Between Michigan Ave. and the Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago, The Ritz-Carlton, Chicago has offered visitors a luxe oasis from the city for the past 45 years. Recently, the hotel underwent a $100-million renovation, led by the San Francisco interior design firm BAMO.
The guestrooms
All 434 guestrooms received an extensive facelift, but one thing that hasn’t changed is the ample room size, a legacy of a time when downtown square footage was easier to come by. Furnished with a king or two double beds, a navy couch and a small built-in bar, the tranquil rooms are a good place to spend a night in, ordering room service in complimentary robes and slippers. The property offers one- and two-bedroom guestrooms as well as a few different suite options, all with beautiful city or lake views through the huge picture windows. Plus, Diptyque fans will feel right at home with the Philosykos bath products.
The lobby
The twelfth-floor lobby is an Art Deco space that serves as a solid blend of sophistication and casual vibes, with cushy seating and floor-to-ceiling windows leading out to the hotel’s rooftop. Located on the 12th floor, The Lobby at The Ritz-Carlton, Chicago seamlessly connects the lobby reception and lounge areas with the restaurant, bar and cafe. As guests step off the elevator, they have a direct view of the lobby lounge and greenhouse-style cafe, complete with contemporary furnishings and plush seating. Guests will find Torali to the left and the copper-clad Torali Bar to the right, each glistening with custom light fixtures that grab their attention in every direction. Marble stone, walnut finishings and bold colors complement each other to create an art deco vibe perfect for grabbing a drink and unwinding. Architectural design elements encourage guests to move throughout the spaces and invite others to join them.
The Spa at the Ritz-Carlton Chicago
The spa offers massages, facials and body treatments, as well as a few seasonal options. If you’re one of those people who believes in maintaining your workout routine, even on vacation, the hotel offers a full gym with big windows overlooking the city and Lake Michigan. And if swimming is more your jam, the hotel also offers a pool for guests to knock out some laps.
Presidential suite
Encompassing two floors connected by a spiral staircase, the expansive Presidential Suite offers a taste of luxury living in Chicago’s coveted Gold Coast neighborhood. Upon entering the room, guests are greeted by views of Lake Michigan and skyscrapers. To the left, a full-service kitchen, island and spacious dining area are perfect for entertaining. The open living room features grand windows, plush sofas and lounge seating, ideal for intimate gatherings. Other highlights include a cozy media room, a wet bar, two bathrooms and a guest powder room. Upstairs, the primary bedroom features luxurious bedding, stunning views and a glistening bathroom with marble floors, a Jacuzzi bathtub and a rain shower.
Hotel art
NINE dot ARTS used Chicago’s architecture as its primary inspiration for The Ritz-Carlton, Chicago art collection, which abstractly nods to Chicago’s iconic skyscrapers through its combination of contemporary and modern design pieces. With the hotel’s proximity to the Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago, the collection reflects and appeals to Chicago’s sophisticated art community, timelessly imbuing luxury and sophistication through the juxtaposition of modern art masters with contemporary artists.
Torali restaurant
The fine dining experience at The Ritz-Carlton, Chicago starts at Torali, a modern Italian steakhouse that overlooks Chicago from the 12th floor. Traditional antipasti and handmade pasta are featured alongside prime and dry-aged meats, Old World-inspired cocktails and fine wines. Upon arrival, guests are greeted by glittery custom light fixtures and an open layout of contemporary booths, tables and chairs. Frosted six-ft. glass walls separate the restaurant from other concepts like the bar, lobby lounge and cafe while providing an open-air atmosphere. Curated by Executive Chef Guenther Moreno, Torali’s menu is inspired by the seasonal Midwest flavors, creating elevated comfort food dishes. Highlights include Vegetable Risotto, Grilled Lambchops and Grilled Prime Cowgirl Rib-Eye.
Meetings, weddings and events
Set within the landmark Water Tower Place on the Magnificent Mile, The Ritz-Carlton, Chicago presents the ideal venue for meetings and corporate gatherings. Meeting rooms are spread across 25,000 sq. ft., offering views of Michigan Ave. or Lake Michigan. From cozy private dining rooms of 400 sq. ft. to 8,370 sq. ft., this luxury hotel offers a venue for celebrations of all kinds. The Ritz-Carlton Ballroom hosts up to 1,200 guests in a space adorned with a glittering 400,000-crystal chandelier and floor-to-ceiling windows. Other notable locations include the modern 1,450-sq.-ft. St. Clair Foyer and the 456-sq.-ft. gallery. Intimate board meetings and large-scale conferences receive the same level of attention from hotel experts, including a dedicated concierge and a catering team that prides itself on featuring local ingredients.
