chicagotribune.com - Travel: Oh, yes, the Peninsula is that good

chicagotribune.com - Travel Headlines from chicagotribune.com Oh, yes, the Peninsula is that good 12 Jun 2011, 7:14 am Part of a series of mini-reviews of Chicago-area hotels. Does the 10-year-old Peninsula Chicago deserve all of its accolades? Does it merit Forbes' five-star and AAA's five-diamond ratings or a seemingly perennial spot on Conde Nast Traveler's Gold List? In a word: Yes. This River North gem embodies opulence, a hotel that knows how to cater to every need without appearing gaudy or flashy. Starting at 530 square feet, the Peninsula guest rooms are some of the largest in town. Inside, a palette of soft gold and butterscotch delivers a light yet warm feel. And gadget hounds will love the bedside control panel, which regulates temperature, lighting and curtains. The top two floors house The Peninsula Spa, where guests can unwind in one of eight treatment rooms or in the hotel's 25-meter lap pool. Those looking for a workout will find one waiting in the Fitness Center, which offers dozens of classes and personal trainers at the ready. Dinner is just as invigorating, as guests can choose from four options, including Shanghai Terrace and the two-star Michelin-rated Avenues. With the restaurant's open kitchen and chef's bar, guests can watch executive chef Curtis Duffy build contemporary American dishes using sustainable ingredients and modern techniques. Finish the night with cocktails at The Bar, the Peninsula's signature lounge, where you never know when an A-list celebrity might show up for a nightcap. The Peninsula Chicago Neighborhood: River North 108 E. Superior St. Chicago, IL 60611 312-337-2888 peninsula.com/chicago Getting there Cross Streets: Rush and Chicago Public transportation: CTA bus: 3-King Drive, 151-Sheridan, 147-Streeterville, 66-Chicago; CTA Red Line "L" stop: Chicago Parking: Self and valet Wheelchair access: Yes The basics Prices for a standard room start at $325 a night, excluding taxes. Floors: 16. Rooms: 339. Hotel amenities: Ballrooms (2), meeting rooms (7), restaurants and bars/lounges (5), business center, fitness center, pool, whirlpool, steam room, terrace, spa. Room amenities: Flat-screen television, work desk, minibar, in-room safe. Features Room service: 24 hours Turndown service Pets allowed up to 20 pounds Wi-Fi: Complimentary Shopping nearby Chat about this story w/ Talkita You are receiving this email because you subscribed to this feed at blogtrottr.com. If you no longer wish to receive these emails, you can unsubscribe from this feed.