Trip Report: The Peninsula Chicago

100   Recommended
October 4, 2017 by EXPERT

 Map | 6 Reviews | 83% Recommended
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The Peninsula Chicago
 Map | 6 Reviews | 83% Recommended

Save

Share
Liked:
Location
Service
Food
Amenities
Room
Stats

Intro

When our little boy asked for a dinosaur-themed birthday party, we knew just what we would do. We started planning a trip to the Field Museum in Chicago to see “Sue”, the famous tyrannosaurus rex. Our family came in from all over the midwest to celebrate with us.. 
 
We chose the child-friendly Peninsula Chicago. DavidO negotiated a time-of-booking upgrade to a Deluxe Suite, the highest available upgrade under PenClub terms and conditions. The PenClub amenities also included flexible check in and check out times, free breakfasts, and a $100 food and beverage credit. Two weeks before our trip, we contacted the GM’s office and were able to negotiate an even better one-category upgrade to a Premier Deluxe Suite.

Premier Deluxe Suite

The Peninsula’s rooms and suites were recently refurbished in a classically elegant style. 
 
Our Premier Deluxe Suite had all the lacquered wood, luxurious amenities and tablet controls that we’ve loved in other Peninsulas worldwide. It also had direct views of the Water Tower, an entry foyer, powder room, fully-outfitted marble master bathroom, separate dressing closet, three televisions…and a large living area with sliding doors to the master bedroom (which created the perfect open-concept space for our family gathering). 
 
BTW, base level rooms at this hotel are considered some of the best in the city, especially for people who are serious about their bathrooms.
 
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Service

The Peninsula Chicago showed us what flawless service looks like. Every request was met with a “yes”, even when it meant slightly bending a few rules. And our little guy was acknowledged as the birthday boy the entire weekend with small cakes, dinosaur cookies and balloons in unexpected places, and an adorable tent set-up in our room. Our only disappointment was not being able to ride in the Mini Clubman, which somehow was never available when we wanted it. 
 
We started working with a concierge on the birthday party nearly two months ahead of time. Here’s what he helped us accomplish:
 
  • Holding boxes of decorations until our arrival
  • Giordano’s deep dish pizza catering
  • Beverage order
  • Custom designed cake
  • Balloons in colors that matched the invitations
  • Table and chairs delivered to our suite
  • Luxury van transportation to/from the Field Museum
  • Field Museum private guided tour and entry tickets
  • Visit from Peter the Peninsula Bear
  • Shipping box of gifts back to our home

DinoPic.jpg

Dining

There were wonderful Asian, French and international options to choose from at the Peninsula Chicago.
 
Our family enjoyed dinner at Shanghai Terrace, especially the dim sum course and peking duck. The Saturday evening chocolate bar also impressed our group, as did the spectacular lobby breakfasts. At Pierrot Gourmet, we liked just about everything except the refrigerated macarons (which didn’t give the impression of being made that day).

Summary

We can’t imagine a better place to host our family gathering than at the Peninsula Chicago. Unfortunately, we didn’t have time to take any hotel pictures, but the refurbishment gave us the impression that it would appeal to all of our flyertalk friends…whether you like modern or more traditional decor. Check it out for yourself!

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