Reviews

THE LANGHAM, CHICAGO

ARRIVAL/CHECK-IN: It was a cold and rainy day in Chicago and remained that way for the rest of my trip. The doormen at The Langham stood ready to welcome me and other guests with umbrellas and bottled water, which made for a warm first impression. The hotel lobby is up a few floors, and the property shares a building entrance with a Mad Men-ish office skyscraper from the 1960s. Check-in was swift and courteous. Please pay particular attention to the hanging glass art in the lobby ceiling, resembling water droplets … appropriate, given the weather.

GUEST QUARTERS: I stayed in Suite 701, private, tucked into a corner at the end of the hallway and nicely located for views. Upon opening the door, I entered a large hallway with a series of closets to the right offering storage for belongings. To the left, a little built-in area held my carry-on luggage and other amenities. Directly across from the door a lavish bathroom featured a double sink with a gray and white marble top, flanked by a tub topped with the same marble and a large shower stall. Its sophisticated showerheads made for a reviving morning wake-up. The wall-mounted commode was European-like with its own separate glass door.

The spacious main bedroom and living area included a comfortable king-sized bed with a white duvet and lots of pillows, flanked by two end tables fitted with efficient connectivity for laptops and smartphones. A large, flatscreen TV sat to the left of a panoramic ceiling-to-floor window that took up the entire wall, facing the Chicago River and my old office on Wacker Drive. This brought back fond memories of me as a 20-something tackling the media industry in the Windy City. A modern glass-top desk sat in front of the window, so I could work and look out at the city … and see if I needed an umbrella. A little seating area held two comfortable chairs and a table, good for reading a book.

SERVICES/AMENITIES: I thoroughly enjoyed the Chuan amenities in the bathroom, and the shampoo and conditioner (replenished daily) made it home in my carry-on. As it is said, if a guest takes your amenities on departure, you have selected the right products.

Travelle, the lobby lounge and restaurant, offers a place to meet guests for a drink or meal. My suite included access to The Langham Club, which became my home away from home. Elegant but friendly, the Club offered a place to have breakfast, entertain guests and unwind at the end of the day. I cannot tell you how invaluable club access is to your stay at The Langham, and it was made wonderful by the team who welcomed each guest.

I could go on and on about the service and attention to detail; this property makes a great base for entertaining clients. One evening I was to have dinner with a colleague outside the hotel, but we ended up never leaving the Club as it served such a variety of dishes.

REVIEWED BY Francis X. Gallagher

TOP TAKEAWAYS:

Nobody beats Christal in The Langham Club in Chicago; she treats every guest like family. -------------------------Great view of my old office on 1 E. Wacker, suite 2410!

THE LANGHAM, CHICAGO 330 N. Wabash Ave. Chicago, IL 60611 tel 312 923 9988 langhamhotels.com

THE RAMBLE HOTEL

ARRIVAL/CHECK-IN: I flew into Denver International Airport in the late afternoon, and by the time I picked up my rental car and drove to the RiNo district in Denver, the sun had set behind the Rocky Mountains. That means the first time I entered The Ramble Hotel, it was evening and the hotel was hopping!

The marquee lobby bar, Death & Co, sits in the exact same space as the registration desk, making for a unique check-in process. I was warmly greeted and given an actual room key (not a card) attached to a swatch of dark brown leather. I asked the hostess to double-check the table reservation I’d made for a little later in the evening, rolled my luggage through the bar and took the elevators to the third floor.

GUEST QUARTERS: With only 50 rooms, this boutique hotel screams trendy and posh. The energy inside the lobby was engaging and magnetic. I couldn’t wait to drop my luggage in the room to come back downstairs for more.

My room was on the smaller side, but the lavish and luxurious features more than made up for its size. Dark navy walls, crisp white linens and a crystal chandelier over a plush seating area grabbed my immediate attention, with a loft-like view of the city and brushed gold touches throughout the room catching my eye the more I observed. Wide-plank hickory floors, a Bluetooth gramophone speaker and an in-room craft cocktail bar rounded out the experience.

The bathroom was styled with white subway tiles on the walls around a half-glass shower. Two robes; a large sink; and a Hollywoodstyle vanity mirror, adorned with 15 frosted light bulbs, added a hint of swanky luxury.

SERVICES/AMENITIES: The famed Death & Co cocktail bar in New York expanded to The Ramble in Denver and does a marvelous job of creating what feels like an exclusive, uptown experience inside a hidden location. I enjoyed a bowl of marinated olives with my Hunny Bunny cocktail, watching other guests from my leather chair near the window. The next night, I asked if I could dine in the Sakura Blossom Bar, a smaller, even more exclusive bar atop the lobby area with copious amounts of cherry blossoms lining the walls and ceiling. There I enjoyed a late-night snack of drunken cookies and popcorn with coconut oil and pink Himalayan salt before turning in for bed.

Each morning I grabbed a honey chai from DC/AM, a smaller breakfast/brunch café also located within the lobby and full of its own charming character. With three dining locations on site, my taste buds were frequently delighted and my stomach full, but The Ramble’s excellent location places it easily within walking distance of numerous restaurants and breweries in the area.

REVIEWED BY Carrie Cox

TOP TAKEAWAYS:

Death & Co offers New York City-quality food and craft cocktails in the River North Arts District.

-------------------------Reminiscent of a French salon, the décor, the beverages and even the staff are trendy, and chic chandeliers envelop the property, causing this boutique hotel to feel glamorous and exclusive.

THE RAMBLE HOTEL 1280 25th St. Denver, CO 80205 tel 720 996 6300 theramblehotel.com

THE GABRIEL SOUTH BEACH

ARRIVAL/CHECK-IN: I had overnighted in Fort Lauderdale before meeting two colleagues and heading to Miami Beach. Let me tell you, hotel guestrooms are instantly more relaxing when they sit near the beach. Arriving at The Gabriel South Beach, part of the Curio Collection by Hilton, was no exception. As we were early for check-in, we dropped our bags, grabbed lunch nearby, and by the time we finished eating, I got an alert my room was ready.

GUEST QUARTERS: While not overly spacious, my king deluxe guestroom was functional, and the light-colored, beachinspired, neutral décor also made the space feel more open and airy. Unfortunately, my room boasted views over the surrounding rooftops, but some guestrooms offer ocean or pool views.

Upon entry I observed a small closet to the right in a short hallway leading into the bedroom space. A long piece of furniture lay just beyond the closet, functioning as a desk, complete with a stool, and the minibar/coffeemaker area. I particularly enjoyed the minibar selection, grabbing trail mix to throw in my bag before heading out to the convention I was in town to attend. With the flatscreen TV hanging above, the mixed-use table led to a cream-colored couch, perfect for spreading out my stuff, with an end table that could be pulled over the couch. Two nightstands flanked the king-sized bed. The bathroom, where the smallness could be most felt, ran parallel to the bed. The shower was large, but storage space was limited.

SERVICES/AMENITIES: As I mentioned, I was in Miami for a convention, so I did not have as much time as I would have liked to explore the hotel’s amenities, like Dalia or the Rooftop Bar. Open daily, 7 a.m.–11 p.m., Dalia serves coastal Mediterranean cuisine.

Dalia can also double as event space, accommodating 82 people seated and 150 for a reception. The outdoor Courtyard, off the lobby, really brings the Miami vibes, offering seating, foliage and lights for everyday use or a reception space for 150. The Lobby Bar, with a sophisticated Art Deco feel, served me both a morning iced coffee and an evening gin and tonic. The space can also be used for receptions for up to 80 people. On my last day, I used the public restroom on the second floor to freshen up before my flight home, and as I navigated there, I found a cute, cozy, library-like lounge space I wished I’d discovered earlier. The Rooftop Pool is another space I had time only to briefly visit. Be sure to check out the hotel’s artwork, as well.

REVIEWED BY Kimberly Krol Inlander

TOP TAKEAWAYS:

At both check-in and check-out and throughout the whole experience, every member of the staff I encountered was friendly, helpful and seemed to thoroughly enjoy their role at the hotel.

-------------------------Location, location, location! Situated directly across from the water on Ocean Drive near many of the area’s shops and eateries, and with easy access to the pathway along the beach, The Gabriel South Beach enjoys an enviable location.

-------------------------The Gabriel South Beach also boasts history as part of Miami’s Art Deco legacy. The building, opened in the late 1930s as Park Central Hotel, is an Art Deco masterpiece from legendary architect Henry Hohauser.

THE GABRIEL SOUTH BEACH 640 Ocean Drive Miami Beach, FL 33139 tel 305 685 2000 thegabrielsouthbeach.com

PENDRY SAN DIEGO

ARRIVAL/CHECK-IN: I traveled to San Diego in mid-August to attend this year’s Global Business Travel Association Convention, which took place at the nearby convention center, making this property the perfect place for the short and busy stay. After a smooth mid-morning flight from Philadelphia International Airport, I arrived at a buzzing yet calm Pendry San Diego just in time for a seamless and fast check-in, thanks to the professional and attentive staff. The lobby featured an elegant fireplace and minimalist woodsy décor that elevated the space.

GUEST QUARTERS: Located on the eighth floor, my room featured a comfortable king-sized bed surrounded by a large mirror and chic nightstands, a decently sized desk and chair (convenient for the purpose of the trip), a mounted TV and a comfortable lounger by the window. Although limited, the views of the city and nearby attractions were beautiful and gave the room a slight classicmodern edge — especially at night. The room also featured a stocked snack bar and mini fridge, as well as a coffeemaker, coffee and teas. I was also pleasantly surprised with a welcome amenity featuring a charcuterie board and bottle of wine I enjoyed while I quickly situated my luggage before lunch.

The closet was a decent size for what I needed and included a safe and steamer. The large shower consisted of floor-to-ceiling glass walls and included two showerheads. The sink sat atop a beautiful marble countertop complemented by delicate blue-patterned wallpaper.

SERVICES/AMENITIES: Conveniently located in the heart of the historic Gaslamp Quarter, Pendry San Diego features six unique restaurants and bars both on and off site, mostly highlighting modern coastal and Southern California cuisine. I was able to attend one of the off-site restaurants, Lionfish, which offered a lively and social vibe and featured a delicious array of food from the sea. Executive Chef Jose Ruiz leads the team and creates a seasonal San Diegoinspired menu while serving fresh, sustainable seafood. The tasting menu was delectable; my favorites were the crispy rock shrimp appetizer and the succulent braised Kurobuta pork shank served with an equally succulent smoked corn polenta, braised bok choy and a vibrant demi glace.

Other restaurants offered breakfast and coffee, like Provisional, while The Pool House offered light bites and drinks. Room service was prompt and tasty; I ordered the avocado toast one morning and had enough time to enjoy it before heading out for the day. I didn’t have a chance to visit the pool area but could tell most people enjoyed the amenity, judging by the decent-sized crowds lounging there.

REVIEWED BY Yasser Ogando TOP TAKEAWAYS:

Cleanliness and professionalism; the staff goes above and beyond to make you feel comfortable. -------------------------Quiet and private despite being in the busiest part of downtown

-------------------------Room service was fast and delicious.

PENDRY SAN DIEGO 550 J St. San Diego, CA 92101 tel 619 738 7000 pendry.com

KIMPTON HOTEL MONACO PHILADELPHIA

ARRIVAL/CHECK-IN: It was wonderful to return to the City of Brotherly Love, the city of my youth and where I spent eight years of Jesuit education! Not that this was a long journey, but all through the pandemic, the city had been somewhat avoided, and it was nice to be back to some normalcy. I drove to Philadelphia and enjoyed a trip off I-95 through Society Hill and past Old Saint Joseph’s Church, looping over to the Kimpton and finding convenient parking behind the hotel. Check-in was friendly and swift; the gentleman behind the counter and I commented on the snappy attire of us both. I was ready to roll and swiftly found my way to Suite 702, which had a clever turn-of-the-century balloon motif on the room number plaque.

GUEST QUARTERS: First, Benjamin Franklin would have been thrilled with the view. The room overlooks Carpenters’ Hall and Independence Hall, where the United States Declaration of Independence and the Constitution of the United States were debated and adopted … does it get any better than this? If you have any interest in the history and founding of the United States, there is no better place. Did I mention the Liberty Bell sits next door?

I had a lovely suite with an amazing bathroom, which had a large shower area … so large, an oval soaking tub fit against the window. No shower door was needed, as a pane of glass stood between the rest of the bathroom and the bathing area. The only issue might be if one person is in the tub while another is showering, you might get splashed. But soaking up some history while bathing and looking out the window is intriguing.

The spacious bedroom sported the typical fun and unique Kimpton design which I might describe as Neoclassical Modern French: blue wallpaper, tufted headboard, bright red lacquered chest with a flatscreen TV. I found the built-in work table invaluable as I arrived mid-afternoon for my dinner and enjoyed the view while checking emails. Later I walked some 10 blocks to 15th and Broad for dinner and found the city bustling as usual. Just before a torrential rainfall I made it to my destination: The Union League of Philadelphia and the excellent restaurant 1862.

SERVICES/AMENITIES: Kimptons have all the little touches, like bottled water in the room and sharp-looking robes to wear while lounging. I also like the host of plug-in options, including a nifty candle-like fixture by the bed. The king-sized bed was warm and inviting.

The Red Owl Tavern and Stratus rooftop bar are welcoming venues and popular city haunts. The hotel offers bikes, a fitness center and free valet parking, options which prove a great value.

REVIEWED BY Francis X. Gallagher

TOP TAKEAWAYS:

Drafting an email here harks back to Thomas Jefferson drafting the Declaration of Independence. -------------------------Fun hotel in a historic location

KIMPTON HOTEL MONACO PHILADELPHIA 433 Chesnut St. Philadelphia, PA 19106 tel 215 925 2111 monaco-philadelphia.com

O’Hare Gets Largest Concessions Offering in 10 Years

As the major hub of a world-class city, Chicago O’Hare International Airport has long been globally recognized for its dining and retail options. An upcoming series of concessions offerings — the largest at O’Hare in a decade — are set to further bolster that reputation, especially in the $1 billion expansion and transformation of Terminal 5.

The Chicago Department of Aviation and its lessee partners are imagining a new dining and retail experience for O’Hare’s more than 80 million annual passengers.

As the rehabilitation of Terminal 5 nears completion, rolling openings for the new food and retail options will start this year and continue into 2023.

THE NEW DINING OFFERINGS WILL INCLUDE: • The Hampton Social: Coastal-inspired cuisine and hand-crafted cocktails from a brand with locations on Chicago’s Near North Side and the surrounding suburbs

• Bar Siena: A new airport outpost of the West Loop eatery known for its regional Italian fare and drinks • FarmAir’s Market: A grab-and-go concept with sandwiches, salads, refreshments and other lowtouch options • Butcher and the Burger: An outpost of the popular Lincoln Park eatery offering upscale customizable burgers and breakfast in a retro counter-service • Sparrow Coffee: Local coffee roastery focused on sustainability

The new dining options will complement T5’s existing fare, including the high-quality grab-and-go options at Goddess and Grocer, Big Bowl and Wow Bao. NEW RETAIL OPTIONS WILL INCLUDE: • Six Points Market and Metropolis Coffee: Retail location with a focus on travel essentials and souvenirs, with a coffee shop included • BLVD & Branch: Specialty retail outlet with a focus on electronics and accessories

These new concessions agreements, along with new retail offerings, carry an additional source of pride for Chicago Mayor Lori E. Lightfoot and Aviation Commissioner Jamie L. Rhee, as they will achieve an Airport Concession Disadvantaged Business Enterprise participation rate of 40 percent, exceeding the CDA’s goal of 32 percent and the nationwide goal of 10 percent set by the Federal Aviation Administration. For more information on the ongoing diversity, equity and inclusion efforts at Chicago’s airports, visit flychicago.com.

In addition, Terminal 5’s concessions developer, URW Airports, is embarking on several new dining and retail offerings under its development agreement, which will complement these CDA direct leases and help bring the best concessions experience to Terminal 5’s passengers.

Terminal 5 will soon include Delta operations, and is already the O’Hare home to Southwest Airlines and more than a dozen international carriers.

The reimagining of Terminal 5 and these new offerings are a key component of O’Hare 21, the curb-to-gate reinvestment strategy that will modernize facilities and offer new passenger amenities for the 21st century and beyond. Learn more at ord21.com.