I visited the Ritz Carlton today to see the refreshed lobby, have lunch at Deca, and to view the new Presidential Suite if available.

The new Presidential Suite is gorgeous and is definitely a WOW suite -- perhaps the nicest in Chicago amongst the luxury hotels. Remarkably, the suite is booked at full rack rate more often than one would think.

The refreshed Lobby is lighter, airier and definitely got the update that it so desperately needed.

The configuration of Deca is vastly improved over its previous incarnation and the brasserie inspired food is very reasonable and very good. I had the privilege of having lunch with Patrick Ghielmetti which likely explains the outstanding service we received.

You will also hear it first hear -- Patrick will be taking on a new role within Four Seasons and will be leaving Chicago in the forthcoming weeks. His successor has yet to be announced.