A Review of a Chicago Luxury Hotel: The Gwen

Have you ever you taken a vacation only to return home more exhausted than you were when you left?  It’s a rare phenomenon for me but it does happen.

Depending on the destination, a combination of flight connections and bus/taxi transfers can wear a person out. We haven’t even begun to discuss the money spent for the trip itself.  After budgeting for food, flights and excursions, many find that the option of a luxury destination is out of their reach.

But there is another option.  Just stay in your own hometown!  Yes, more and more, people are opting to take vacations - or staycations - right in their own backyard. 

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Recently my husband and I did just that.   But we upped the ante a bit by going lux. When a luxury hotel is undersold it must slash its prices just like everyone else in order to recoup losses.  And YOU can benefit from it.   That's the beauty of vacationing in your hometown.  If you see an unbelievable deal at a local hotel, you can snatch it up without having to worry about a flight, train or bus ticket.        

Although my hometown Chicago has made the headlines in recent months for less than honorable reasons, I’m here to tell you: This is a beautiful, and reasonably safe city to vacation.   The people are genuinely friendly.  And compared with other cities, Chicago is remarkably clean.  The Downtown area boasts amazing architecture and resturants.  The boat tours are just outstanding, and so is the collection of boutique luxury hotels.  Today I’ll take you on a photo tour of luxury boutique hotel— The Gwen. 

Located on Chicago's Magnificent Mile, The Gwen, is an ode to the historic facade, famously created by sculptress Gwen Lux in 1928.   It is part of Starwood Hotels & Resorts’ The Luxury Collection brand, and offers modern sophistication.   Those of you who have been with me for a while know that I have a weakness for boutique hotels.  If you missed my post on the subject click here to open the article in a new tab. 

Since photos tell a better story than words, I invite you to enjoy this photo tour of The Gwen Luxury Hotel

The elevator opens, and we are welcomed to the floor of our room with lovely view.  The designer in me says to take a closer look.

Maybe just a little bit closer...

Ahh yes... perfection.  We take a left and head down the corridor.

Finally we enter our exquisitely appointed room.  The mural below is a replica of a wood sculpture created by the hotel's namesake, Gwen Lux.

This luxury suite had a bathroom the size of my guest bedroom!  It was stocked with fine toiletries from London, two terry cloth robes, and some of the thickest towels I've ever laid hands on.

We couldn't resist touching the towels before snapping this pic.  They were as thick and heavy as a load of laundry! Ha! 

The attention to detail is amazing!  Wait!  Is that a pink sofa?!

Ahh yes, there she is!  This is one of two pink sofas in the lobby.  This photo is about as close as I'll get to having one in my home, since my husband and vetoed the idea of having one.  Ha! 

We loved being able enjoy our city from a completely different point of view - as tourists.  And while this stay has sparked in us the desire to visit other luxury hotels in town, we will definitely be returning to The Gwen. 

• Are there any luxury hotels in your area?  
• If you found a great deal on a luxury hotel in your hometown, would you consider spending a weekend there?  

One more favor may I ask of you?
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Merci Beaucoup!

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