BACKGROUND

Loews Hotels and Resorts operates 24 properties in the US and Canada. This downtown property opened in March last year, joining its Chicago O’Hare airport hotel, which launched in 2014.

WHAT’S IT LIKE?

Modern and welcoming, the Loews is purpose-built for business travellers. Housed in a gleaming 52-storey new-build, the 400-room property occupies the first 13 floors, with residences on the levels above. The expansive double-height lobby has reception desks on one side, a bar on the other (lively on the weekend) and ample seating.

There are tables with plug sockets and USB ports, TV screens showing sport, and boarding-pass printing stations. Some design elements are inspired by the city’s history – a wooden-block artwork depicts how the skyline rose from the ashes of the Great Fire of 1871, metal panelling evokes the railroads, and Carl Sandburg’s 1914 poem Chicago is inscribed in the lifts (“Come and show me another city with lifted head singing so proud to be alive and coarse and strong and cunning”). The team are warm, engaging and helpful.

WHERE IS IT?

Centrally located in the Near North district of Streeterville, one block north of the Chicago River, two blocks east of North Michigan Avenue and a 15-minute walk from the lake.

ROOM FACILITIES

The 400 rooms and suites are airy, comfortable and spacious, ranging from 35 sqm for a Superior King to the 153 sqm Navy Pier suite. Decorated in grey and ivory, they offer city, river or Lake Michigan views through floor-to-ceiling windows and come with free wifi, good-sized workdesks, 42-inch Samsung TVs, iHome docks, coffeemakers, minibars, robes, large walk-in showers (suites also have tubs) and bottled water at turndown. Premium Kings are the same size as Superior ones but offer better views from higher floors – mine, on level 12, had a fantastic view of Navy Pier.

RESTAURANTS AND BARS

Off the lobby is Argentine restaurant Rural Society, which is led by celebrity chef Jose Garces and has a rustic, relaxed atmosphere. Succulent meats and fish are cooked on a wood-fired grill and presented sharing-plate style. The chef’s tasting menu (from US$60 per person), which can be accompanied by South American wine pairings (from US$35), is superb. An à la carte breakfast is served here on weekends or in the ETA lobby lounge on weekdays. On the third floor is Streeterville Social, the city’s largest rooftop terrace, at more than 800 sqm. Open from early summer to late autumn, it’s separated into drinking and dining sections and is a buzzing spot attracting a local crowd, with sofas and giant Jenga. There’s also a Starbucks on the ground floor.

MEETING FACILITIES

It has 2,700 sqm of indoor and outdoor event space, including two ballrooms.

LEISURE FACILITIES

There is a spa with three treatment rooms, a gym and an attractive 23-metre pool on the third floor. Or pull on your trainers and head for the splendid Lakefront Trail.

VERDICT

An excellent choice for business travellers. Spacious, well-equipped rooms, a strong food and drink offering, impressive event space and lovely staff, in a good location for getting around the city. Highly recommended.

PRICE

Internet rates for a flexible midweek stay in October started from US$328 for a Premium King room.

CONTACT

455 North Park Drive; tel +1 312 840 6600; loewshotels.com