Hotel check: Fairmont Chicago

WHAT’S IT LIKE? A large, 45-storey five-star hotel, currently undergoing a US$60 million refurbishment, with a finish date slated for around June this year. When I visited in January 2008, the reception area was in the process of being renovated, and what was impressive and yet typical of the hotel was that, apart from a slightly strange configuration to the check-in and route to the rooms (down an escalator to the lower ground floor, then up to the rooms), it wasn’t immediately obvious that the work was going on, and it didn’t undermine the experience of staying. WHERE IS IT? Just to the north of Millennium Park in the Loop, in an area being termed Chicago’s New East Side, with both the large Hyatt Regency (2,019 rooms) and the Sofitel close by on East Wacker Drive, and only a short walk from Michigan Avenue. ROOM FACILITIES The 687 rooms, including 64 suites, over 32 guest room floors, all date from the hotel’s opening in 1987, but are currently being renovated. Where before there was the choice of Club rooms with access to the Club floor, the hotel is adopting the new Fairmont Gold concept, which is billed a “hotel within a hotel”. As with the executive floor concept, rooms are the same size, but there are upgraded services and amenities such as free internet access, use of the Private floor (the previous Club floor), complimentary continental breakfast, use of the bar, access to the health club and business centre, and so on. Many rooms have stunning views  of the Chicago river or the Millennium Park, and have separate showers and a good-sized workdesk with plenty of power points. A further tower of suites will be opening in 2009, as well as a new ballroom complex, accessed under the road in front of the hotel. RESTAURANTS AND BARS Aria Restaurant and Bar opened in 2002 and is an excellent evening venue serving delicious food. Breakfast is also served here, although the dim lighting is less successful in the morning. The bar now includes a popular sushi station, which attracts local clientele as well as guests. BUSINESS AND MEETING FACILITIES The Fairmont has 5,760 sqm of meeting, conference and banquet space, including two ballrooms and 12 function rooms. LEISURE FACILITIES At present, the hotel has an arrangement with the adjoining Athletic Club and Spa. It’s a fabulous facility but there’s a charge of US$20 to use it. However, it is free to members of Fairmont’s President’s Club loyalty scheme, and since you get immediate access, if you are not a member and intend to use this facility, it’s probably worthwhile joining. From March, there will be a new 1,022 sqm mySpa and gym within the hotel on level B1, but again this will have a charge unless booked for a treatment, but will be free for President’s Club members. VERDICT The Fairmont is absolutely a five-star hotel, from the Bentley Continental Flying Spur parked outside – available for short city transfers for guests free of charge – to the liveried doormen, marble and chandeliers. But don’t expect the premium rate to include the extras. Internet access is US$15.95 for 24 hours, use of the gym costs US$20 per person per day, and even the new spa has a charge of US$10 per day, unless you are a member of Fairmont Hotels’ guest loyalty programme. PRICES Internet rates for a fully flexible midweek stay in March started from US$293 for a Fairmont city view room. CONTACT 200 North Columbus Drive; tel +1 312 565 8000; fairmont.com. Tom Otley