Peninsula

We’ve stayed at The Peninsula Chicago several times over the years, this time was a disappointment. We stayed 3 nights in Aug 2026. I’ll start with the disappointments (they are first-world problems but I point them out because they shouldn’t happen at The Peninsula). I’ll end with the strengths and compliments. The first day, the elevators were broken and the wait times were very long. By the second day, one elevator was operational and it had to be manually operated by staff. All the guests we talked to were upset with the long wait times and inconvenience. Some people joked that The Peninsula must be short on money and couldn’t afford to fix or update them. Next, we had to call to receive turn down service. The Peninsula should get this small luxury right every time. Third, (it’s a nit but it matters to me), the glasses in the room are plastic, not glass. We called down for actual glasses and they were delivered but then cleared by housekeeping the next day so we gave up. Fourth, I had to call down for makeup remover cloths. These should be perched along side cotton swabs and the other provided toiletries. Fifth, electronics. The electronic panels that control the lights are located low and are dim. Once the contacts are out/glasses are off for the night, the panels are hard to operate. The hi tech TV remote lost its charge and they replaced it with an old fashioned battery remote and never brought the hi tech remote back. And, the TV kept quitting/losing signal. Now for the compliments. As always, the staff is incredibly helpful and professional. The food and beverages at every restaurant and in room dining were terrific, shout out to Pierrot Gourmet for its pastries! The hotel and rooms are very clean and the bed offers a wonderful night’s sleep. I hope this review helps future travelers. By way of comparison, The Langham Chicago has more than an edge over The Peninsula. It is updated and modernized, is more consistent and may be a better choice if you are spending money on luxury.

Top level hotel and service. Recommended.

Who said you can’t work and play at the same time? Certainly not me. Chicago is a city that feels like home, no matter how much time passes. This trip has been all about balance... blending high-level work with the kind of downtime only The Peninsula can provide. It’s been a perfect backdrop for reflecting on my time living in the iconic Marina City "corncob" towers; they remain a meaningful piece of my own history. Chicago is a city of food, and I’m tipping my hat to the spots that never miss. The Peninsula is at the top of that list: Egg Benedict and the best service team every morning, and drinks at the Z Bar (Tim and Krystal are absolute gems). When we step out, our favorites remain a consistent rotation: Smith & Wollensky, Gibsons, Rosebud, and NoMi, but it doesn't stop there. If you need advice, the concierge staff are phenomenal. Lastly, a special shout-out to housekeeping; they not only kept us organized but were incredibly attentive. We are very grateful. Simply put: The Peninsula knows how to pamper you. They are consistent, classic, and always worth the stay. Perfection in motion.