Report: The Elysian, Chicago, now Waldorf=Astoria Chicago
Dec 29, 2010, 3:35 pm
#31
Join Date: Oct 2002
Location: Stuttgart, Germany
Programs: Too many...and an Amanjunkie
Posts: 1,667
If Lake View is of central importance then the Elysian and much of the rooms at the Pen and Trump would not be high on the list.
More contemporary decor AND Lake View, the best options are the FS, RC and PH.
Contemporary decor, Lake View AND decent service, Park Hyatt.
Contemporary decor-ish, Lake View AND GREAT service, the RC.
That would be my choice.
More contemporary decor AND Lake View, the best options are the FS, RC and PH.
Contemporary decor, Lake View AND decent service, Park Hyatt.
Contemporary decor-ish, Lake View AND GREAT service, the RC.
That would be my choice.
I have read all your excellent Chicago luxe hotel reviews and from that I will choose between RC and Elysian.
Dec 29, 2010, 9:57 pm
#32
Join Date: Oct 2004
Programs: Quintessentially Elite, Amex Cent, UA* Lifetime Plat (2mm+), AA CK (6mm+)
Posts: 405
Elysian is good, no doubt, but nowhere in the vicinity of great. To call The Peninsula a 'Holiday Inn' in comparison is sadly forgetting not only The Pen's history, which is incredible, but immensely handicapping for the rather small feeling, not at all grandiose design of The Elysian. Apples and oranges, I suppose.
My thoughts on Elysian: The common areas of the hotel all felt cramped. The gym was an afterthought, as was their saline pool. Tiny. Uncomfortable. The men's sauna/steam was well-designed.
I was never greeted by name. Smiles, yes. The suite was large and had some impressive features (fireplace), but it felt cold in design and there was far too much wasted space. I expected better toiletries. Towels/sheets were nice. Would have liked heated bathroom floors, especially for a Chicago property. The Lutron dimming system was at times far too buggy.
Good location if you're going to shop (which I did). I also got to laugh at the obscene line at Sprinkles on a daily basis... Yes, I pointed at them and laughed. Waiting 45 minutes for a cupcake? Bah.
BN
'who thinks the Chicago Trump property should be doused in kerosene and lit on fire'
My thoughts on Elysian: The common areas of the hotel all felt cramped. The gym was an afterthought, as was their saline pool. Tiny. Uncomfortable. The men's sauna/steam was well-designed.
I was never greeted by name. Smiles, yes. The suite was large and had some impressive features (fireplace), but it felt cold in design and there was far too much wasted space. I expected better toiletries. Towels/sheets were nice. Would have liked heated bathroom floors, especially for a Chicago property. The Lutron dimming system was at times far too buggy.
Good location if you're going to shop (which I did). I also got to laugh at the obscene line at Sprinkles on a daily basis... Yes, I pointed at them and laughed. Waiting 45 minutes for a cupcake? Bah.
BN
'who thinks the Chicago Trump property should be doused in kerosene and lit on fire'
Dec 31, 2010, 8:49 am
#33
Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: NYC
Programs: UA GS, AS 75K, Hyatt Globalist, Marriott Platinum
Posts: 302
Just came back from Chicago and decided to stay at the Peninsula over the Elysian. The rooms were spacious and the service was phenomenal. The brunch on Sunday at The Lobby blew me away. I would highly recommend it.
Dec 31, 2010, 9:43 am
#34
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: IND
Programs: AA LT Gold, 1.5MM, Marriot
Posts: 1,307
We had that experience as well.
Precisely. I couldn't agree more.
GG
Jan 8, 2011, 6:32 pm
#36
Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: USA
Posts: 3,945
Jan 11, 2011, 12:32 pm
#38
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: Depends on the day!
Programs: Marriott/Lifetime Titanium Hyatt/Explorist, Hilton/Silver, IHG Spire,UA Gold
Posts: 17,832
Just looked for rates at the Elysian for January 29th...down to $195/night for pre-paid! 
$265 for an executive suite...double
At these prices, I might have to give this place a try!
$265 for an executive suite...double
At these prices, I might have to give this place a try!
Feb 11, 2011, 6:54 pm
#39
Original Poster
Join Date: Dec 2003
Location: YVR
Programs: Hilton*D, Marriott*LG, Hyatt*G
Posts: 6,268
Jason McLeod, Executive Chef of Ria and Balsan at the Elysian has left the hotel. Things don't seem to be boding well for Elysian lately....
http://www.chicagobusiness.com/artic...#axzz1DhnFVXVH
http://www.chicagobusiness.com/artic...#axzz1DhnFVXVH
Feb 17, 2011, 2:02 pm
#41
Original Poster
Join Date: Dec 2003
Location: YVR
Programs: Hilton*D, Marriott*LG, Hyatt*G
Posts: 6,268
I had advance notice of this limited sale on Jetsetter:
• Classic King - $240
• Executive Suite - $326
• Classic Gold Coast Suite - $411
For 5 days only until 22 February --these are pretty good rates
• Classic King - $240
• Executive Suite - $326
• Classic Gold Coast Suite - $411
For 5 days only until 22 February --these are pretty good rates
Feb 17, 2011, 2:09 pm
#42
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: IAD/DCA
Posts: 31,797
no longer LHW either. just preferred now?
Last edited by Kagehitokiri; Feb 18, 2011 at 5:56 pm
Mar 13, 2011, 6:18 pm
#43
Join Date: Jul 2009
Posts: 983
I wonder how the hotel has been doing lately.
Despite the lack of FHR or Virtuoso membership, which I cannot understand in the slightest, the hotel did seem very flexible and open to negotiation with customers who are aware of or participate in those programs. I just booked a Deluxe Suite at the website rate of $780 with a third night free, and they were very proactive about including both breakfast and a late check out, as well as a possible upgrade at check-in, for me. What most impressed me was that I didn't even ask for these things--I simply inquired if they were a member of FHR and the reservation agent said that though they weren't, they were willing to extend me these benefits. Very nice contrast to my dealings with the PEN Chicago, for example.
The only fault I found at the Elysian during my previous stay there was the lack of lake views, which is not something that can be 'fixed.' Otherwise, I adore the service, courtyard area, presence of balconies, the bathrooms, and the very, very good food. For me, it's now just between the Ritz and Elysian in Chicago--which offer two very different, but equally lovely, experiences.
Despite the lack of FHR or Virtuoso membership, which I cannot understand in the slightest, the hotel did seem very flexible and open to negotiation with customers who are aware of or participate in those programs. I just booked a Deluxe Suite at the website rate of $780 with a third night free, and they were very proactive about including both breakfast and a late check out, as well as a possible upgrade at check-in, for me. What most impressed me was that I didn't even ask for these things--I simply inquired if they were a member of FHR and the reservation agent said that though they weren't, they were willing to extend me these benefits. Very nice contrast to my dealings with the PEN Chicago, for example.
The only fault I found at the Elysian during my previous stay there was the lack of lake views, which is not something that can be 'fixed.' Otherwise, I adore the service, courtyard area, presence of balconies, the bathrooms, and the very, very good food. For me, it's now just between the Ritz and Elysian in Chicago--which offer two very different, but equally lovely, experiences.
Sep 25, 2011, 6:36 pm
#44
Join Date: Mar 2004
Location: Baltimore MD
Posts: 3,457
any recent experiences at the Elysian?
i currently have a reservation at the Four Seasons Chicago for a Deluxe Exec suite for four nights. Pretty solid rate, with one night free. Booked through a FSPP as well, so nice benefits as well.
It's our anniversary, and my wife values a nice room. The rooms look great at the Elysian, especially the Gold Coast suites with the terrace. The fireplace is nice My total costs would be higher (and I'm already pushing it at the 4S) but I would definitely consider moving to the Elysian. My TA is going to contact the Elysian on Monday to see if they would honor any of the former Virtuosos benefits.
So, 4S vs Elysian. A view isn't a huge priority...
Thoughts?
FDW
i currently have a reservation at the Four Seasons Chicago for a Deluxe Exec suite for four nights. Pretty solid rate, with one night free. Booked through a FSPP as well, so nice benefits as well.
It's our anniversary, and my wife values a nice room. The rooms look great at the Elysian, especially the Gold Coast suites with the terrace. The fireplace is nice My total costs would be higher (and I'm already pushing it at the 4S) but I would definitely consider moving to the Elysian. My TA is going to contact the Elysian on Monday to see if they would honor any of the former Virtuosos benefits.
So, 4S vs Elysian. A view isn't a huge priority...
Thoughts?
FDW
Sep 25, 2011, 9:24 pm
#45
Join Date: Jan 2003
Location: Fairfield County, CT USA
Programs: AA PLT+2MM / DL DM+1MM / A3 *G / Fairmont LT Plat / Ritz Gold / SPG Gold
Posts: 4,077
I've got the Elysian as my next destination in Chicago. It sounds really good, and a number of personal friends have shared great feedback (as have members on this message board).
I understand that at least some customers have gotten the property to offer Virtuoso-like amenities, even though they're not part of the program at present.
Assuming I could get the amenities, I'd give this a try over the FS.
I understand that at least some customers have gotten the property to offer Virtuoso-like amenities, even though they're not part of the program at present.
Assuming I could get the amenities, I'd give this a try over the FS.