A luxury weekend is always best spent somewhere thatās a true melting pot of cultures and experiences. A city like Chicago that not only has a taste for different cuisines but also great music makes it the perfect weekend or week-long getaway. With an abundance of museums, theatres and art galleries to choose from, itās hard to know what to put on the itinerary first.
Shopping on the Magnificent Mile
The Magnificent Mile is the place to go in Chicago if youāre looking for a bit of retail therapy and indulgence in one of this cityās most fashionable areas. The four-level shopping center known as The Shops at NorthbridgeĀ exhibits a flagship Nordstrom and over 50 of the worldās biggest brands, which includes: BOSS Hugo Boss, Stuart Weitzman, Louis Vuitton, The Art of Shaving, Swatch and Lucky Brand.
There are 20 restaurants located in their center, perfect regardless if youāre looking for a light brunch or an all-out dinner occasion. Seafood, Asian traditional American and more are available depending on what you fancy.
Elysian Spa and Health Club
The Elysian Spa, or the Waldorf Astoria Chicago Spa & Health Club, is situated in a place of luxury: just above the open air courtyard of the Waldorf Astoria Chicago Hotel. An oasis of calm among the city, it comes with an array of facilities and treatments with staff who are devoted to improving your wellbeing.
This feeling of calm might also be down to its spaciousness. At 14,000ft, this spa is filled with saunas, steam rooms and whirlpools, 12 treatment rooms, hair and nail salons and much more including fitness and Pilates studios.
Fine dining
The Signature Room at the 95th is a multi-award-winning restaurant that is situated on the rooftop of the John Hannon center and provides dreamy, movie-like views of Chicago while you dine. Their menus are pure luxury, with all the champagne and seafood you could wish for.
Alinea is also a luxury foodieās dream, with modern architecture and modern thinking when it comes to their presentation:āThe first floor gallery provides seating for 16 only. A multi-sensory 16-to-18 course menu combines fine dining with experimental moments.ā
If waking up early after a night of fine dining and champagne sounds ideal, then you will want to round out your trip with luxurious transportation. Hiring a private jet is a great way to make your trip opulent from start to finish.
Studio Paris Club
No sticky floors or cheap mixers are to be found here: Studio Paris is host to an exclusive cocktail lounge and the feel of a premier, star-studded nightclub. Itās highly sought after in Chicago and boasts top-of-the-range sound systems and high quality audio-visual experiences. Itās had the likes of Avicii, Calvin Harris and Martin Garrix DJ at their club, making it the number one spot for music fans who like a classy drink with their experience. You might even be able to spot a few famous faces at Studio Paris, as itās not just the locals who want to have a good time here.
You are truly spoiled for choice in The Windy City. Planning your day from start to finish is the best way to get round your must-sees and must-dos. Whether you spend the city break in the spa or making the most of the Magnificent Mile, you might just find yourself returning for more.
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Amber
February 13, 2019 at 3:16 pmI have never made it to Chicago, but now you’ve made me want to hop on a plane there! It looks stunning and I need to eat at Alinea! A luxury trip there would be a dream come true!
Carmen Edelson
February 15, 2019 at 1:49 pmAw, I’m so glad to hear that! Thank you.
Lara Dunning
February 13, 2019 at 11:43 pmWhat a view from The Signature Room! Sounds like they have a great menu too, and I’m all about having a glass or two of champagne.
Carmen Edelson
February 15, 2019 at 1:50 pmI am too, Lara!
Jade
February 14, 2019 at 2:46 amOmg this place looks amazing I need to go here…. Amazing post thanks for sharing
Carmen Edelson
February 15, 2019 at 1:50 pmYou’re very welcome, Jade! Happy to share.
Maggie
February 14, 2019 at 7:24 pmI’ll be honest – I do not like Chicago at all. Haha. But if I ever got to take a luxury trip there, my opinion might change! I actually went to the Signature Room the last time I was there because a friend said it has the best view of the city, and I think she was right! What an amazing place!
Carmen Edelson
February 15, 2019 at 1:52 pmSometimes you need to give a place two or three chances before discovering what you like there! And your friend is right about the views š
Jas
February 15, 2019 at 11:12 amThe Elysian Spa sounds absolutely wonderful! So does the Signature Room. I mean, look at those views! Now I totally wish I’d known about these places when I was last in Chicago. Although it definitely was a lot rainier and gloomy when I went as compared to your photos here so now I might just have to revisit!
Carmen Edelson
February 15, 2019 at 1:52 pmNow you have a couple reasons to return – hopefully in nicer weather š
Kevin | Caffeinated Excursions
February 15, 2019 at 4:56 pmI love Chicago and your post is making me nostalgic! It’s tough to tackle such a big city with so much to do, and I love how you focus on just a couple of ideas instead of trying to encompass everything. I haven’t heard of the Signature Room before, but it looks really good. I’ll have to keep that in mind for the next time I’m there!
Carmen Edelson
February 19, 2019 at 4:51 pmThank you for this lovely comment, Kevin! I appreciate you taking the time.
Carol Colborn
February 15, 2019 at 6:20 pmA luxury trip to Chicago doesn’t at all sound like a bad idea, even during winter!
Carmen Edelson
February 19, 2019 at 4:51 pmAs long as you avoid the polar vortex š
Whitty
March 23, 2019 at 6:25 amI love staying at the Waldorf. It’s a true luxury property. To die for.
Carmen Edelson
March 23, 2019 at 11:37 pmThat’s a wonderful property!
Ivana Split
April 10, 2019 at 12:24 pmI’d love to visit Chicago some day. I heard that people there are super friendly.
Carmen Edelson
April 17, 2019 at 2:08 pmYes, you’ve heard correctly!
Shannon Skinner
April 11, 2019 at 9:58 amAmazing suggestions! I can’t wait to visit some day x
Shannon | shannonmichelle1.blogspot.com
Carmen Edelson
April 17, 2019 at 2:09 pmI hope you have fun when you do visit, Shannon!
Charlie Brown
December 15, 2020 at 8:01 amI totally agree with you. Studio Paris with Martin Garrix DJ is a treat to watch!
Carmen Edelson
January 4, 2021 at 4:33 pmThanks for reading, Charlie š
sameedh
June 24, 2021 at 1:05 pmThe Signature Room and the Paris Club can surely make a great day and a wonderful evening! Thanks for sharing this article!
Carmen Edelson
June 25, 2021 at 2:36 pmThanks for reading, I love Chicago!
Doroty
August 23, 2021 at 5:15 pmThese places look amazing. I really hope I can travel soon.
Carmen Edelson
August 23, 2021 at 11:26 pmI hope you can too, Dorothy!
Ā© Roentare
December 31, 2023 at 5:22 amI went to Chicago for hospital residency in 2000. I did not get to see the luxurious side of the city. This is a wonderful guide for my bucket list
Carmen Edelson
January 5, 2024 at 5:45 amAlways fun to return and treat yourself to some luxury!