Our national carrier launches a new non stop service between AUCKLAND and CHICAGO (O’Hare Intl Airport) from 30 November 2018, with three direct services a week…yes!! Air New Zealand will operate their new configuration Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft, and expect to COMFORTABLY BINGE WATCH with a flight time of approximately 15 hours.
STAY
Thompson Chicago
If like me, you’re a fan of British interior designer Tara Bernerd then you’ll love this luxury boutique hotel, with urban industrial bones, accented with MID-CENTURY LINES and edgy art. Conveniently located in the city’s hipster Gold Coast neighbourhood, close to The Magnificent Mile and Michigan Ave and easy walk to Lake Michigan. This is a firm fav!
Chicago Athletic Association Hotel
As the name suggests, this 1893 icon with Venetian Gothic exterior was once a PRIVATE GENTLEMEN’S SPORTING CLUB, now a boutique hipster hotel, successfully blending old-school elegance with a dose of cool – expect to rub shoulders with upbeat millennials here. The location on Michigan Ave, across from Millennium Park is second to none. Admire the view at Cindy’s Rooftop bar while you’re here!
Ace Chicago
Housed within a former cheese factory, and across the road from Google’s Midwest HQ in the banging West Loop, Ace attracts the cool millennial set and ‘CULTURAL ENTHUSIASTS’. Combine beers with skyline views at the great rooftop bar, or check out the lobby restaurant City Mouse, which unsurprisingly has a reputation for great burgers and a HARD TO BEAT brunch. Rooms are deceptively simple though spacious and well curated. The brand has a passion for music so it comes as no surprise that some of the larger rooms feature the hotel’s SIGNATURE TURNTABLES and a selection of curated vinyl, and can also be equipped with an acoustic Martin guitar.
The James – Magnificent Mile
With such a relaxed vibe, The James has a sleek, MODERN design and is a strong supporter of the arts (#artatthejames #jamespublicart), often showcasing a featured artist in residence. For the serial shopper, Michigan Ave is just steps away, and be sure to check out the SECRET BAR, Jimmy’s At The James…ask the doorman how to find it! Anyone with an active inclination will love the gym, and guests can also make use of the hotel’s signature bikes to explore the downtown sites.
The Robey
Sitting on the cusp of two hipster neighbourhoods, Wicker Park and Bucktown, this boutique hotel is also housed in two distinct buildings – part warehouse, part ART DECO landmark tower with interiors of minimal chic meets industrial raw. Rooms are light-drenched and the neighbourhood feel will see the design-centric gravitating here at the happening ROOFTOP Cabana Club! Notice the cool touches like the DENIM BATHROBES and Le Labo bath products.
St Jane – opening mid 2018
Set to open June 18, I think I could get into a SERIOUS RELATIONSHIP with this hotel! Certainly one to watch, with the St Jane taking their position in the Carbide and Carbon Building, which itself is a 1929 MASTERPIECE of architecture. So named, as a nod to Jane Addams, the Chicago activist and first American woman to win a Nobel Peace Prize. Think DECADENT art deco with a twist of hipster. Expect to find us checking out the indoor/outdoor rooftop lounge on the 24th floor very soon!
Soho House Chicago
With an aesthetic of exposed-brick-walled loft spaces, high ceilings, large windows, wood floors, oriental rugs and armchairs you can sink into, you’ll want to move in! Fitting right into the cool WEST LOOP surrounds, the Soho House brand is recognised as the place to stay by the CREATIVE set, with numerous locations around the world, and yet again, its social vibe is POPULAR with locals as well as travellers. Complete with a gym that includes a boxing ring, fantastic restaurant options, Cowshed Spa, plus a KILLER rooftop pool set up, it’s fair to say we’re a huge fan!
Viceroy Chicago
Located in the HIP Gold Coast neighbourhood with rooms featuring floor to ceiling windows, to enhance the SPECTACULAR views of the city skyline and The Great Lake to boost…..though for the best views, head to the seasonal rooftop pool!
Honourable mentions:
The Peninsula, The Langham, The Freehand, Virgin Hotels, Ritz-Carlton, Waldorf Astoria
SEE + DO
