Cozy Comfort

Retreat to the serenity of The Ritz-Carlton Spa, Chicago.

- Kimberly Krol

IT WAS JANUARY IN CHICAGO. Needless to say, it was frigid, especially on Michigan Avenue, close to Lake Michigan, with the winds off the lake absolutely chilling. The thought of my late-afternoon spa visit at The Ritz-Carlton, Chicago warmed my soul as I ran between various areas of downtown Chicago for business meetings.

Overall, my entire overnight visit to the recently revitalized and iconic Chicago property was cozy, comfortable and a warming contrast to the extremely cold outdoor temperatures.

In July 2017 The Ritz-Carlton, Chicago debuted its multimillion-dollar refurbishment, inspired by the bold architecture of the city and showcasing panoramic skyline views and an exceptional permanent art collection. My suite’s multiple rooms each boasted stunning views out to the lake and recognizable Chicago landmarks like the Ferris wheel at Navy Pier. My favorite piece of artwork was Roy Lichtenstein’s Wallpaper with Blue Floor Interior in the ground-floor lobby.

Other hallmarks of the redesign include the Flying Wave, a floating structure made of four types of handblown glass in the lobby; more than 25,000 square feet of renovated event space, including The Ritz-Carlton Ballroom; and the addition of Torali, Italian – Steak, a modern steakhouse concept on the 12th floor.