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Business Travel Guide Chicago, Illinois
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Chicago, long known as the "city that works," attracts professionals of all kinds and from every corner of the world. But now—more than ever—the spotlight is on Chicago, home to the 44th president of the United States. Those who visit the city are making a point to pop into the Illinois lawmaker's favorite spots, from the bookshops he frequented to the barbershops where he updated his 'do. Mind you, it's not just tourists getting in on the action. When traveling here for work, you might find yourself jumping aboard the bandwagon. For starters, it's de rigueur to visit places that serve President Obama's favorite bites. (Go ahead and get that corned beef sandwich from Manny's Deli—it's a great way to kick-start the day.) But there's more to the city than this. Chicago is where the past and present commingle in the most amazing of ways, from its legendary, age-old architecture and super-luxe hotels to its storied dining scene and picture-perfect parks and lakefront views. Since the city's start in the early part of the 19th century, Chicago's economic expansion has all but exploded, making it a manufacturing hub modeled by other urban cities worldwide. Today, Chicago remains among the most integral economic and business locales in the United States—and beyond—thanks to financial institutions like the Chicago Stock Exchange. From its famous (but now-defunct) stockyards that processed more meat than anywhere in the world, to its position as the primary transportation center in the United States, attracting the likes of Montgomery Ward and Sears, Roebuck and Company. These days, it's also the place companies such as Boeing, Motorola and McDonald's call home. That said, this city hardly adheres to the motto, "all work and no play." Chicago has a diverse, artistic fiber that includes an unparalleled theater scene and a longstanding tradition in musical innovation, from its rich blues and jazz movement to its flourishing underground rock scene. This "second" city is one cosmopolitan town, welcoming visitors—business travelers in particular—with gracious, open arms. |
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Affinia Chicago Hotel 166 E. Superior St. (N. Michigan Ave.) Chicago, IL 60611 312-787-6000 www.affinia.com
Located just off the Magnificent Mile, this modern, minimalist hotel is convenient to both Chicago's Loop financial district and attractions such as Navy Pier, Museum Campus and the stores of the Magnificent Mile. Formerly all suites, the hotel now offers a combination of executive rooms, suites and a chic rooftop bar with amazing views. In keeping the business traveler in mind, the hotel features private conference rooms, an exec-worthy boardroom and lots of complimentary business services. In an effort to ensure everyone who stays is well rested, there's a pillow menu that gives guests six choices. Other amenities include data ports, Internet access and at-home conveniences such as coffee pots and ironing boards. The hotel's Marcus Samuelsson restaurant, C-House, is power-meal-appropriate, featuring trendily prepped American seafood and chops served in a modern, maritime-tinged setting.
The Fairmont Chicago
Long on amenities, this luxurious, business-minded hotel features 692 sizeable, rooms with pillow-top mattresses and posh public spaces. A recent, major revamp has lent a much more contemporary feel to the hotel, which now features popular wine, cheese and chocolate lounge ENO in the sunken lobby. In the well-appointed rooms, expect marble-tiled bathrooms with gracious tubs and separate showers with rainfall-style heads, a 42" flat-screen and iPod docks as well as wireless Internet access. The hotel recently rolled out mySpa, an 11,000-square-foot oasis offering massage, skincare and body treatments that'll help you relax when off-the-clock; there's also a fully equipped, spa-level fitness studio with cardio equipment, circuit training and free weights. Just five miles from the hotel is the nine-hole Sydney R. Marovitz golf course along Lake Michigan. If you're not in the mood for bites at ENO, there's always globally minded, very stylish The Aria Restaurant & Barn.
Hotel Sax Chicago
The
Palmer House Hilton
This recently restored, 1925 Beaux Arts-style hotel was originally opened in 1871, just thirteen days before the Great Chicago Fire reduced it to ashes. Chicago real estate baron Potter Palmer immediately built a new hotel on the site at three times the size of the original and ten times the cost. It was the first Chicago hotel to have fireproofing, elevators, electricity and telephones and was the home-away-from-home of such colorful figures as Mark Twain, Charles Dickens and Oscar Wilde. Now, the 1,639 rooms and suites sport an array of rich, regal colors with modern appeal. Some of the hotel's artwork, not surprisingly, is informed by the property and city's rich history. (Updates, however, have lent contemporary flair.) Rooms feature modern amenities like high-speed Internet access, large work desks and marble bathrooms. For added convenience, book an executive room, which comes with a morning newspaper, continental breakfast and access to a private elevator. While you're here (and expensing it), be sure to check out the hotel's crown jewel: Lockwood, a French and Italian-influenced, upscale American spot on the lobby level.
Trump International Hotel & Tower Chicago
Located in the heart of the city, this Skidmore, Owings & Merrill-designed luxury hotel with sweeping city views welcomed its first hotel guests in January 2008. Situated on floors 14-27 of a 92-story residential tower in development by the Trump Organization, its 339 luxuriously appointed, contemporary guestrooms and one-, two- and three-bedroom suites with modern, fully appointed kitchen, ten-foot floor-to-ceiling windows, a sitting area with a sofa bed, WiFi, 42-inch LCD TV and luxury bathrooms outfitted with Kohler deep soaking tubs, separate shower and in-mirror TV portal. Also on site is Sixteen, a fine dining restaurant featuring modern American cuisine, as well as top-tier meeting and event space and a chic lounge that's sure to wow clients. Attaché services—including a customized fully stocked refrigerator and complimentary personalized stationary, on request—are among the hotel's perks. |
 See
our list of Chicago's 10
Best Business Hotels |
Alinea |
Modern American 18/20 $$$$$ |
This restaurant's multi-course molecular offerings ($145 and $225) remain cunningly (and sometimes whimsically) crafted, elegantly presented, and joyfully consumed. Though it is expensive, and jackets are required for gentlemen, it is not snobby or pretentious—a plus since you want clients to feel at ease. Grant Achatz changes his dishes with the seasons. Whether it's a highly fragrant bowl of duck prepared three ways and topped with mango and yogurt on pillow pumped with the scent of fresh lavender. or pumpkin pie cheesecake coated in brown sugar gelée that hangs upside down from a long cinnamon stick speared with prongs, dining here is an experience not soon forgotten. |
Gibsons Steakhouse & Bar |
Steakhouse 14/20 $$$$$ |
The upscale chains all over town have nothing on this home-grown steakhouse. The bar and hallway are packed nightly with beefy businessmen in dark suits, lovelies in little black dresses, sports figures, politicos and average Joes and Janes waiting for tables in the clubby, wood-paneled dining room. Prime aged steaks—displayed raw tableside along with giant lobster tails—are the main draw, but chops and fish also rank high. Consider kicking it old-school with a starter of chopped chicken livers. Everything is on a gargantuan scale, from the how-do-they-get-them-so-cold martinis to cakes that easily feed four. You don't have to spend a fortune, however: affable servers encourage sharing entrées and the burger and other bar food items can be ordered in the dining room. |
Avenues |
Contemporary 16/20 $$$$$ |
When Graham Elliot Bowles packed up his Pop Rocks to open his own place, foodies the world over worried the stuffy seeming dining room would become stuffier still. Not going to happen, at least when it comes to what's on the plate. Former Alinea sous chef Curtis Duffy now quarterbacks, calling plays that trick, stun and, ultimately, are victorious. The setting—so subdued in the luxe Peninsula Chicago hotel—is a sight to behold. Plus, because the hotel's meeting facilities are among the best in the city, it's possible to host both events and more intimate affairs here without leaving the grounds. Our advice: plan ahead and reserve the private the restaurant's dining room, which seats up to 12. Then, keep your fingers crossed that the amaranth sheet-garnished, pan-seared scallop with amaranth puffs, brown butter and huckleberry—part science experiment, part balanced, uniquely executed treat—is on offer. |
Sixteen |
Modern American/Global 14/20 $$$$$ |
Located on its namesake floor of the Trump International Hotel & Tower Chicago, this über-classy, curvaceous dining room is adorned with a massive Swarovski-crystal chandelier, soaring ceilings and a sweeping skyline view. The food—as pricey as the setting is posh—hits global notes morning, noon and night. Aussie-born chef Frank Brunacci is at the helm, and he fashions delicate peekytoe crab dumplings with artichokes and Perigord truffle mousse that'll nearly make you forget the arm and a leg you (or whomever you're expensing it to) is about to spend. When entertaining clients, consider the six-course tasting menu ($95) or a blind tasting menu of ten courses ($130) so you can focus on the business at hand. Looking to lube the conversation? Be sure to check out bottles from the glass-enclosed wine gallery, which is flush with expense account-worthy vintages. |
Tru |
French/Contemporary 17/20 $$$$$ |
The cuisine here is immaculate in its conception, precise in its presentation, and perfectly realized in taste and flavor. The caviar service alone is incredible: it's placed on a miniature-in-glass staircase with the steps holding the various caviar accoutrements. The setting and service is as flawless as the cuisine, so business-types will feel right at home. Plan ahead: there's a private dining room, semi-private salon and a kitchen table for those seeking a bit of theater with their meal. But know that wherever you sit, the Muscovy duck carpaccio is certain to make'em swoon. Crisp white cloths cover tables that are spaced for privacy and the stylish, minimalist décor is as chic as the patrons who are eating this place up with a spoon. Dessert-only service is offered 9 p.m.-10:30 p.m. Monday-Thursday and 10:30 p.m.-11:30 p.m. Friday-Saturday. |
| City Segway Tours
Stroll through the city's parks and glean the lakefront aboard a Segway tour during your off hours, all the while learning about the city's fascinating history. Some of the places you'll zoom by during the three-hour sightseeing extravaganza include The Field Museum, Adler Planetarium and Grant Park. Group tours are available, so consider taking your team along for the ride. Diversey River Bowl
There's always a scene at this all-ages, 36-lane bowling alley—but never more so than in evenings when speakers get cranked up and mood lighting sets the place aglow. A well-stocked bar allows for grownup fun, while a handful of video games challenge you to become a kid-at-heart. Magnificent Mile
This ever-pulsing North Michigan Avenue shopping haven is home to more than 200 restaurants, 50 hotels and 460 shops and boutiques, from Vosges Haut Chocolat to Boss Hugo Boss, Bottega Veneta and Escada. It's also where you'll sometimes encounter breathtakingly picturesque seasonal events, from weekly fireworks displays on Saturdays in February to eye-popping tulip displays in spring and a holiday lights festival in late fall. A
series of redevelopment projects are infusing downtown
Chicago with a little of the architectural spirit the
city is known for. Finally opened in 2004, Millennium
Park extends the reach of Grant Park and adds 21st century
pizazz. Two 50-foot glass towers display changing video
images and spout water in the park's dramatic
Jaume Plensa-designed fountain. Wander through the Lurie
Garden with its more than 200 species of flowers, go
ice skating or hear the Grant Park Orchestra perform
at the futuristic Jay Pritzker Pavilion. Designed by
Frank Gehry, the 4,000 seat amphitheater epitomizes
the soaring stainless steel creations he's known
for. Think Guggenheim Bilbao or the Disney Concert Hall. Vertigo Sky Lounge
Perched on the top of the eco-chic Dana Hotel and Spa, this minimalist lounge—all sleek modular seating inside, patio oasis outside—fills with an A-list crowd looking to be seen. Servers preparing drinks from rolling carts lends an air of exclusivity. When you've had enough chitchat, there's always the screening room, which shows flicks both kitschy and classic. Needless to say, there's a light menu, too—courtesy of lobby-level ajasteak—with beyond-the-norm bites like banh mi. |
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* Images courtesy of the respective properties. Millennium Park Monument (Peristyle) image by Peter J. Schulz/City of Chicago.
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(Updated: 07/03/09 HC)
Business in Chicago
Chicago remains among the most integral economic and business locales in the United States and beyond, but hardly adheres to the motto "all work and no play." Home to the nation's 44th president, this cosmopolitan town welcomes visitors with gracious, open arms.