Waldorf Astoria Chicago, Photo Credit: Waldorf Astoria Hotels
If you’re allergic to Midwestern winters, then now is the time to visit Chicago. Come summertime, the city has gorgeous weather, a sparkling lake dotted with sailboats, a sizzling urban beach and the prettiest skyline we can think of.
If you find yourself here for a music festival, carnival or just a day at the beach, check into one of these three hotels to cap off your summer.
Waldorf Astoria Chicago
Chicago is rife with restaurant openings year-round, but the debut of Michael Mina’s Margeaux Brasserie on July 10 at this Forbes Travel Guide Four-Star property brought extra buzz to the Gold Coast. On the third floor of the elegant hotel — a ritzy favorite of both locals and visitors — the eatery mimics traditional Parisian cafés in both décor and cuisine.
Margeaux, along with its sister patisserie downstairs, is Mina’s first foray into the foodie-centric city. Sure, the restaurant is likely to be a popular spot long into the future, but why not hit it while it’s super hot?
If you fancy a place to rest your head after you finish noshing on stuffed piquillo peppers, this art deco hotel’s Grand Deluxe King rooms fit the bill with furnished balconies (a rarity in the Windy City), fireplaces and gleaming marble baths.
Book the Summer in Chicago offer and, in addition to your wondrous room, you’ll also get a personal concierge to help you plan all the seasonal activities — beachside lounging, sailing, alfresco dining, concert going — Chicago is known for.
Naperville’s Last Fling, Photo Credit: James Hoch Photography
Hotel Arista
Located in Naperville, about 30 miles west of Chicago, this Four-Star hotel has a little bit of everything for everybody, from groups to business travelers and even girlfriends on getaways.
This summer, we’re particularly excited about checking in here for the family-friendly offerings, starting with the Arista Star Light, Star Bright Package. Kiddos will enjoy “camping” in their room with a tent setup, a starry sky night lamp, star ring toss game, coloring book and — of course — milk and cookies. The best part: Your little ones get to take all the camping loot home with them.
Naperville teems with excitement for the whole clan outside of the room, too. Our favorite way to beat the summer heat is at Centennial Beach, a cool quarry that was turned into a huge swimming pool with a golden stretch of sand for sun worshipping.
Come Labor Day weekend, grab the kids and head to downtown Naperville’s Last Fling, a four-day community festival that includes a parade, a carnival, live music and more.
Park Hyatt Chicago, Photo Credit: Park Hyatt Hotels
Park Hyatt Chicago
This Four-Star hotel on Michigan Avenue is ideally located to fully appreciate Chicago’s exhilarating offerings all year long — you’re just steps from tony boutiques, a breezy lakefront walk, museums and buzzy restaurants.
But right now, the property proves especially convenient for spending a weekend outside at Chicago’s biggest music festival, Lollapalooza (August 3 to 6). After listening to scores of top musical acts (Chance the Rapper, Lorde, Arcade Fire) in Grant Park, head back to the hotel for dinner at NoMI Kitchen (you’ll love the views) or a take a dip in the whirlpool.
Book the Bed & Breakfast at the Park package and earn breakfast for two at NoMI and a late checkout to boot.
