LondonHouse Chicago, Curio Collection by Hilton {US-IL}
#1
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LondonHouse Chicago, Curio Collection by Hilton {US-IL}
The LondonHouse Chicago, a Curio Collection Hotel, is scheduled to open Spring 2016. Located at 85 East Wacker Drive At North Michigan Avenue Chicago IL 60601. The website is up and running:
http://londonhousechicago.com/
The LondonHouse is currently accepting reservations for arrival on June 26, 2016.
As a frequent visitor to Chicago I'm looking forward to the opening. The rooftop space looks like it will be popular in the summer. Additional pictures and discussion here:
http://chicago.eater.com/2016/2/12/1...taurant-lounge
http://chicago.curbed.com/archives/2...pdate.php#more
http://londonhousechicago.com/
The LondonHouse is currently accepting reservations for arrival on June 26, 2016.
As a frequent visitor to Chicago I'm looking forward to the opening. The rooftop space looks like it will be popular in the summer. Additional pictures and discussion here:
http://chicago.eater.com/2016/2/12/1...taurant-lounge
http://chicago.curbed.com/archives/2...pdate.php#more
Last edited by jerry a. laska; Apr 5, 2016 at 8:33 pm
#2
Join Date: Feb 2013
Programs: Hilton Diamond
Posts: 4,243
LondonHouse must be either ahead of schedule or doing a small soft opening because I did a last minute check this morning on availability for downtown Hyatt and Hiltons for Monday night and low and behold the LondonHouse popped up at the same rate I was paying for the Hyatt Regency Chicago so I promptly switched. I already had a reservation for LondonHouse for the Fourth of July so I booked the same room I did that evening "King Vista Room" Will be sure to post about the stay.
Did some googling and it does appear they are doing a soft open starting yesterday http://chicago.eater.com/2016/5/26/1...pening-gallery
Did some googling and it does appear they are doing a soft open starting yesterday http://chicago.eater.com/2016/5/26/1...pening-gallery
#3
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What a good location for both Loop and River North - looking forward to the on-site report.
#4
Join Date: Feb 2013
Programs: Hilton Diamond
Posts: 4,243
I am in the midst of my one night stay. I booked a Vista room and was upgraded to the Vista suite. It is well decorated and apportioned but the one thing that is noticeable to at least me is the room/suite is definitely on the narrow side (it was especially noticeable to me since I was in an Executive Suite at the Hyatt Mag Mile which has an open spacious feel to it).
The elevators are different here in that there are no numbers in the elevator, you press the floor you are going to on a pad to summon the elevator (I had never seen this before and curious if others have). Complimentary HHonor water is two bottles of small Voss. Room service was good, had the filet mignon and truffled mashed potatoes.
I just went up to the Rooftop bar area to check out the action and was not allowed to see the actual rooftop bar, just the inside bar area adjacent to the elevator. I was told it was already pretty full (it was just before 8 PM Chicago time) That left a bad taste in my mouth as an actual hotel guest. I was annoyed because I actually made an effort to change to a blazer and pants to head up there (had been in robe and slippers).
The elevators are different here in that there are no numbers in the elevator, you press the floor you are going to on a pad to summon the elevator (I had never seen this before and curious if others have). Complimentary HHonor water is two bottles of small Voss. Room service was good, had the filet mignon and truffled mashed potatoes.
I just went up to the Rooftop bar area to check out the action and was not allowed to see the actual rooftop bar, just the inside bar area adjacent to the elevator. I was told it was already pretty full (it was just before 8 PM Chicago time) That left a bad taste in my mouth as an actual hotel guest. I was annoyed because I actually made an effort to change to a blazer and pants to head up there (had been in robe and slippers).
#5
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I just went up to the Rooftop bar area to check out the action and was not allowed to see the actual rooftop bar, just the inside bar area adjacent to the elevator. I was told it was already pretty full (it was just before 8 PM Chicago time) That left a bad taste in my mouth as an actual hotel guest. I was annoyed because I actually made an effort to change to a blazer and pants to head up there (had been in robe and slippers).
Just guessing, but it's possible that management of the rooftop bar is contracted out to a separate entity. If so, that management has control of admissions and being resident in the hotel does not override that. Still, it would bug me if it happened to me, you'really not being over-sensitive.
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Never seems to work out that way for us, tho.
#7
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OK, detective NNR reporting in. Here's part of the explanation:
Guaranteed access to the rooftop is being sold through an online ticketing system.
The system is Tock, which was developed for Michelin 3 star restaurant Alinea.
You select a time and designate your party size. Minimum 4.
$50 per person, and you get the table for 2 hours.
Still in soft opening, officially opens on June 1.
Over and out!
Guaranteed access to the rooftop is being sold through an online ticketing system.
The system is Tock, which was developed for Michelin 3 star restaurant Alinea.
You select a time and designate your party size. Minimum 4.
$50 per person, and you get the table for 2 hours.
Still in soft opening, officially opens on June 1.
Over and out!
#8
Join Date: Aug 2004
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So apart from the Lobby bar, there is nowhere to eat or drink without booking in advance?
I was going to try this instead of The Wit, but I don't think I will now.
I was going to try this instead of The Wit, but I don't think I will now.
#9
Join Date: Feb 2013
Programs: Hilton Diamond
Posts: 4,243
Thanks for the scoop NNR. ^
That sort of arrangement automatically excludes someone like myself. There are more things I capriciously spend money that I wish were the case, but unless it was a very special unique circumstance, I am not spending $200 to reserve a cocktail table for myself and up to three other friends for a mere 2 hours. I somewhat feel like I have given up some sort of hipster card for making such a comment, but I am now old enough to also comment "Whatever"
Back to the actual hotel analysis. I took an evening shower and the water pressure and water temperature were more lacking for what one would expect in such a nice hotel bathroom. Temp was "strong lukewarm," which is probably fine with many but I like it hot. Also, the showerhead is non adjustable, but one of those wide heads which by definition needs strong water pressure to be at its optimum flow.
There is a Nespresso in the room, there are Nespresso tablets by the machine but no cups other than the water glasses in the bathroom.
That sort of arrangement automatically excludes someone like myself. There are more things I capriciously spend money that I wish were the case, but unless it was a very special unique circumstance, I am not spending $200 to reserve a cocktail table for myself and up to three other friends for a mere 2 hours. I somewhat feel like I have given up some sort of hipster card for making such a comment, but I am now old enough to also comment "Whatever"
Back to the actual hotel analysis. I took an evening shower and the water pressure and water temperature were more lacking for what one would expect in such a nice hotel bathroom. Temp was "strong lukewarm," which is probably fine with many but I like it hot. Also, the showerhead is non adjustable, but one of those wide heads which by definition needs strong water pressure to be at its optimum flow.
There is a Nespresso in the room, there are Nespresso tablets by the machine but no cups other than the water glasses in the bathroom.
#10
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I am in the midst of my one night stay. I booked a Vista room and was upgraded to the Vista suite. It is well decorated and apportioned but the one thing that is noticeable to at least me is the room/suite is definitely on the narrow side (it was especially noticeable to me since I was in an Executive Suite at the Hyatt Mag Mile which has an open spacious feel to it).
The elevators are different here in that there are no numbers in the elevator, you press the floor you are going to on a pad to summon the elevator (I had never seen this before and curious if others have). Complimentary HHonor water is two bottles of small Voss. Room service was good, had the filet mignon and truffled mashed potatoes.
I just went up to the Rooftop bar area to check out the action and was not allowed to see the actual rooftop bar, just the inside bar area adjacent to the elevator. I was told it was already pretty full (it was just before 8 PM Chicago time) That left a bad taste in my mouth as an actual hotel guest. I was annoyed because I actually made an effort to change to a blazer and pants to head up there (had been in robe and slippers).
The elevators are different here in that there are no numbers in the elevator, you press the floor you are going to on a pad to summon the elevator (I had never seen this before and curious if others have). Complimentary HHonor water is two bottles of small Voss. Room service was good, had the filet mignon and truffled mashed potatoes.
I just went up to the Rooftop bar area to check out the action and was not allowed to see the actual rooftop bar, just the inside bar area adjacent to the elevator. I was told it was already pretty full (it was just before 8 PM Chicago time) That left a bad taste in my mouth as an actual hotel guest. I was annoyed because I actually made an effort to change to a blazer and pants to head up there (had been in robe and slippers).
#11
Join Date: Feb 2013
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Would definitely be curious to hear if there are any Diamond amenities beyond the suite you lucked into...I have a stay booked in a couple weekends just because I was interested in this new property but if they're not doing anything for Diamonds I would rethink that and just go with an old standby like the PH or WA.
#12
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#14
Join Date: Feb 2013
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I just got back from Breakfast which was down in the lobby bar and the breakfast voucher which indicated (full breakfast on it) basically you could chose whatever you wanted off the list which was not very long (I went with the ham and cheese quiche and it was done attempting to be fancy). The coffee is really good coffee, very smooth, I had several cups. I noticed last night the room service menu was also pretty lean in terms of options. There is not a buffet or anything like that if you were looking to eat and run.
To answer a post above which I missed last night, it does appear that lobby bar is the only option that is not reservation in advance (the stuff up top). The set up is very casual there (two lounge type of chairs with a small table in between), you are not sitting at a real table. I did flip through the wine list and at least for the Champagne I thought the pricing was reasonable. Incidentally, a side impact of the real restaurants being upstairs is was a pretty distinct aroma of broiling meat in my room starting about 5-5:30 PM. I am on the 18th floor and the first food area is on 21. If you were a vegan (which I am definitely not eating medium rare filet for dinner) or if you were on a strict diet, I could see it driving you crazy.
There is no lounge at the property to answer another question.
To answer a post above which I missed last night, it does appear that lobby bar is the only option that is not reservation in advance (the stuff up top). The set up is very casual there (two lounge type of chairs with a small table in between), you are not sitting at a real table. I did flip through the wine list and at least for the Champagne I thought the pricing was reasonable. Incidentally, a side impact of the real restaurants being upstairs is was a pretty distinct aroma of broiling meat in my room starting about 5-5:30 PM. I am on the 18th floor and the first food area is on 21. If you were a vegan (which I am definitely not eating medium rare filet for dinner) or if you were on a strict diet, I could see it driving you crazy.
There is no lounge at the property to answer another question.
#15
Join Date: Feb 2013
Programs: Hilton Diamond
Posts: 4,243
Would definitely be curious to hear if there are any Diamond amenities beyond the suite you lucked into...I have a stay booked in a couple weekends just because I was interested in this new property but if they're not doing anything for Diamonds I would rethink that and just go with an old standby like the PH or WA.