Chicago Trip - November 22 - 27 - Conrad vs. Waldorf Astoria vs. Ritz
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: May 2011
Location: Dallas, Texas
Posts: 194
Chicago Trip - November 22 - 27 - Conrad vs. Waldorf Astoria vs. Ritz
I’m 28 and taking my 15 year old half-brother with me on a short vacation trip to Chicago over Thanksgiving break (leaving the Friday before and coming back Thanksgiving Eve). We will primarily be doing the attractions on the CityPass.
I have 1.2 million Hilton points (and 3 weekend night certs to use) and almost half a million Marriott points.
I stayed at the Waldorf on a job when I was 22 years old (very impressed with the hotel at that time) and again 6 years later this past June (Gold Coast suite, which is bigger than my apartment and the 2nd highest option available) and not so impressed sadly....but after staying at many 5-stars for work, maybe it just didn't seem as cool as it did when I was younger. I have no exposure to the Conrad (any Conrad actually).
Which of these 3 hotels would you recommend? I'm likely leaning towards the Waldorf or the Conrad so I can burn through Hilton points.
I have 1.2 million Hilton points (and 3 weekend night certs to use) and almost half a million Marriott points.
I stayed at the Waldorf on a job when I was 22 years old (very impressed with the hotel at that time) and again 6 years later this past June (Gold Coast suite, which is bigger than my apartment and the 2nd highest option available) and not so impressed sadly....but after staying at many 5-stars for work, maybe it just didn't seem as cool as it did when I was younger. I have no exposure to the Conrad (any Conrad actually).
Which of these 3 hotels would you recommend? I'm likely leaning towards the Waldorf or the Conrad so I can burn through Hilton points.
#2
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jul 1999
Location: ORD/MDW
Programs: BA/AA/AS/B6/WN/ UA/HH/MR and more like 'em but most felicitously & importantly MUCCI
Posts: 19,719
The main positive attribute of the Conrad, the Japanese-themed rooftop bar (Noyane), is not a factor in the cold-weather months. The Waldorf is in a better location than the Ritz, just a minute or two from Rush Street, so that is where I would end up.
#3
Original Poster
Join Date: May 2011
Location: Dallas, Texas
Posts: 194
I was told the Conrad is in a better location? And had a younger/more hip vibe haha. I don't know...
#4
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: Minneapolis: DL DM charter 2.3MM
Programs: A3*Gold, SPG Plat, HyattDiamond, MarriottPP, LHW exAccess, ICI, Raffles Amb, NW PE MM, TWA Gold MM
Posts: 100,413
Do you have status with either Hilton or Marriott?
Will you be arriving and departing by plane or will you be driving/one of you have a car in Chicago?
Have you considered any Marriott choices other than RC?
Will you be arriving and departing by plane or will you be driving/one of you have a car in Chicago?
Have you considered any Marriott choices other than RC?
#5
Original Poster
Join Date: May 2011
Location: Dallas, Texas
Posts: 194
2. Arriving and departing by plane. Flying in from DFW.
3. I have about 400K Marriott points, but is there any Marriott staying in besides the Ritz? Not to mention, I'm trying to burn through some of the Hilton points/free night certs haha.
#6
Join Date: Oct 2012
Location: Pittsburgh
Programs: AA Executive Platinum, Marriott Ambassador & Lifetime Titanium, Hilton Gold
Posts: 226
1. Hilton Diamond & Marriott Gold.
2. Arriving and departing by plane. Flying in from DFW.
3. I have about 400K Marriott points, but is there any Marriott staying in besides the Ritz? Not to mention, I'm trying to burn through some of the Hilton points/free night certs haha.
2. Arriving and departing by plane. Flying in from DFW.
3. I have about 400K Marriott points, but is there any Marriott staying in besides the Ritz? Not to mention, I'm trying to burn through some of the Hilton points/free night certs haha.
I am a big fan of the Gwen. Great location, good hard product and better service than I get at the Ritz.