Trump International Hotel & Tower Chicago

From the Hideaway Report

April 2011 Hideaway Report

I have always associated real estate magnate Donald Trump with glitz, but a recent stay at Chicago’s 339-room Trump International Hotel belied this preconception. Housed within a 92-floor residential tower (the second-tallest building in the United States), the new property proved to be a gilt-free exercise in contemporary good taste. And good service: Our check-in was as smooth as the white marble and glass that surrounded us.

Our room was on the 28th floor, which is as high as the hotel goes, those from 29 to 88 being reserved for private residences. Nonetheless, an entire wall of floor-to-ceiling windows afforded spectacular views of the river, Lake Michigan, the clock tower of The Wrigley Building and the ornate spire of the Chicago Tribune building. The interior has been done in a sophisticated palette of grays and creams, and the furniture is modern, comfortable and unadorned. I was particularly taken with the full kitchen, equipped with high-end appliances that included a Miele cooktop and dishwasher, GE Profile microwave, and Sub-Zero refrigerator, all complemented by Snaidero cabinetry and a granite breakfast bar. This is certainly an attractive feature for those planning an extended stay.

Clad in creamy limestone, the spacious bath had a deep soaking tub and a separate shower. I especially liked the soft, amply sized robes. The hotel also offers 53 spa rooms adjacent to the 23,000-square-foot spa; these do not have kitchens, with the space being reserved for in-room treatments and training sessions. The spa itself is an indulgent oasis where massages employ oils infused with gemstones! A health club comes with a 75-foot lap pool.

Perhaps the most remarkable of the hotel’s amenities, however, is its restaurant, Sixteen (so named because it is on the 16th floor). Here, 30-foot windows frame the Wrigley and Tribune towers. Chef Frank Brunacci garnered a Michelin star last year, and he has fashioned an eclectic menu based on fine seasonal ingredients. I especially enjoyed a starter of pumpkin with creamy Burrata cheese, Serrano ham and cranberry chutney. (This may sound like a couple of components too many, but they all melded perfectly.) A main course of prime filet of beef was flawless, as well as a reminder of the huge difference between the USDA gradings “Choice” and “Prime.”  It came with a surprising — but not discordant — side of escargots with celery root purée, plus irresistible horseradish potatoes dauphine with a silky Béarnaise sauce. The service was efficient and friendly throughout.

We usually search for smaller, more intimate hotels, but there can be exceptions to the rule. The new Trump can scarcely be described as a hideaway, but the stunning glass tower is a notable addition to the Chicago skyline, and the property itself is now a worthy competitor to The Peninsula and the Four Seasons. 

From our Readers

Amenities

Special Offer

Trump International Hotel & Tower Chicago - Tour for Two

Receive one set of two tickets for the Chicago River Architectural Boat Tour onboard Wendella during your stay, a value of $54.

Also Includes:
Andrew Harper benefits as well as standard rate inclusions: Wi-Fi, daily newspaper, a shoe shine and health club access.

Offer is valid on new reservations only, for travel between June 3 and Aug. 31, 2013, based on availability. Offer is not combinable with any other promotions.