Hi all, 

Excited to share with you the details of a recent trip I took to Chicago with Conrad Hotels in what was one of my favorites spots of the Summer. I hadn't been to Chicago previously but I had a lot of friends that not only had visited and raved about it but some even moved there too! So naturally, I had to see what the buzz was about and I have to tell you: What an amazing city! 

Conrad Hotels Chicago

I stayed at the Conrad Hotel Chicago, located on Erie St, less than block from the "Magnificent Mile", Chicago's version of 5th Avenue - a street lined by boutiques and shops of some of the most recognizable brands, including luxury houses as well. A few minutes by car or a 20 min. walk to the river, the hotel truly is a center of everything. The hotel has 280 rooms and 3 restaurants, which I highly recommend. In particular, Noyane, a seasonal rooftop sushi restaurant and bar is a must-visit. 

One of the items I really enjoyed is the Stay Inspired series that provided me with ideas of what to visit and where to explore depending on the number of hours I had available. Conrad Hotels have curated 1/3/5 hour experiences for those visiting and trying to plan their stay. I even got to contribute my favorite experiences. Check it out HERE. 

Shopping in Chicago

For my 1-hour selection, you know I had to go with some shopping. Now, of course from the Conrad Hotel, you can walk to the Magnificent Mile for some great shopping, but my goal was to find local Chicago boutiques with hidden gems. One of my recommendations was Blake, a high-end boutique located in the Chicago neighborhood of River North. What is very interesting about it, is that there is no signage, or any sort of storefront. You sort of have "to know" it's there. If you see a historic-looking Post Office building, you've arrived. 

Other great options for shopping local boutiques include P45 and Moon Voyage in Wicker Park. 

Dining in Chicago

The cuisine and food I had the opportunity to experience in Chicago was easily one of the best I've had. Among the locations I visited, I was able to try the seasonal rooftop Sushi bar Noyane, newcomer Clever Rabbit and 3 Arts Club Cafe which is my selection for a 3-hour stop. Located inside of a Restoration Hardware, the cafe is perfect for brunching and lunching - not to mention picture-friendly. 

Go out on or by the water

The city has great accessibility to the water given its location and my choice for a 5-hour experience is to go out on a river boat to explore the architecture of the city, one of its strengths by the way, and enjoy some bubbly on the way. On your way back, stop by the City Winery, located right by the river and have a snack and a few drinks before heading back to the hotel. 

I had a fantastic time and hope to visit again very soon! Have you been to Chicago to do you live there? Do you agree with my picks? Let me know in the comments below! 

Thank you for reading! 

xoxo,

Christie