Chi-Town Treasure

With enviable views of Lake Michigan, Navy Pier and Millennium Park from nearly every room, the V-shaped Fairmont Chicago Millennium Park boasts a most desirable location in the Windy City.

As an added perk, the 45-floor skyscraper connects to Chicago’s underground walking system, the Pedway, which means that, even in a snowstorm, guests can comfortably get around the central business district for shopping and entertainment.

There’s so much to do and see within walking distance of the hotel, including Chicago landmarks such as the Frank Gehry-designed Pritzker Pavilion, the Cloud Gate (aka “The Bean”), the world-famous Art Institute of Chicago, Grant Park, the Chicago Theater District and the Skydeck Chicago at Willis Tower. 

But there are also some awesome things to see right at the AAA Four-Diamond hotel. Two large bronze and aluminum sculptures on the front walls capture guests’ attention as they enter the high-rise hotel. The striking murals depict Chicago’s industrial past – in particular, the 1920s construction of an early skyscraper, the Wrigley building.

Inside, guests find a vibe both modern and historic, with soft orange backlighting, gray marble pillars, dark carpets and a large front desk staffed by friendly folks prepared to attend to any needs guests bring their way. 

Last renovated in 2018, the stylish Fairmont has 687 rooms and suites with wide windows allowing in lots of natural light. In-room art is a mixture of black-and-white cityscapes and colorful floral compositions. Most rooms have a small desk and one or two comfortable chairs with side tables. 

Those who want a traditional sit-down restaurant without leaving the hotel will enjoy Columbus Tap, which features classic Midwestern fare in a charming contemporary gastropub. Replicas of old whiskey barrels line one wall. There are separate selections for brunch, lunch, dinner and even happy hour. 

The Fairmont’s stunning lobby lounge, The Bar, is the perfect place for a nightcap. A contemporary space with plush leather chairs, dark-wood seating nooks and sometimes live music, The Bar’s menu emphasizes handcrafted cocktails, high-end wines and small plates.

For guests who don’t get enough of a workout by exploring the area’s public art, shopping and parks or by taking advantage of the hotel’s complimentary bicycles, the Fairmont provides a fitness studio/health club. The cutting-edge gym, measuring 110,000 square feet, houses standard exercise equipment, a small pool and a rock-climbing wall. The hotel’s spa, MySpa, is perfect for visitors who seek to be pampered and provides an array of amenities, including eight treatment rooms, a massage space, a nail salon and a boutique.

Like other hotels in the chain, Fairmont Chicago, which first opened in 1987, is proud of its environmental and community initiatives. Guests can witness this commitment in action through sustainable actions like active recycling practices; careful use of water resources; and creative means of carbon-footprint reduction, like planting an urban herb garden. 

The hotel also operates an energy- and carbon-management program that allows it to track its environmental impact. Specifically, the Fairmont has installed low-flow showerheads, low-flush toilets and tap aerators in every room. Sheet and towel exchange programs also help conserve water.

Fairmont Hotels & Resorts has an annual campaign, Trees of Hope, which encourages each hotel to support a local philanthropic organization rather than dictating the same charity for all hotels. Trees of Hope is also designed to allow each hotel to create its own initiatives, thereby making sure that the charity and the contribution are truly localized. The Fairmont Chicago supports SOS Children’s Villages of Illinois and offers a Trees of Hope Guestroom Package that includes a $10 per night donation.

Between its great location – anchored by 400-plus acres of protected park space in the heart of downtown Chicago – its highly regarded restaurant, its pampering spa and its admirable environmental initiatives, the Fairmont Chicago Millennium Park is a solid choice for travelers to the Windy City. And, thanks to the hotel’s connection to the Pedway, guests don’t have to endure any more wind than they wish while exploring a city known for, among other things, the frigid breezes that blow off Lake Michigan and sweep through the city’s streets. O

Fairmont Chicago Millennium Park is located at 200 N. Columbus Drive, Chicago. For more information, call 312-565-8000 or visit fairmont.com/chicago.