Sweet Surrender

Put yourself in good hands at the Waldorf Astoria Chicago Spa & Health Club.

- Kimberly Krol

There’s nothing better to motivate a weary business traveler through a day of meetings than the promise of a late-afternoon massage. Thankfully, those were the circumstances facing me one Chicago day in May. After an early-morning flight and a full day of meetings, I found myself gleefully checking into Waldorf Astoria Spa & Health Club at Waldorf Astoria Chicago.

Pulling up to the 5-star property feels more like arriving at a private residence. Part of the property is, in fact, residences; however, driving into the tucked-away courtyard, looping around the fountain and arriving at the canopied hotel entrance set against a white stone facade feels exclusive and grand yet still secluded and intimate.

The hotel boasts 215 guestrooms and suites over 19 stories in Chicago’s toney Gold Coast neighborhood. The cozy yet elegant vibe continues in the lobby, spacious but not overwhelming, and follows throughout, including the darkened, relaxing bar, Bernard’s. Years prior to this visit, Bernard’s was my first taste of this Chicago luxury hotel, stopping by for pre-dinner cocktails with a colleague.