Viceroy Chicago: Luxury Redefined in the Windy City
Okay, buckle up, buttercups, because we're diving headfirst into the glitz, glamour, and… well, hopefully not the grime, of the Viceroy Chicago. Forget those sterile hotel reviews – this is the real deal, warts and all (hopefully not literally in the hotel room). Let's see if this place lives up to the hype, shall we?
Viceroy Chicago: Luxury Redefined? More Like… An Adventure! (With Wi-Fi… Praise Be!)
First things first: Accessibility. I have to say, they seem to have their act together. Listed as being Wheelchair accessible, and with Facilities for disabled guests indicated, which is a HUGE plus. I'm not personally testing it, but it's reassuring to see it's on their radar. Now, whether that translates to truly easy access, I can’t say definitively, but the intention is there, and that’s a damn good start.
The Digital Realm: Wi-Fi, Internet, and the Dreaded LAN…
Okay, let's talk internet. Because let's be honest, in this day and age, if the Wi-Fi sucks, the whole experience can crumble. Good news! Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! Hallelujah! That's a huge win. Plus, they offer Internet access – LAN (remember those?). And Internet services are listed, so it’s all covered! Wi-Fi in public areas is also a given. I’m picturing myself, sprawled on a plush sofa, sipping a cocktail, and binge-watching something trashy. Perfection.
Cleanliness and Safety: Is This Place Germ-Free or What?
Alright, let's get to the nitty-gritty. Cleanliness and safety are crucial, especially post-pandemic. They're touting a whole arsenal of precautions: Anti-viral cleaning products, Daily disinfection in common areas, Individually-wrapped food options, Physical distancing of at least 1 meter, Professional-grade sanitizing services, Room sanitization opt-out available (which, honestly, is a nice touch – respect for guest choice!), Rooms sanitized between stays, Safe dining setup, Sanitized kitchen and tableware items, Staff trained in safety protocol, Sterilizing equipment, Hand sanitizer everywhere… the works. They even list Cashless payment service. They're clearly taking this seriously. Good. I want to feel safe, not like I'm signing up for a petri dish vacation. They even have First aid kit and Doctor/nurse on call.
The Food & Drink Game: From Asian Breakfasts to Poolside Booze
Okay, foodies, listen up! This is where it gets interesting. They’ve got the usual suspects: Restaurants, Bar, Coffee shop, Snack bar, Room service [24-hour]. But let’s dig a little deeper. Asian breakfast, Asian cuisine in restaurant? Intriguing! Breakfast [buffet] and Breakfast service are also offered. A la carte in restaurant? Check. Happy hour? Bless their hearts. Poolside bar? This is where I'm headed first. I'm imagining myself, a bit tipsy, gazing at the Pool with view… pure bliss. Coffee/tea in restaurant? Excellent. I'm a caffeine fiend. They even have Vegetarian restaurant options. Western breakfast and Western cuisine in restaurant are also available. I'm not sure what "Alternative meal arrangement" entails, but I'm open to a culinary adventure! They also have Bottle of water available.
My Personal Dive into the Poolside Bar – A Stream of Consciousness
Okay, I'm making a beeline for that Poolside bar. I'm picturing it now. The sun beating down, a gentle breeze rustling the… whatever they have in Chicago that rustles (maybe the skyscrapers?). I'm ordering something fruity, probably a margarita. Or maybe something with a fancy name that I can't pronounce, just to sound sophisticated. I'm going to sit there, and I'm going to relax. I'm going to forget about deadlines, emails, and the general chaos of life. I'm going to lose myself in the moment. Actually, let me be honest. I'm probably going to spill half my drink on myself, and end up with a sunburn. But hey, at least I'll have a good story. And the Poolside bar… well, that's worth the potential humiliation.
Relaxation Station: Spa, Sauna, and Body Scrubs – Oh My!
Alright, let's talk about the good stuff: Spa, Sauna, Steamroom, Massage, Body scrub, Body wrap, Foot bath. They've got the works! And a Fitness center so you can feel guilty after all the margaritas. The Spa/sauna is also listed. I'm picturing myself melting into a massage table, all my worries dissolving with the tension in my shoulders. This could be the perfect escape. I'm so in.
Things to Do (Besides Drinking and Relaxing, I Guess)
Okay, so the Vicerory Chicago has a lot more than just relaxation. They've got the Fitness center, which I'll probably visit once, then promptly forget about. Swimming pool [outdoor]. Gym/fitness. They also have Things to do listed, but I'm going to be honest, I'm probably not going to do much beyond the pool and the spa. Maybe I'll venture out to see a show, or explore the city. But, let's not get ahead of ourselves.
The Room: A Sanctuary? Or Just a Place to Sleep?
Okay, let's talk about the rooms. Available in all rooms: Air conditioning, Alarm clock, Bathrobes, Bathroom phone, Bathtub, Blackout curtains, Carpeting, Closet, Coffee/tea maker, Complimentary tea, Daily housekeeping, Desk, Extra long bed, Free bottled water, Hair dryer, High floor, In-room safe box, Interconnecting room(s) available, Internet access – LAN, Internet access – wireless, Ironing facilities, Laptop workspace, Linens, Mini bar, Mirror, Non-smoking, On-demand movies, Private bathroom, Reading light, Refrigerator, Safety/security feature, Satellite/cable channels, Scale, Seating area, Separate shower/bathtub, Shower, Slippers, Smoke detector, Socket near the bed, Sofa, Soundproofing, Telephone, Toiletries, Towels, Umbrella, Visual alarm, Wake-up service, Wi-Fi [free], Window that opens.
That's a pretty comprehensive list! Soundproof rooms are a godsend in a city like Chicago. Bathrobes and slippers? Luxury! The coffee/tea maker and free bottled water are essential. I do love a good bathtub, and blackout curtains are crucial for those late-night adventures (or just sleeping in!).
Services and Conveniences: The Little Things That Matter
Okay, the finer details. They have Air conditioning in public area, Audio-visual equipment for special events, Business facilities, Cash withdrawal, Concierge, Contactless check-in/out, Convenience store, Currency exchange, Daily housekeeping, Doorman, Dry cleaning, Elevator, Essential condiments, Facilities for disabled guests, Food delivery, Gift/souvenir shop, Indoor venue for special events, Invoice provided, Ironing service, Laundry service, Luggage storage, Meeting/banquet facilities, Meetings, Meeting stationery, On-site event hosting, Outdoor venue for special events, Projector/LED display, Safety deposit boxes, Seminars, Shrine, Smoking area, Terrace, Wi-Fi for special events, Xerox/fax in business center.
That's a lot. Concierge service? Yes, please! Contactless check-in/out is a huge plus. Luggage storage is essential. Dry cleaning? Always a good idea.
For the Kids (and the Big Kids at Heart)
They have Babysitting service, Family/child friendly, Kids facilities, Kids meal. I'm not traveling with kids, but it's nice to know they're catered for.
Security and Getting Around: Keeping You Safe (and Moving)
Access, CCTV in common areas, CCTV outside property, Check-in/out [express], Check-in/out [private], Couple's room, Exterior corridor, Fire extinguisher, Front desk [24-hour], Hotel chain, Non-smoking rooms, Proposal spot, Room decorations, Safety/security feature, Security [24-hour], Smoke alarms, Soundproof rooms are all listed. Airport transfer, Bicycle parking, Car park [free of charge], Car park [on-site], Car power charging station, Taxi service, Valet parking. So, you're covered!
The Quirks, the Imperfections, and the Honest Truth
Okay, let's be real. No hotel is perfect. There's bound to be something not quite right. Maybe the elevator will be slow. Maybe the coffee will be lukewarm. Maybe the Wi-Fi will briefly hiccup. But
Vienna's Gem: Cozy Home Near U1 & U6 Metro!
Okay, buckle up, buttercups. This isn't your grandma's meticulously planned itinerary. This is my Chicago adventure, and let's just say it's going to be less "smooth sailing" and more "slightly-tipsy dinghy navigating a rogue wave." We're staying at the Viceroy Chicago, because, hey, I deserve a little fancy, right? But don't expect me to be all prim and proper.
Viceroy Chicago: My Chicago Chaos - An Itinerary (Maybe)
Day 1: Arrival & Overwhelmed Glamour
Morning (Whenever I Actually Wake Up): Flight lands. Pray to the travel gods it's on time. Pray hard. Airport chaos ensues. Seriously, why do they make airports so confusing? Okay, deep breaths. Taxi to the Viceroy. The Viceroy. Oh. My. God. Lobby is gorgeous, like a modern art installation you can actually live in. I'm immediately intimidated. I feel like I should have brought a monocle. Check-in. Hopefully, I don't accidentally insult anyone with my general lack of decorum.
- Anxiety Level: Mildly elevated. The sheer chicness is making me sweat. I feel like I should have practiced my "sophisticated air" in the mirror.
Afternoon (Lunch & the Truth): Lunch at Somerset, the hotel's restaurant. I'm already eyeing the lobster roll. It's ridiculously expensive. I’m going to indulge. I'm on vacation. I deserve it. The food is, predictably, amazing. I feel a tiny bit better about my general feeling of being out of my depth. The people-watching is top-tier, though. The women are perfect. The men are trying too hard. I'm just trying to not spill my wine.
- Observation: Everyone here is effortlessly cool. I'm pretty sure my socks don't match.
- Emotional Reaction: Pure, unadulterated relief when the lobster roll actually tastes as good as it looks. Worth every single penny.
Evening (Rooftop Revelations & Regret): Drinks at the hotel's rooftop bar, Devereaux. The view is stunning. City lights twinkling. I order a cocktail that's probably too strong. I start feeling a little too confident. I start, for some reason, telling the bartender all about my ex-boyfriend. Don’t do that. I am so mortified. The music is good, the vibe is electric. I may or may not attempt dancing. Probably badly.
- Anecdote: I think I almost tripped over someone's designer handbag. I blame the cocktail.
- Regret Level: Extremely high. Note to self: stick to water after the first drink.
Day 2: Culture, Chaos, and Deep-Dish Dreams
Morning (Art & Awkwardness): Plan: Art Institute of Chicago. Reality: I get lost trying to find the damn museum. Finally arrive, slightly flustered. The art is… well, it’s art. Some of it I get. Some of it I just stare at, pretending to understand. I accidentally bump into a very serious-looking woman in front of a Monet. She gives me a withering look. I mumble an apology. The museum is amazing.
- Quirky Observation: I'm pretty sure the security guards are judging me. They've seen it all, I'm sure.
- Emotional Reaction: Mostly awe, mixed with the mild terror of not being "cultured" enough.
Afternoon (Deep Dish & Denial): Lunch: Deep-dish pizza, obviously. Lou Malnati's, baby! I’m ready to go full glutton. This is what I came here for! I order a whole damn pizza. It’s glorious. It’s messy. It’s everything I hoped for and more. I eat half of it. I'm pretty sure I'm going to need a nap after.
- Messy Structure: Nap. Then, maybe a walk. Then, a nap. Then, more pizza (leftovers, duh!).
- Opinionated Language: Lou Malnati's is the only pizza that matters. Fight me.
Evening (The Theatre & My Internal Monologue): A show at the Goodman Theatre. I pick a play I know absolutely nothing about. I sit there trying to look intelligent and not fall asleep. I'm exhausted from all the culture. It was… fine. But I spent most of the time in my head.
- Stream-of-Consciousness: Is that actor wearing a wig? Am I supposed to be laughing? Is this the right time to think about that awkward thing I said to the bartender?
Day 3: Shopping, Serendipity, and Saying Goodbye (For Now)
Morning (Magnificent Mile & Meltdown): The Magnificent Mile. Or, as I'm calling it, the "Magnificent Money Drain." I browse the shops. I tell myself I'm just "window shopping." I buy a scarf I don't need. I spend way too much. I need to stop. I need help.
- Emotional Reaction: Pure, unadulterated joy at the scarf. Followed immediately by the sting of credit card regret.
Afternoon (Millennium Park & Magical Moments): Millennium Park. The Bean (Cloud Gate). Take the obligatory photo. It’s crowded, but… beautiful. I sit on a bench, just watching people. I see a couple holding hands. A kid is laughing uncontrollably. And then, I unexpectedly started to feel a little… good. Like, really good. I felt like I needed this trip.
- Doubling Down on an Experience: I sat there for two hours. Watching the sun set over the city. I felt a genuine sense of peace. I almost cried.
- Stronger Emotional Reaction: Pure, unadulterated joy.
Evening (Farewell Feast & Flight Frazzle): One last fancy dinner at RPM Italian. I order the pasta. It’s amazing. I try to savor every bite. Then, back to the Viceroy. Pack. Panic. Head to the airport. Hope my flight is on time. Pray to the travel gods again.
- Anecdote: I almost left my passport in the hotel room. Thank God for a last-minute sweep.
- Final Thoughts: Chicago, you were a whirlwind. You were beautiful. You were expensive. You were… perfect. I'll be back. (Just maybe with a slightly less chaotic itinerary next time.)
Okay, Seriously, Is Viceroy Chicago REALLY Worth the Hype?
Alright, let's be real. "Luxury Redefined" sounds like something a robot wrote. And honestly, yeah, Viceroy Chicago *mostly* lives up to the hype. But "mostly" is the key word here. I went in expecting pure, unadulterated bliss, and I got... well, I got a really, really nice stay with a few hiccups. Think of it like a gorgeous supermodel who occasionally trips over her own feet.
The views? Spectacular. The design? Stunning. The service? Mostly attentive. But that "mostly" kept nagging at me. More on that later. So, yeah, worth it? Depends on your definition of "worth." If you're after Instagram-worthy photos and a generally fabulous experience, absolutely. If you're a perfectionist who's easily ruffled by a slightly lukewarm coffee, maybe not. Prepare for the minor annoyances, they do exist.
What's the Deal with the Rooms? Are They Actually as Chic as They Look in the Pictures?
Oh, the rooms. *Sigh*. Yes, they are. They *are* as chic. Think plush velvet, sleek lines, and a color palette that screams "I have my life together." Seriously, the design is gorgeous. I spent a good twenty minutes just wandering around, lightly touching everything. I felt like a museum curator, except instead of art, I was gawking at a perfectly placed ottoman.
My room had a massive window overlooking the city. I mean, *massive*. I spent a good portion of my trip just staring out at the skyline, pretending I was in a movie. The bed? Cloud-like. Honestly, I almost missed my flight because I couldn't drag myself out of it. *Almost*.
Here's the catch: the room, while gorgeous, was a little… compact. I felt like I was constantly bumping into things. And the lighting? A tad moody. I spent the first hour trying to figure out how to turn on the lights. It was like a puzzle. Eventually, I figured it out, but I still felt like I was living in a dimly lit art gallery. Which, I guess, isn't the worst thing in the world.
Let's Talk Food. Is Somerset Worth the Hype? (Because, Let's Be Honest, That's Important.)
Somerset. Ah, Somerset. Okay, so, the food. I'm a foodie. A *serious* foodie. And I went in with high expectations. And… well, it's good. Really good. But maybe *too* good? I mean, it's fancy. Like, fancy-fancy. Think tiny portions meticulously arranged on oversized plates.
I ordered the seared scallops. They were divine. Perfectly cooked, melt-in-your-mouth delicious. But there were three of them. Three! And the accompanying sauce? Oh, it was a work of art. But I wanted more scallops! I felt like I was being teased. Like, "Here's a little taste of heaven, now go back to your room and find something to eat."
The ambiance, though? Spot on. Gorgeous. Trendy. Buzzing with energy. The people-watching was top-notch. And the cocktails? Absolutely fantastic. So, would I go back? Yes. But maybe I'd order a side of fries. Or sneak in a granola bar. Just in case.
Okay, Spill the Tea: What's the Pool/Rooftop Bar Like? Is It as Glamorous as It Looks?
The pool. The rooftop. This is where the Viceroy *really* shines, and where I had the most… interesting experience. First of all, it's beautiful. Like, magazine-cover beautiful. The pool is a perfect rectangle, surrounded by chic loungers. The views? Unbeatable. You feel like you're on top of the world.
Now, the interesting part. I went up there on a Saturday afternoon. It was packed. Like, shoulder-to-shoulder packed. I managed to snag a lounger, but it took some serious maneuvering. And the service? Well, let's just say the staff was a little overwhelmed. It took me about 20 minutes to flag down a waiter, and another 20 to get my cocktail.
And here's the thing. I dropped my phone in the pool. Yes, I did. Right in the middle of the perfect rectangle. I watched in slow motion as my precious iPhone 14 Pro Max plunged into the depths. Panic. Pure, unadulterated panic. I flagged down a lifeguard, who, bless his heart, fished it out. It was… mostly okay. But definitely not the glamorous rooftop experience I'd envisioned. So, yes, it's glamorous. But be prepared for crowds and the potential for aquatic phone-related disasters. Learn from my mistakes!
What About the Spa? Is It a Must-Do?
The spa... okay, I'm going to be honest. I didn't go to the spa. I know, I know, I'm a terrible person. I had every intention of indulging in a massage, a facial, the whole shebang. But then, the pool incident. And the phone. And the slightly-too-small scallops. I just kind of lost my mojo.
However, I did peek inside. And it looked lovely. Serene. Calming. Like a little oasis of tranquility. So, based on that, I'd say yes, it's probably a must-do. Especially if you've just spent the afternoon battling crowds at the rooftop bar and rescuing your phone from a watery grave. Next time, I'm definitely booking a massage. And maybe a therapy session, too, just to process the whole phone thing.
Any Hidden Gems or Quirky Observations? Spill the Secrets!
Alright, for the hidden gems… hmmm. Okay, the lobby bathroom. Sounds weird, I know. But it’s ridiculously stylish. Like, I almost didn't want to leave. Seriously. The lighting is perfect, the mirrors are strategically placed, and the soap smells divine. I spent an ungodly amount of time in there, just admiring the aesthetics.
Quirky observation? The elevators are slow. Painfully slow. I spent more time waiting for the elevator than I did actually *in* the elevator. It's a minor thing, but it's something that will stick with you. Also, the concierge was super helpful, but they seemed a little… reserved. Like they were afraid to crack a smile. I wanted to hug them, but I didn't want to scare them.
