Review: Pendry Chicago

Why book? The latest occupant of the Art Deco Carbide & Carbon building gave the Loop landmark a luxe upgrade and added a dining magnet in the French brasserie Venteux worthy of its Michigan Avenue address.

Set the scene The office-centric stretch of Michigan Avenue south of the Chicago River got an instant upgrade in Pendry Chicago, both rejuvenating a 1929 architectural icon—purportedly designed in the shape of a champagne bottle in the heady pre-Crash era—and living up to its gilded interiors with social aspects that channel a sense of celebration, from the bustling ground-floor brasserie to the absinthe-inspired, botanical driven rooftop bar peer with skyline icons.

The backstory The Pendry brand—now standing at eight locations, with another property set to debut in Natirar this year—grew out of Montage Hotels & Resorts as a next-gen modern luxury sibling with a design-centric focus.

The rooms Handsome rooms conjure tuxedoed elegance in a black and white color scheme, underscored by black and white architectural photos on the walls. The best views are reserved for the specialty suites located on the 35th and 36th floors in the neck of the building’s bottle shape.

Food and drink Behind 40-foot floor-to-ceiling windows, Venteux (French for “windy” as in “Windy City”) is an exceptional entrée to the esprit of Pendry Chicago, with contemporary takes on French classics like steak frites and trout a la meuniere. But don’t stop there—take one of the gilded elevators to the rooftop Chateau Carbide for absinthe-driven drams and seasonal bites.

The spa The fitness center is well-equipped with Peloton bikes and Tonal digital training equipment (as are select suites). And while there’s no onsite spa, the property has partnered with local R&R sanctuary Aire Ancient Baths. With this, guests have access to priority reservation availability, complimentary experience enhancements, and Pendry Cadillac transportation.

The neighborhood/area On the edge of the Loop, Pendry Chicago’s locale is hard to beat, whether you’re doing business or seeing the sights. The Riverwalk and Millennium Park are both just a block or two away, and the Art Institute of Chicago just a bit farther. Explore the parks with one of the loaner bikes stabled at the hotel (just don’t try this in the traffic-jammed Loop itself).

The service Service shines at Pendry Chicago, where concierges use text to keep in touch with guests, whether they want restaurant or running route recommendations. Ask the team about some of the amenities offered (upon availability), including house car service, UPPAbaby Strollers, Pendry X State Bikes, and their Taylor Academy Guitar Series Program.

Eco effort Cheers for the bath amenities, which come in refillable pumps rather than itty bitty plastic throw-aways.

Accessibility Yes.

Anything left to mention? Light sleepers should avoid Michigan Avenue-facing rooms due to noise.