Four Seasons Chicago Review

This Four Seasons Chicago Review is part of a series of Chicago articles from a recent stay. For the first post, please see Allium Four Seasons Chicago Review and Menu: 6 Can’t Miss Dishes.

TravelSort Clients enjoy Four Seasons Preferred Partner benefits, including top priority for upgrades:

• Daily full American breakfast for two people per bedroom, served through In-Room Dining or in the hotel restaurant (including buffets)
• Choice of USD100 Spa credit (not applicable to products) or USD100 food and beverage credit once during stay
• Upgrade of one category, based on availability at time of check-in (excluding signature suites and villas)
• Complimentary basic Internet in all guest rooms, complimentary premium Internet in all suites.

Location and Check-in

Four Seasons Chicago is located at 120 East Delaware Place, in the Gold Coast area of Chicago. After entering, you take an elevator to the lobby, on the 7^th floor.

There’s ample seating in the lobby.

I was greeted by a friendly associate and swiftly checked in, which I appreciated, since it was about 10pm by the time I checked in.

Lake View Executive Suite

Rather uniquely, its lower floors are condominiums, and the hotel itself is on the highest floors, with the highest rooms and suites in Chicago. I was thoughtfully upgraded to a Lake View Suite, which enjoyed beautiful views of the lake from the bedroom.

The Four Seasons bed as usual was very comfortable—and during my stay I even got to learn how a proper Four Seasons bed is made and try my hand making it—harder than you might think, for a novice! Some of the Four Seasons Chicago rooms and suites feature the new Four Seasons bed, with a customizable mattress: plush, classic, and firm—to suit your sleep preference.

The separate living room is convenient for families, since kids can be put to sleep there. Do note, though, that sometimes the door separating the bedroom and living room has frosted glass so some soft light comes through it if the bedroom light is on; if you will have children or a third guest in the living room, I recommend requesting an Executive Suite with French Doors instead.

On the work desk was a personalized welcome amenity. I was asked before my stay what my favorite treat was, and I mentioned Passion Fruit Noosa yogurt. Lo and behold, two tubs of creamy and delicious Passion Fruit Noosa yogurt were waiting for me, along with house-made toasted granola—yum! I’ve never enjoyed such a personalized amenity in a city hotel, or even in most resorts, and it was a wonderfully welcome surprise.

The Executive Lake View Suites feature a separate soaking tub and glass enclosed shower, which I appreciated. As the hotel is older, some of the other rooms and suites have bathtub-shower combos.

Bath products were Malin & Goetz instead of L’Occitane, which most Four Seasons hotels offer. I enjoyed the scent of the Neroli bath gel, although overall my personal preference is for L’Occitane bath products.

I appreciated that makeup remover was included in the amenities, as it was a handy way to clean off sunscreen and makeup at the end of the day.

Swimming Pool

My family (especially my son) loves a hotel with a swimming pool, which isn’t always the case with city hotels. Four Seasons Chicago has a good sized pool, complete with plenty of pool toys for kids, as well as a Jacuzzi whirlpool. Natural light floods in through the windows.

Kids’ Room

Unusually for a city hotel, Four Seasons Chicago has turned one of its rooms into a beautifully and whimsically decorated kids’ room. It’s a great family-friendly feature, and especially welcome for little ones who may not be traveling with many of their own toys and want a place they can play.

The Verdict

Four Seasons Chicago is now the only Chicago hotel managed by Four Seasons, now that The Ritz-Carlton, which used to be managed by Four Seasons, has joined the Ritz-Carlton. Its hard product is older than some of Chicago’s newer hotels, but what really impressed me are the views and the fantastic service–I loved the highly personalized welcome amenity, the upgrade to a Lake View Executive Suite, the meticulous housekeeping (a soft microfiber cloth was even left by my computer to clean the screen with!) and the excellent concierge service.

While I've mostly booked clients there on business or for Chicago staycations, Four Seasons Chicago is also the most family-friendly city property, with a lovely indoor pool and plenty of pool toys, as well as a kids' room, not to mention the option to book (for an additional fee) the Ice Cream Man to visit your room to create made-to-order sundaes for your kids and you (a Martini Man option is available for the adults!)

If you've stayed at Four Seasons Chicago, what was your experience?

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