When Kim Richter wants to escape the hipster crowds in Bucktown, she heads to a hotel. Whether it’s The James in Streeterville or The Sofitel nearby, Richter drops in where the tourists go to get relief from the regular weekend routine — though she doesn’t stay the night.
“It just brings in a bunch of young people,” the West Loop resident, 32, told RedEye. “They’re always packed.” Richter said she also has taken advantage of Chicago’s status as a major getaway destination with a spa day at the W Hotel and a trip to Espression by Lavazza coffee shop at The Drake.
Local hotels are more than willing to reach out to consumers like Richter, who are seeking hidden escapes in their own back yards. Ever since the concept of a staycation — or vacationing at home — gained traction this summer, Chicago hotels have been offering incentives to lure in the locals. And the brutal winter is prime time for folks looking to get away without going far.
About 20 percent of the visitors to The Spa at Dana are Chicago residents, said director Gregg Hobbs. The number is expected to grow as more spa-specific promotions are implemented. At the Avenue Hotel, the Sky Lounge often is populated by locals, whether they’re meeting friends who have come into town for business or just stopping by for an after-work drink, said Robert Humphrey, director of sales and marketing for the hotel.
In-the-know locals also use the spa at the Four Seasons, where for an extra $30 you can get admission to the pool and fitness club for the day.
“The local markets are one of our biggest for leisure travel,” said Four Seasons public relations director Terri Hickey. “We have a significant number of people who come to get away without going too far from home.”
And you’ll often find after-work parties at Crimson Lounge at Hotel Sax, said Dan Dolan, director of sales and marketing for the hotel, with people coming in to see local groups early in the evening and sticking around later to hear celeb DJs such as Lindsay Lohan’s gal pal Samantha Ronson spin.
Plenty of people have zeroed in on the city’s hidden hotel gems, but there still are a few under-the-radar escapes to be explored — if you know where to look.
If you just want to chill, try …
The Spa at Trump
401 N. Wabash Ave., 312-588-8020, trumpchicagohotel.com
Sure, this decadent spa offers the option to get rubbed down with emeralds, sapphires and diamonds ($300). There’s also a couple’s massage that includes a bath for two and aromatherapy ($450). And don’t forget the Ultimate Urban Hand Relief treatment designed to soothe your texting-weary fingers ($150). But times are tough, people. If the high price of urban luxury stresses you out, here’s a tip: You can get thrifty relaxation by paying for a 60-minute treatment such as the $75 French pedicure, which includes access to the steam room, sauna and gym for the day.
Sky Lounge at Avenue Hotel Chicago
160 E. Huron St. 312-787-2900; avenuehotelchicago.com
Tourists often come to Sky Lounge to see Chicago’s signature buildings, but you also can head there if a cold day makes you wonder why you live here — the skyline view from the 40th floor serves as a good reminder. Enjoy it while snacking on some small plates ranging from tomato basil and goat cheese fondue to shrimp ceviche. The satellite music system means the tunes can change from jazz to hip-hop depending on requests from the crowd, which ranges from corporate groups staying at the hotel to trendy locals. For even more relaxation, try a signature cocktail like the Zebra-tini, a striped mix of vanilla liquor, Godiva liquor and Skyy vodka.
Need to unwind? Try …
S Factor Lapdance Class at W Chicago — City Center
172 W. Adams St. 312-332-1200; sfactor.com
Sexy might not be the first word that comes to mind when you think of hotel fitness, but these lapdance classes offered in a private workroom might make you reconsider. Offered from 6 to 8 p.m. every Friday through Feb. 13, the $50 sessions will help you get fit with results your significant other will be sure to enjoy. Plus you’ll get a goodie bag to take home.
The Spa at the Four Seasons Hotel
8th and 9th floors, 120 E. Delaware Pl.; 312-649-2340
If money is no object and you want to feel good enough to eat, you might indulge in the Four Seasons Hotel’s Chocolate Decadence Package. The hotel’s spa offers the three-hour experience, which combines a chocolate-chip mint sugar scrub with a Swiss chocolate and caramel wrapping, then ends with a deep chocolate massage. What should you eat afterward? That’s simple: The spa treatments finish up with a chocolate martini and chocolate truffles served in the spa’s tranquil Relaxation Lounge. It’s all yours for $300.
Looking to mix it up? Try …
Le Bar at Sofitel Chicago Water Tower
20 E. Chestnut St. 312-324-4000; lebarchicago.com
Regulars will tell you the best thing about Le Bar is the guy pouring the drinks. Le Bar bartender Daniel Love regularly competes to show off his skills with food and wine pairings and mixology. Check out his work for yourself by sampling his Three Stages of Love Valentine’s Day cocktails ($12). Want a taste of what you’re in for? The Passion and Spice cocktail heats things up with cayenne pepper, Agave nectar, lime, blood orange juice, cherry liquor, sweet vermouth and reposado. Now that’s hot.
If you’re hungry for something different, try …
Wave at W Hotel — Lakeshore
644 N. Lake Shore Drive, 312-255-4460; starwoodhotels.com
Want to feel like a true fine-dining insider? The Mediterranean-influenced small plates and variety of seating spaces at Wave make it a great destination any time for couples or groups. But if you want to get a really unique dining experience, come to one of the monthly five-course events hosted by the restaurant’s executive chef. The $60 meal includes a cocktail, wine pairings and a cooking demonstration with recipes to take home. The next one takes place Feb. 7.
C-View at the Affinia Chicago Hotel
166 E. Superior St. 312-523-0923; affinia.com
If you’ve ever wandered around searching for your favorite treats, this is a one-stop sugar high destination. Seriously satisfy your sweet tooth every Thursday from 7 to 11 p.m. For $19 you can graze at a candy bar packed with candies, desserts and sweets along with coffee, tea and hot chocolate. For an extra $5, add in dessert liquors too. No reservations are accepted, and the bar keeps things casual so you can feel free to hang out after dinner and enjoy the view from the 29th floor — or just pop in to get some energy for a night out.
David Burke’s Primehouse at The James
616 N. Rush St. 312-660-6000; jameshotels.com
Are the gourmet restaurants at Chicago hotels out of your price range? A new “little bites” menu offers food and cocktail pairings for $10 in the lobby bar. Classy eats include firecracker duck rolls, dry aged sirloin tacos and Kobe corn dogs with quirky cocktails like the Flapjack, a mix of Dewars, bacon and maple syrup. The spot also offers some great people watching, whether you’re chilling on a couch watching the crowds hustling down Superior Street or sneaking peeks from a candlelit table among an eclectic mix of retail employees, musicians and young businesspeople who use the bar as an-after-work meeting space.
