Staycation at The Peninsula Chicago

Hospitality begets style and upscale amenities at The Peninsula Chicago; which is why I made the five star my new permanent address in the city.

Okay. So, I may not be sending any mail out with 108 East Superior Street as the return address, but I was invited for a personal overnight stay to experience the best that is Peninsula. From custom-made cocktails at The Bar at The Peninsula to delish big girl dinners and luxury suites that are bigger than my apartment, no joke; The Peninsula offers a quite, sophisticated oasis from the downtown hustle or in my case a staycation from my apartment across the city.

Known as one of the more formal hotels in the city, I put on my best pair of converses (I'll wear them with anything and everywhere – yup I'm that hipster) and made my way to the concierge's desk to check into my hotel room. Oddly enough, I didn't feel out of place at all with the rest of the neckties and suites. Smiles when I entered a different room of the hotel, polite gestures and waves that pointed me to my next destination and even some small talk about my stay all added to the open and no noses in the air vibe at The Peninsula. Susan Ellefson, Peninsula's PR director, believes that it's the hotel's unique blend of global hospitality that sets the hotel apart from other top names.

"It's our Midwestern hospitality combined with far eastern graciousness (the warm friendly nature you find in the Chicago area combined with the reserved, discreet, refined service style you find in the far east" said Ellefson.

The Peninsula also features a 15,000-square-foot luxury spa and adjoining fitness center by ESPA located on the top two floors of the hotel. Ranked #1 Hotel Spa by Conde Nast Traveler and Best Urban Hotel Spa and Best Spa for Accommodations by readers of SpaFinder magazine, guests can enjoy and take advantage of any of the spa treatments, which range from holistic massage therapies, facials, manis/pedis to fitness services such as yoga and pilates classes, personal training sessions, and a slew of other classes that are sure to whip your body in shape while enjoying state-of-the-art equipment. Not a guest of the hotel? Not a problem, the spa is open to the public.

To say that I felt like overjoyed ten-year-old MAcAulay Culkin in Home Alone the first day he was in his suburban home without his family when I entered my suite, 1403, would be a vast understatement. With sharp city skyline views, a bathroom that could probably host a Sea World performance, and an inviting King size bed that would make you late if not miss work everyday, I cozied up to my new, sadly temporary living quarters.

The suite also featured a separate room for business or entertaining complete with a sofa for an unexpected guest, a bathroom decked out with a two sinks, a bathtub with a TV to catch up on your news in the morning, and a separate shower arrangement; even my bathtub had a view! I was also happy that I could plug in my new MacBookAir at the docking station and enjoy complimentary Wifi. After getting acquainted with my suite, I was called down for drinks at The Bar with Greg Hyder, Director of Catering and Susan Ellefson, director of public relations for The Peninsula.

The Bar at The Peninsula elicits a comfy, laid-back feel that made me feel right at home; especially since it was my first time at the hotel's premiere bar and lounge. Great for an after-work cocktail or for gathering with friends for an escape from the traffic of Michigan Ave. and downtown, The Bar features a wide selection of specialty cocktails with custom and fun infusions. However, to more important things; the men. The Bar seems to attract a more seasoned and established group of men. Think Mr. Big from Sex and the City. Although this Carrie didn't spot her six foot something tall, dark mysterious hubby (note: I'll be back for him), I did enjoy my new personal favorite cocktail the blueberry smash, which infused wild berries with vodka; just desserts with a kick. Over drinks, it was also great to learn of Hyder's personal experiences of working at The Peninsula and what the hotel has planned for its 10 year anniversary. Hyder is proud to consider the Peninsula his long-time home.

"The Peninsula is privately owned, so it's not like working for a big company, although the brand is so much better then any other hotel I've worked for in the past. I feel like the owners are in it for the long haul and to be the best. Now, I think about where I would be in seven years, and I can't think of where I would go. They're like my new family," said Hyder.

Dinner took place in The Lobby, which features 20-foot floor-to-ceiling windows, vegan and glutten-free menus, and a three-course prix-fixe lunch menu. Although I did enjoy my entrée, the grilled ribeye of braised short ribs, potato foam and red wine sauce (delish not to mention yum) the highlight of my dinner was my side dish of lobster mashed potatoes, which was whipped Heaven in a bowl. Chef Cyrill Calmet prepared a wonderful dinner that sent my taste buds in overdrive, and even made a personal appearance to greet my sister and I at my table, with some some additional sample cuisine delights as well.

I would say that after dinner I retired to my room for a good night's rest, but that would be a lie. I busted open a bottle of libations and I swear the big girl inside me was the one to order room service, since that is the best part of a staycation in a five-star hotel. I, excuse me...the big girl recommends the kobe hamburger with a side of macaroni and cheese from the Peninsula's late-night menu. Also, if I wasn't suffering from food coma, I would've taken advantage of the hotel's complimentary driving shuttle service that whisks guests away to any local destination, which would be great for a group of traveling visitors to explore in the city in style.

In the morning, I was treated to a hearty breakfast of lightly scrambled eggs, hash browns, ham, yogurt with fresh berries, and a cheese danish and the best part is that I could stay in my pjs!

Whether you're an out-of-towner on business or a local who just needs a bit of a staycation, The Peninsula offers top-notch hospitality and luxury amenities in a fun and friendly atmosphere. For those of you who know me....you should know that for me the most priceless part of staying in a nice hotel is scoring some grooming products from your room. I did it in NYC for fashion week, and I'm guilty of it again! I'm sooooooo loving the Peninsula's Davi Napa collection right now!