Hotel review: The Langham Chicago (USA)

Wednesday newsletters always feature a luxury hotel and/or flight review.

Today: Review of The Langham, urban sophistication in Chicago (USA).

Location: Google Maps
Hotel website: The Langham Chicago
Tip: enjoy free VIP amenities when booking via Virtuoso

Embodying the timeless qualities that define the Langham legacy since 1865 – heritage, history and legendary hospitality – The Langham Chicago gracefully blends urban sophistication with refined luxury. Since its grand opening in September 2013, The Langham Chicago has quickly become one of the top hotels in Chicago. The 316 luxurious guest rooms and suites provide sweeping views of the cityscape, Chicago River and Lake Michigan. Travelers can enjoy an oasis of tranquility at Chuan Spa where a soothing setting allows you to embark on a journey designed to balance the mind, body and soul.

Have you ever stayed at The Langham Chicago? If so, what was your experience? Leave a comment.

In this review (more info below my Youtube clip & the slideshow):

Pros & things I like
Cons & things to know
My verdict
Tips for future guests & save money
Best time to visit
How to get there
Photos

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PROS & THINGS I LIKE

The hotel is conveniently located in downtown Chicago, along the river, just minutes away from the boutique-lined boulevards of Chicago’s retail hub and within walking distance to many of the city’s premier tourist sites.

While most visitors will not be impressed by the hotel’s exterior, it is worth mentioning that the hotel occupies the lower 12 floors in a 20th century modernist architectural treasure, being Mies van der Rohe’s last building (the 52-story landmark IBM building).

The hotel has a welcome lobby on the ground floor from where elevators take guests to the gorgeously designed main lobby and check-in area on the second floor.

- The hotel features 316 luxurious and beautifully decorated guest rooms and suites ranging from the 516 sq ft Grand Room to the sprawling Infinity and Regent Suites, each spanning 2,700 sq ft. The well-lit, spotlessly clean and spacious rooms and amenities are 5-star (and some of the most beautiful hotel rooms I have ever stayed at within a USA city). All rooms have floor-to-ceiling windows. Beds are very comfy, with plenty of pillow options to choose from. Bathrooms are equally impressive: the shower and tub share the same wet space, with a privacy glass you can turn on and off between the bathroom and bedroom.

Turn-down service is offered every evening, with complimentary bottles of water.

The hotel offers free, high-speed, wireless Internet in the rooms and it does not slow down at peak times.

When you step into the main lobby, you are greeted by The Langham Hotel Group’s ginger signature scent, a refreshing, serene and subtle essence of ginger flower. The delicate aroma, which is dispersed through the air-conditioning systems, is a very nice and unique touch, and it immediately reminded me of my previous stays at other Langham hotels (such as The Langham London and the The Langham New York).

The restaurant Travelle, which is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, has good food and an excellent staff.

The service is exceptionally professional. Staff members – from receptionists to concierge, spa attendants and even the housekeepers – will make you feel honored and treasured, and all keep the perfect balance between friendliness and professionalism. It is evident that the hotel is managed very well and that Asian service standards have been implemented at the property.

The Chuan spa and wellness facilities are amazing with beautiful, relaxing rooms and gorgeous amenities, accompanied by friendly, professional, skilled technicians taking amazing care of your every whim. After a day of business meetings or sightseeing, you can relax and unwind within a calm oasis. The 67 ft swimming pool is a serene sanctuary of glistening calm, while the state-of-the-art fitness studio and adjoining group class studio allow guests to maintain their fitness regime.

The hotel is managed by the Hong Kong based Langham Hotel group. While the Langham name is not well-known to Westerners, it is a well-established Asia-Pacific luxury hotel brand with global expansions that now spans 4 continents. I have also reviewed the superb Langham properties in London and New York.

CONS & THINGS TO KNOW

The hotel is truly perfect and ultra-luxurious, and I totally loved it. Nevertheless, I hereby share with you one minor issue that I encountered during our stay and some things that you need to beware of:

Upon arrival, the bell staff unloaded my luggage from the cab but then kind of left me. I would have expected an offer to help me with the luggage up to the 2nd floor reception or directly up to our room, as is the case with most ultra-luxury hotels. Unfortunately, the hotel was extremely busy when I arrived, so that may explain this lack in service.

The hotel lacks an outdoor space, something which can be found at most of its high-end competitors in the Windy City (e.g. Four Seasons, Trump). Nevertheless, the hotel is located along the Chicago River, so it is just a short stroll to some nice public terraces where you can relax if you are in need of fresh air.

Most guest rooms do not have a river view.

You may hear some street noise (although not troublesome), especially in the rooms located on the lower floors.

MY VERDICT

Location: 9/10
Design: 9/10
Rooms: 9/10
Food: 8/10
Service: 10/10
Overall experience: exceptional: 9/10

TIPS FOR FUTURE GUESTS & SAVE MONEY

Save money: enjoy free VIP amenities when booking via Virtuoso (e.g. room upgrade, early check-in, late check-out, daily breakfast, and $1000 USD hotel credit).

Save money: read my tips for getting the best deal at a luxury hotel like The Langham Chicago (and receive many free perks).

Room tip: request a room on a higher floor to avoid street noise.

Read my tips for preparing your trip in time.

BEST TIME TO VISIT

The best times to visit Chicago are April through May or September through October, when the temperatures are warm and hotel rates are reasonable. You’ll also find a lot of festivals taking place in spring and fall. Summer marks Chicago’s peak tourist season, with travelers from around the country hoping to take advantage of the warm weather. If you’re planning to visit the Windy City between June and August, prepare yourself for denser crowds and higher prices on accommodations. Winter is a different story altogether: Chicago experiences bitter temperatures between November and March, but if you can hack it, hotel and airfare deals are easy to find.

HOW TO GET THERE

The Langham Chicago is located a 30 minute drive from O’Hare International Airport and 30 minutes from Midway International Airport. Both airports are served by many national and international airlines (click here for a direct link to the airline websites).