River North Chicago, Illinois
Renovated
2016
Price
$$$$
Rated for
Luxe Wellness DesignOutside the door
The house
PeninsulaPolished skyline beacon
Hong Kong grand-hotel rituals meet the Magnificent Mile, where white-gloved pageboys usher arrivals up to a sweeping fifth-floor sky lobby.
“Highlights of the polished space – a sprawling multi-storey affair – include a light-filled indoor pool found on the top floor...”
What it’s good at
Exceptional
Flexible Peninsula Time check-in paired with attentive pageboys in crisp white uniforms.
Remarkable
An eighty-three-foot heated indoor lap pool, paired with a two-story skyline spa.
Notable
French Deco aesthetics meet rich Macassar wood and hand-embroidered chrysanthemum silk panels.
What they say
Two Michelin Keys
Michelin
Forbes Five-Star
Forbes Travel Guide
2026
UK Readers' Choice Awards – Rest of the USA
Condé Nast Traveler
2025
Also in The 50 Discovery, Wallpaper* and AFAR.
The lobby is spacious and grand, located five floors up, above a retail concourse—another detail that’s more Far East than Midwest.
In a lively part of town
Where things happen: restaurants, shops, people.
Set right off Michigan Avenue, flagship shopping and the historic Chicago Water Tower sit directly outside the front doors.
The rooms
Deep blue tones, yacht-inspired Macassar wood, and bedside touchscreen tablets define the rooms, alongside marble soaking tubs with built-in televisions.
The pool
Bring a swimsuit.
Twenty-foot windows wrap the heated nineteenth-floor pool, framing open views of Lake Michigan and the skyline.
The spa
Spanning two upper floors, the spa offers Ayurvedic bodywork, a fireplace relaxation lounge, and an outdoor sundeck.
Dogs stay too.
At the table
Under soaring double-height ceilings and chandeliers, The Lobby serves daily afternoon tea and plant-based dishes.
Wisely replacing the lacklustre oatmeal colour scheme with deep blues and molten creams, Rooney’s inspiration from luxury yachts is evident with the abundance of fine wood finishes…
How it began
Opened in 2001 as the group's third American address, the 20-story tower honors tradition by omitting both the seventh and thirteenth elevator floors.
“The Magnificent Mile mainstay has 339 spacious guest rooms and suites, outfitted in an understated style with floral motifs by artist David Qian.”
Good to know
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Our shorthand
How we rate hotels.
The medals
Gold
Extremely rare. Sets the global standard.
Silver
Brilliant execution. And we’re picky.
Bronze
They did this well. You’ll notice.
Listed
A defining trait. Makes the hotel what it is.
The eight vibes
Design
Built around a vision. Even the door handles have a designer.
Luxe
Cared for at every turn. The bath is drawn before you ask.
Local
It could only be here. You wake up knowing where you are.
Social
Where the city goes out. The bar is full and the night is young.
Heritage
A building with a story. Once a palace, a monastery, a station.
Wellness
You leave feeling new. Rest, sweat, soak and sleep like a stone.
Classic
The city grew up with it. Same rituals, same regulars, same bar.
Resort
A world of its own. Something to do from breakfast to nightcap.
The scene
Lively
Where things happen: restaurants, shops, people.
Central
Well-located: walkable to some things, a short ride to more.
Quiet
Away from the crowds. Getting around takes intention.
Secluded
A place apart: the property is the destination.