OVERVIEW of Waldorf Astoria

It is not often that a new hotel enters a major city and takes it by storm… almost immediately. This is particularly true in Chicago which boasts some of the best hotels in the country. But that is what happened with the Waldorf Astoria Chicago, formally the Elysian and it is easy to see why. There is exceptional attention to detail throughout the property. It is as if someone sat down and made a list of everything they could do to enhance the guest experience and then set about to implement them into the Waldorf experience.

The experience begins as you arrive in a dramatic circular driveway centered with a fountain and surrounded by precisely trimmed hedges. The magnificent stone edifice evokes memories of Parisian hotels like the Ritz and the Crillon. Our taxi was met, our bags collected and we were ushered to the front desk. Our name had been radioed ahead and our check-in was swift and effortless. A staffer came from behind the desk and escorted us to our room.

The striking interior design is Chanel inspired and is carried throughout the property. Public spaces and rooms are bathed in soothing shades of black and gray with splashes of color introduced from contemporary artwork. Chanel inspiration. Fireplace, terrace. Views. 600 sq. foot rooms. Huge marble bath. Rainforest shower. Chrome. Sleek black furniture.

THE ROOMS at Waldorf Astoria

Rooms average an astounding 790 square feet, the size of some city apartments and are decorated with sleek black furniture and chrome accessories. Huge white Carrera marble bathrooms have soaking tubs, separate showers and dual vanities. The beds are draped with 460-thread count Rivolta Carmignani Italian linens and each room has a fireplace, a furnished terrace and all the electronic gadgets anyone would want or need.

THE SPA at Waldorf Astoria

The spa is an amazing urban oasis, equipped with steam, sauna and whirlpool, all the treatments you would expect, a salon, a fully equipped health club and an indoor lap pool.

DINING at Waldorf Astoria

The Brasserie is an American brasserie with a distinct Chicago touch. This classic restaurant is a destination for fashionable cocktails and tasteful dishes, made with locally-sourced ingredients.

Brunch at The Brasserie features French Toast, Smoked Salmon Eggs Benedict, Everlasting Rosé, and more. Live entertainment on Sundays!

THE SERVICE at Waldorf Astoria

The staff is particularly well trained….in a variety of jobs. One day someone will greet you at the front door and the next they may be at the front desk. They are taught to “use your intuition” when dealing with guests, that not every guest should be treated the same way. The result is a gracious, comfortable and friendly kind of customer service totally unlike the robotic feel in some high end hotels. We were at the hotel for only one night, yet everyone knew our names from the moment we arrived. Here’s some other extraordinary touches: a book left open on a coffee table was closed with an Waldorf bookmark, when a staffer brought a newspaper in the morning, she knocked softly rather than ring the bell, the shower had a missing brick in the wall, so women could put their foot in it as they shave their legs, the bar uses all freshly squeezed juices in their drinks, the hotel has a car available to transport guests within a 2 mile radius….and the list goes on.

THE RATES at Waldorf Astoria

From $751 Peak Season Weekend

WHAT OTHERS SAY About Waldorf Astoria

AAA Four Diamond Award
Forbes Four Star Award
Forbes Four Star – Spa

PROMOTIONS at Waldorf Astoria

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