy include an expansive Fitness Center & Spa, Indoor Pool, Elevator Access to the adjacent 900 Shops Mall as well as Season Restaurant.

Detailed Guest Room Information @ TripKick.com

The Ritz-Carlton Chicago, a Four Seasons Hotel:

The Ritz-Carlton Chicago, located just across the street from the Four Seasons, offers a luxurious hotel experience with a more traditional approach.  Guest rooms have been modified with a more contemporary scheme, however they still retain a more conservative (albeit indulgent) design.  Guest rooms also benefit from fantastic views (perhaps more Lake oriented than the Four Seasons guest rooms) Similarities include the Four Seasons Bed, as well as all of the other amenities you will find at the Ritz-Carlton’s sister property.  While the Four Seasons felt more understated (and perhaps even a bit more quiet & private), The Ritz-Carlton offers an expansive lobby with a traditional layout.

Guest Rooms Ending in 01-07 as well as 29-33 Feature spectacular Lake Views.

Detailed Guest Room Information @ TripKick.com

Ritz-Carlton Suite, 1 King Bed, Separate Living & Bedroom Area  (Room Number 2707)