A WEEKEND RESPITE AT THE WALDORF ASTORIA CHICAGO

Tuck yourself into luxury for the weekend moments away from home.

There is a particular enjoyment to slipping away without really going away at all. On a recent snowy weekend, my husband and I traded highways and airports for a short drive into the Gold Coast and checked into the Waldorf Astoria Chicago, a luxury hotel that feels both cosmopolitan and deeply cocooning. From the discreet courtyard arrival to the warm efficiency of valet, the tone is set immediately: this is a place where details are anticipated and indulgence feels effortless. The hotel’s Parisian-inspired architecture lends an air of quiet glamour, while its location, moments from Oak Street’s boutiques and the lakefront, places the very best of the city at your doorstep.

Before even seeing our suite, we made our way to the Waldorf’s spa, recently named a 2025 World Spa Awards winner for North America’s Best Hotel Spa. It is not merely an amenity; it is an experience unto itself. The treatment menu reads like a passport to restoration—Ashiatsu, Himalayan Salt Stone, sound bath massage—each delivered with a level of polish that feels bespoke. The 14,000-square-foot space unfolds into a serene sequence of indulgences: a 25-yard indoor lap pool framed by soft light, a whirlpool, sauna, and a relaxation lounge designed for lingering. Time slows here. While snow fell beyond the windows; inside, there was only warmth and stillness.

Cocktails began at Bernard’s, the hotel’s intimate speakeasy tucked discreetly on the second floor. Low lighting, plush banquettes, and meticulously crafted drinks create a mood that invites conversation to stretch long into the evening. A caviar service or a plate of gruyère gougères pairs beautifully with a martini stirred to perfection.

Dinner at Brass Tack continues the sense of occasion. Under the direction of Executive Chef Eric Damidot—whose South of France upbringing subtly informs his approach—the menu elevates American classics with refined technique and impeccable sourcing. A canoe-roasted bone marrow arrives rich and decadent, offset by crisp bread. The seafood tower and oysters taste as if they’ve just been pulled from the ocean, a reminder that luxury is often defined by restraint and quality. A pasture-raised chicken for two is lacquered and deeply flavorful; the wagyu steak yields effortlessly to the knife. Even the sides—bright asparagus with lemon zest—are handled with care. And for dessert, the warm apple galette, crowned with salted caramel gelato, is reason enough to return.

After dinner, the choice is deliciously difficult: a final nightcap at Bernard’s or retreating upstairs to your suite, where a fireplace flickers and two televisions await a late-night film. The suites—many with private terraces—offer a residential sensibility rarely found in city hotels. It is Chicago, reimagined as a pied-à-terre.

Morning unfolds gently. Coffee by the fire. A slow start. Then a visit to one of the finest hotel fitness centers in the city, complete with a Reformer Pilates Studio (instructor-led classes on-site) and a breadth of equipment that rivals private clubs. Brunch at Brass Tack completes the ritual. Limitless rosé, mimosas, and bellinis sparkle against a menu that balances indulgence and wellness: egg white and crab frittata, blueberry pancakes, vibrant juices layered with celery, kale, and ginger. It is the kind of brunch that stretches comfortably into afternoon.

What lingers most about a stay at the Waldorf Astoria Chicago is its ability to transform proximity into true escape. There are no boarding passes, no time-zone shifts, just the quiet thrill of stepping into a world where service is seamless, surroundings are elegant, and every comfort has been considered. Checking out of the Waldorf Astoria’s Parisian elegance wasn’t easy, however, knowing this refined respite is a short drive away made the departure feel easier knowing we can return at a moment’s notice.

To book your stay, visit wachicago.com.