Shopping in the Magnificent Mile
Photo Courtesy of City of Chicago
Shopping can get rather mundane when you go to the same stores over and over again. Whether you brave crowds of people to get to the nearest J. Crew or avoid traffic by shopping online, it’s easy to get tired of the same old boutiques. But if you love to travel as much as you love sprucing up your closet, there’s no reason the two can’t go hand in hand. Getting out of town can help redefine your look, introduce you to new designers and expose you to fresh styles, too. Here, we’ve compiled the five best destinations to shop ’til you drop. Just remember to bring a big enough luggage for your finds.
Radisson Blu Aqua Hotel Chicago, Photo Courtesy of The Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group
Chicago
Arguably one of the best places for shopping in the United States, Chicago has a bountiful mix of upscale designer flagships and bohemian boutiques. In Wicker Park and Bucktown, artsy shops are the norm. Check out Apartment Number 9 for men’s clothes, Asrai Garden for floral accessories and home décor, and Eskell, a small shop stocked with some of the hottest emerging designer labels in the Windy City and New York. This summer, Radisson Blu Aqua Hotel, Chicago, located near shopping hotspot Michigan Avenue, is offering a Retail Therapy package, complete with shopping-related welcome amenity, late check-out and a $25 gift card to nearby The Shops at North Bridge (Armani Exchange, Eataly and Nordstrom with a third-level Spa Nordstrom).
SoHo, Photo Courtesy of NYC and Company
New York City
Located in lower Manhattan, SoHo has long been a mecca for area shoppers looking to splurge. The Forbes Travel Guide Four-Star Trump SoHo New York has already made itself attractive with the Trump SoHo Shopping Card, which provides insider access and exclusive discounts to the neighborhood’s premier shops. Now, the address becomes downright irresistible to travelers with a Retailer of the Month program that offers special savings at a featured stop on top of the card’s already-generous deals. Participating retailers include established brands (David Yurman), emerging designers (Andrianna Shamaris) and vintage finds (What Goes Around Comes Around). Like the Radisson Blu, Trump SoHo is offering a Retail Therapy package this summer that includes in-room breakfast, snacks for sustenance and a massage.
Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park’s Deluxe Park Suite, Photo Courtesy of Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group
London
If you want to dress like the Duchess of Cambridge, than a quick trip to the UK is in order. Before making the trek, smart shoppers will have reserved a room at the Four-Star Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park, London, where the Alexander McQueen Experience will open doors to the late designer’s iconic garments. The deal includes luxe accommodations, daily breakfast, two tickets to the Alexander McQueen: Savage Beauty exhibit at the Victoria and Albert Museum, not to mention personalized service at the Alexander McQueen boutique and a complimentary gift upon arrival.
Macau
The Promenade, Macau’s premier destination for luxury shopping, has just ramped things up a few notches. On May 27, the center unveiled a new expansion and design, giving the popular address more than 200 shops from familiar names such as Alexander McQueen, Mulberry and Salvatore Ferragamo. Just next door, the shopping center’s overnight escape, the Four-Star Galaxy Hotel, is an even easier sell, what with 1,500 contemporary rooms with stunning city views; more than 80 restaurants; and a massive water park. In other words, if you’re looking to make a splash with the indulgences, now is certainly the time to do it in Macau.
JW Marriott Los Angeles L.A. Live Lobby, Photo Courtesy of Marriott International Inc.
Los Angeles
No list of shopping destinations would be complete without mention of L.A. Beverly Hills and Hollywood are where many new fashion trends are birthed, and this summer, JW Marriott Los Angeles L.A. Live is feeding that retail frenzy with a special package in conjunction with Macy’s, located just half a mile from the hotel doors. In addition to nightly accommodations, the special comes with a $50 gift card to the department store, a $50 credit at the hotel per night, and a $100 credit to use at The Ritz-Carlton, Los Angeles’ spa.
