When I heard that VINEXPO AMERICAS 2004 www.vinexpo.com , the wine exhibition was being held in Chicago in June 2004, I immediately booked a reservation at the Swissôtel Chicago, 323 E. Wacker Drive, Chicago, Illinois www.swissotel-chicago.com. After having stayed at the Swissôtel Berlin, I knew that I would be in for a treat.
After a quick check-in, I was whisked to the 35th floor to the Author’s Suite. The door opened onto a long foyer complete with console table, guest coat closet, followed by a large enclosed bookcase with signed books by notable authors, as well as a wet-bar with coffee maker, refrigerator and mini-bar. Just off the wet-bar, there was a windowed marble bathroom with walk-in shower, and large mirror with “Hollywood” lighting to make sure that the authors looked their very best, as well as a make-up mirror, telephone and Bodylogics amenities. Continuing to explore the large suite, there were 3 walls of windows with views of the city, Navy Pier and Lake Michigan. Taking my eyes off the views, I also noticed a large cascading live plant, providing the right-mix of welcome. Since every author needs a desk, there was a large desk with telephone, and Online high speed Internet access. The large living room had a sofa, chair with ottoman, coffee table and several other chairs as well as a large Toshiba television, and Sony CD and VCR. Venturing into the large bedroom, there was a King bed with Italian Fili Doro bed linens, a selection of comfortable pillows, another large television, chair and bench at the end of the bed, and more incredible views. On the nightstand, there was another telephone and clock radio. The large marble bathroom had more of the “Hollywood” make-up lighting, robes, a large soaking tub/shower combination, hairdryer, telephone, scale, make-up mirror and Bodylogics amenities.
In addition to the 632 rooms of which 36 are suites, the hotel has 3 restaurants, The Palm, The Lobby Lounge and the Geneva Restaurant that serves only breakfast. There is a large Executive Lounge that serves Continental breakfast, as well as cocktails and hors d’oeuvres in the evening. The hotel has a wonderful Health Club on the 42nd floor with state-of-the-art fitness equipment, more great views, separate men and women’s saunas, a large pool, and a Jacuzzi. They are located a short walk from the Magnificent Mile - a shopper’s paradise, as well as the Riverwalk and Navy Pier, where bicycles may be rented. Along the many beaches, you may enjoy a game of beach volleyball. Close-by there are many museums and the Shedd Aquarium, which is the largest indoor aquarium in the world.
I enjoyed a relaxing coffee in The Lobby Lounge before going to VINEXPO AMERICAS 2004. When I returned in the evening, I went to the Health Club, where I enjoyed a steam in the sauna, then took a refreshing swim, before relaxing in the Jacuzzi. I returned to my room, freshened up and then went to the Executive Lounge for a cocktail and a few hors d’oeuvres. This charming lounge has several rooms where guests can relax, enjoy the magnificent views, use the Internet or read one of the signed copies of books that are also in the Author’s Suite. Since I had written a cookbook, "Cooking with the Family", the Swissôtel Chicago asked if I could autograph two of them, one for the Author’s Suite and one for the Executive Lounge, which I readily agreed to do. I was pleased to be included with such notable authors as Danny Meyer and Michael Romano, Susan Purdy, Bill Creech, Rosalind Miles, Sue Harrison and Stephen L. Carter, among others. Look for my cookbook the next time you stay at the Swissôtel Chicago. To purchase "Cooking with the Family", please contact me at
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. The cookbook traces one family’s immigration to the United States including pictures and family recipes for the past 100 years.
Returning to my room, I was delighted to find a bottle of red wine, and a large cheese and fruit platter. I curled up on the sofa, enjoyed the wine and cheese, and watched a movie on the large-screen television.
Chicago always has something wonderful happening, and the Swissôtel Chicago is the perfect place to take advantage of them. Every Wednesday and Saturday during the summer, there are fireworks at the Navy Pier, which can be seen from the hotel, as well as fireworks on the first weekend of each month from January through March. The hotel offers several interesting weekend packages including a package for children, which features The Children’s Room with stuffed animals, small tables and chairs, coloring books, bath toys, nightlights, educational puzzles and other goodies. For rock stars or music lovers, there is a bi-level suite, called The Mix Musician’s Suite, with CDs in the suite for the guest’s enjoyment. Culture aficionados will appreciate the Cultural Art Suite with a collection of art from The Art Institute of Chicago in the suite. Since the packages are always changing, be sure to contact the Swissôtel Chicago www.swissotel-chicago.com for the latest package information.
Ah, a very good stay indeed!
Swissôtel Chicago
323 E. Wacker Drive
Chicago, Illinois 60601
United States
1-312-565-0565
1-888-737-9477
www.swissotel-chicago.com
© September 2004. Luxury Experience www.luxuryexperience.com. All rights reserved.
