Originally Posted by
Geauxtigers123
My wife and I stayed at the Chicago St Regis over the Memorial Day weekend (Saturday night) and found it to be a lovely hotel, but still working our some kinks.
About a week prior to our arrival, I was contacted by the Butler Coordinator who asked about the purpose of the stay and if I needed anything. I let her know that it was our anniversary and she replied with a congratulations and asked how many years (22). Upon arrival, we were greeted by the front desk staff and as soon as I stated my name, multiple people said happy anniversary.
The check-in process was a little awkward as there were several people at or near the front desk and it seemed like they were all watching the agent check us in. Everyone is very new and it seemed like they were all making sure they checked each box on the script. Not bad, but a little weird, like when the waitress is training a new waiter and there's an extra person standing awkwardly at your table. Kind of a "I don't know what to do with my hands" moment to quote the great Ricky Bobby. We were checking in at about 2:30, so a little early. When we left the building to go on a walk later, there were a couple of guests in line and everything looked normal so maybe we were the first guests of the day and they wanted to make sure they got it right. FYI, welcome gift for platinum is a $60 credit at the breakfast restaurant or room service.
Upon check-in, e were also offered Champagne or lemonade (Champagne, duh) by another person at the desk which we enjoyed while being shown to our room by our butler. We were upgraded to a river view room on the 6th floor (no suites available). The room was very nicely decorated, neutral tones, nice furnishings. A nice walk-in closet at the front of the room, large bathroom with separate tub, shower, toilet room. The focus though was the view of the river looking north. It was a beautiful summer day and we were able to watch the boats float up and down the river. There is also a small table and a couple of chairs, though neither were great for using at the table, so consider that if you want to work from your room (no desk either). On small niggle with the room is the cordless phones didn't always work well when lifted off the receiver, as if they couldn't connect/pair. We used the speaker function so no big deal. Also, the windows were filthy as noted above.
When we arrived in our room, we were presented with a bottle of California sparkling wine from Roederer Estate in a freestanding ice bucket and 6 chocolate covered strawberries, very nice presentation. Our butler showed us around and offered to unpack but we only had 1 nights worth of clothes so we didn't bother. Again, the butler's spiel was through, but a little rigid as if she wanted to make sure she showed us everything on her list.
After some walking around we returned to the room and got ready for dinner. While we were getting ready, the butler coordinator called and asked how things were going and if we needed anything. I let her know that we were all set and heading out to dinner. As we exited the lobby to walk to dinner (about 6 blocks), we were greeted by someone who introduced himself as a driver for the hotel and asked if we'd like a ride to dinner. Why not, so he ran off to retrieve the hotel's new Grand Wagoneer and drove us to our restaurant. Not sure if this was arranged by the butler coordinator or if this is offered to everyone.
After dinner we walked back along the river which was rocking with people enjoying one of the first nice days of summer (which if you grew up in Chicago, you know is lightyears ahead of the old Chicago River experience). When we arrived back at the hotel, we were greeted by name and asked how dinner was.
The next morning, we had breakfast in the room. There is no physical menu, you have to scan the QR code on the minibar menu (give me a freaking paper menu). Breakfast took about 30 minutes to be delivered and was fantastic. Total for 2 people (2 entrees, 2 sides, 1 large pot of coffee) came to $120 with tip, but the $60 welcome gift was credited. We sat and ate breakfast watching the river wake up which was wonderful. Breakfast is also available in the restaurant on the 1oth floor, which has a wonderful view. You can also have a drink on the deck and watch the fireworks over Navy Pier on summer Saturdays, but the check-in agent said that reservations were recommended.
Check out was the only real miss of the stay. We called the butler to have our car brought around by the valet (there's no direct line to the valet). When we arrived about 15 minutes later, I went up to the valet stand and handed him my ticket and he ran off to go get the car. I'm not sure if the butler didn't call the valet or if the valet didn't start the process when called. Anyway, we had to wait about 10 minutes which isn't a big deal, but I called ahead and they weren't busy so why not have the car waiting?
Overall, we had a wonderful stay, on par with some of the nicer Chicago properties. I will say the Peninsula is a bit nicer and the service is much better, but I'll reserve judgement until the St Regis has some time to iron out the kinks and for the staff to become more comfortable in their roles. I did like the location of the St Regis better, on the river in a more residential area. Close to everything, but you get a bit of a buffer from the craziness of the Michigan Ave tourist area and the lake/river views are wonderful.