Waldorf Astoria Chicago
After a remarkable stay at the St. Regis Chicago, the Waldorf Astoria Chicago was next up to the plate. I’ve had a variety of experiences, from disappointing to satisfactory (and sometimes, both) at Waldorf Astoria properties over the past few years. Indeed, I was intrigued to see where the Chicago location belongs on the continuum. Armed with my curiosity and a free night certificate, I booked a one-night stay to size up the property. Let’s check out the experience.
Booking
I reserved this two-person stay at the Waldorf Astoria Chicago using a free night certificate. I, and many of you, continue to enjoy using these certs for most any property in the Hilton portfolio (outside of a few exceptions I don’t care about, anyway). The phone booking process for our Deluxe King with Fireplace room was smooth, easily completed within five minutes. Point rates started at 95k for that night, and the all-in cash rate hovered around $800.
Location
Within the Gold Coast area of Chicago, the Waldorf boasts more conveniences than views. Magnificent Mile shopping is just a block away, and Navy Pier isn’t far (or super close) at one mile away. Plenty of dining sits immediately around the hotel, as well, and while visitors aren’t exactly treated to river or lake views here, they’re probably close (enough) to the action. As one who enjoys walking in Chicago, I felt that way, at least.
Check-In
Arriving at 4 pm, our room was immediately available. Even better, as a Hilton Honors Diamond member, we were upgraded to a Junior Suite with Fireplace. The front desk agent was able to confirm a 2 pm late checkout, as well (more on that later). After the rep clarified that the Hilton elite food and beverage credit is widely redeemable at the property, I was on my way.
Room
Formerly the Elysian Hotel, the Waldorf Astoria Chicago has done an excellent job keeping up their room offerings. Entering the junior suite, a large closet, minibar, and Nespresso machine sat to the right. The living room portion of the junior suite felt cozier than the one we experienced at the St. Regis the night before, and that was before turning on the fireplace. The Waldorf clearly has a leg up on most of their local competition with the fireplace offering in many room types. A wide, useful desk faced the window with views of a parking garage. Still, I enjoyed the desk location with easy access to the living room and bedroom in either direction.
Adjacent to the bedroom was a large wardrobe and the generously-sized, opulent bathroom, perhaps the most consistent feature of all Waldorf Astoria properties I’ve visited. The dual vanity was to the right with the separate tub against the opposite wall. A separate shower and toilet were located in the bathroom’s far corners. Automated switches for all lighting and drapes functioned properly. Living room and bedroom televisions (I estimate in the 50″ to 60″ range) were perfectly sized for the spaces.
While not my favorite color scheme, the contrasting black and white motif throughout the suite was certainly striking.
Amenities
Dining
Brass Tack
Guests can dine throughout the day at Brass Tack, the hotel’s main restaurant on the third floor. With other plans, we couldn’t partake on our arrival date, but Brass Tack offers reasonable options at happy hour. Brass Tack leans into the dark textures, something I’ve identified with since my days of working at Steak & Ale in high school. Exterior windows let light into Brass Tack, albeit quickly neutralized by the interior.
Breakfast was an enjoyable experience, if not a jaw-dropping one. I easily selected the breakfast sandwich for two reasons: I couldn’t remember the last time I had one, and I figured I might as well try the high-end Waldorf Astoria version. It was a predictably sloppy mess, mostly in a good way. Sandwich droppings found respite on the bed of crunchy new potatoes. The main culprit in the sandwich fiasco was the too-thick bacon. I could easily bite through all other sandwich ingredients, but the bacon was a formidable foe. Of course, my waiter came by to check on me at the split second of peak sandwich struggle. It was not pretty.
I stuck around for more coffee with a bit of cream, white sugar, and humility.
Bernard’s
The previous night, I went by Bernard’s for a quick beer AKA Hilton elite F&B credit liquidation opportunity. Touted as a “speakeasy cocktail lounge,” Bernard’s is wedged into a corner of the second floor overlooking the lobby. Quarters were tight, views were almost nil, and beer was only bottled (boo). The selection was limited, too, but I was probably in the wrong place for it. Indeed, this is a place for specialty drinks more than beer. I might as well have asked for a Zima. Still, it’s a cute, little place with a distinguishable vibe not always available at points-redeemable properties.
Spa
The spa, lap pool, and fitness center are located on the Waldorf Astoria Chicago’s fourth floor. Spa reception and locker rooms are just off the elevator. The men’s locker room offers a jacuzzi, sauna, and plenty of shower and dressing areas. Less impressive is the Waldorf’s fitness center. Plenty of cardio equipment is on offer, but there’s not much weight equipment to pick from beyond an all-in-one machine and free weights. Views are nonexistent. I ran on the treadmill, intermittently looking at the television mounted on the wall. It was broadcasting random quotes from Buddha, Chanel, and others, with intermittent plugs to buy gift cards at the spa front desk. The lap pool is exactly that, with no additional room for other activities.
Service
Waldorf Astoria Chicago employees were welcoming and nice enough in all my interactions during this abbreviated stay. But, similar to other Waldorf properties I’ve visited, the personal touch was a bit lacking. On multiple occasions, I felt that I was caught up in bureaucratic processes more aligned with large, filing cabinet hotel brands.
When I asked about late checkout, the front desk agent offered 1 pm. I mentioned I was hoping for 4 pm, if that was possible. He went back to the office and returned, offering 2 pm. I graciously accepted, but this level of haggling felt unnecessary.
When I exited on my floor after checking in, I noticed the fire alarm flashing (but not ringing). After entering the suite, I called to report the problem and ask if evacuation was necessary. Guest services told me there was no need to do so, and engineering would address the fire alarm. I left the suite two hours later, and nothing had changed with the alarm. A bit after midnight when I next returned, the fire alarm was still flashing. Apparently they finally figured it out overnight, as I saw no flashing during my 9 am exit.
Waldorf Astoria Chicago – Conclusion
I found this Waldorf Astoria Chicago stay a higher net positive than some of my other experiences with the brand. I’m more likely to return here than most other Waldorf locations. That speaks highly of this property in comparison to their other colleagues within Hilton Honors, but not as much to competition beyond. I’d love for Hilton Honors to do more to raise the bar with their highest-end WA properties, but I’ll have to settle for a still-solid level in the meantime. And hey, I’m a sucker for a fireplace.
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