Chicago, Illinois
Pendry Chicago
Deco Darling
What it is
An iconic 1929 Art Deco building transformed into a luxe 364-room hotel, with a French brasserie, 24th floor rooftop bar, and Peloton-equipped gym that’s open at all hours.
What it isn't
Lacking a classic hotel bar. This one, Bar Pendry, is outfitted with a flickering fireplace, cozy wood panelled walls, and throwback cocktails from Old Fashioneds to Sazeracs.
What we think
When people say “they don’t build things the way they used to,” they could well be referring to this landmarked 1929 Carbon & Carbide tower—designed by the Burnham Brothers to echo the shape of a champagne bottle and sheathed in dark green terra cotta, polished black granite, and black marble, with bronze and gold leaf details. Newly reborn as a sumptuous Pendry hotel, the property retains the best of the Deco-era (including sculptural lighting fixtures, herringbone marble tiles) with the tech-forward amenities of the present (such as Smart HDTV’s and bluetooth speakers). Rooms start at snug 261 square feet, so it may be worth upgrading to a Deluxe Corner Studio, which has 472-570 square feet of breathing room, not to mention bay windows overlooking the Chicago River. Either way, pampering touches await—including Vittoria espresso machines, marble-lined showers and Fili D’Oro bed linens.
You're here because
You live for a good afternoon tea, and Bar Pendry’s is worth the buzz, thanks to its unforgettable menu that includes truffled egg tartelett’s with Osetra caviar and mulled wine macaroons.
The Moment
It’s been a while since you jaunted to Paris, but at your table at Venteux, you could swear you’re in a Left Bank brasserie. Perched at a table under 40-foot-high-windows, you do as an ardent Francophile might and order escargot with ground cherry and steak frites.
Restaurants & Bars
Venteux - French brasserie, oyster & champagne bar and café, offering dishes by Michelin-starred Chef Donald Young
Bar Pendry - offers small bites and late-night cocktails
The Rooftop - Open from April through August, this 24th floor, rooftop space offers indoor and outdoor seating and a pop-up bar with light bites and cocktails
The Billiard Gallery - menu of hand-crafted libations, beer and wine, and hosts a pool table in an intimate lounge-like setting
Location
Just two blocks from the waterfront on the Chicago River, in the Chicago Loop neighborhood. Two blocks south: Millennium Park, home to the famed “bean” sculpture and naturalistic, 2.5-acre Lurie Garden.