How did it strike you on arrival?
An elegant, midcentury-inspired Chicago setting matched by stellar art—a Jaume Plensa sculpture greets you in the lobby—and a hotel-wide regard for architecture, from the Hedrich Blessing black-and-white photos to the riverfront views framed by floor-to-ceiling windows. A lively lounge and restaurant with a glassed-in kitchen contribute to the hotel's significant social appeal.
The good stuff: Tell us about your room.
The immediate attraction in any room in this Mies van der Rohe-designed building is the window wall with steel cladding (fittingly, the larger suites have Mies-designed Knoll chaise longues). But you don't need to upgrade; entry-level accommodations are spacious enough to include a set of armchairs beside the 10-foot windows for skyline spectators.
We’re craving some deep, restorative sleep. They got us?
Cozy bedding with loads of cushy sleeping pillows and plum throw pillows warming the color scheme.
How about the little details. Anything worth mentioning?
Rooms have a great selection of books on architecture and design for perusing from those armchairs while taking in the views.
Please tell us the bathroom won’t let us down.
Bathrooms come clad in the travertine stone Mies van der Rohe so loved. The glass between bedroom and shower can be switched to opaque for privacy at the push of a button. La Bottega Dell'Albergo toiletries are in abundance.
Maybe the most important topic of all: Wi-Fi. What’s the word?
Good Wi-Fi and included in the rate.
Anything we missed that we should have asked about?
One of the best hotel lounges in town, Travelle Kitchen & Bar frames postcard views of the circular Marina Towers next door. Expect to compete for the best seats. Also, a shout out to the innovative Chuan Spa with Chinese treatments, a hot-cold bathing ritual, and Himalayan salt room. Upgrade to get access to a fabulous mid-century furnished lounge overlooking the river.
What was most memorable—or heartbreaking—about your stay?
Warmed relaxation recliners in the spa are hard to give up.
Bottom line: worth it, and why?
You'll pay for it, but the Langham is an excellent hotel all around.
330 N. Wabash Ave., Chicago, Illinois 60611
United States
http://chicago.langhamhotels.com/
(312) 923-9988