The Candy Man arrives at Ritz-Carlton Chicago, A Four Seasons Hotel

by Melanie Nayer on

One child’s dream is another parent’s nightmare.

The Candy Man has officially arrived at The Ritz-Carlton Chicago, A Four Seasons Hotel, and is bringing sweet treats to kids of all ages staying at the hotel.

Associated with Chicago local store, Candyality, the Candy Man arrives at guestrooms (on reservation only) to deliver $5 half-pound bags of all things sugary to hotel guests.

Children wanting to indulge (and adults who need a sugar fix, or a bribe for the kids) can mix and match from the Candy Man’s cart of gummy, chocolate, sour, crunchy and sweet candies. To keep things interesting, The Candy Man will reveal your personality traits based on what candy you choose (we suggest you mix it up and try to stump him).
Your comprehensive personality profile will determine whether you’re competitive (sugary), good listener (fluffy), negotiator (crunchy), creative (colorful), and more.

Opening in December of 2007, Candyality opened in hopes of being more than just a typical sweet shop. The store, located atThe Shops at North Bridge on the Magnificent Mile, is as much a destination as a candy store, thanks to employees who read tea leaves, tarot cards or zodiac charts. Of course, there’s no scientific research in the reading of sugary personalities, but what do you care? You’re walking out of there with a bag of candy sure to keep you on a sugar high for the rest of the day.

Chicago Kimpton hotels announce last-minute deals for Bears, Packers game

by Melanie Nayer on

Are you ready for some serious football? Chicago is! And Kimpton Hotels is gearing up to give travelers coming in for the historic NFC Championship game a deal they can’t refuse.

The Chicago Bears take on the Green Day Packers this weekend, and the four Kimpton Chicago hotels — Allegro, Burnham, Monaco and Palomar — are offering an “End Zone” package to celebrate the matchup.

Guests who book the “End Zone” package receive deluxe overnight accommodations for two, which reflects a 20 to 60% discount before package elements, Wisconsin Cheddar Cheese, two Chicago-brewed beers and two pretzels.Hotel Allegro: Located at 171 W. Randolph St., Hotel Allegro is proud to be Green Seal™ Silver certified for its sustainable, earth-friendly practices.

Hotel Burnham: The Hotel Burnham, 1 W. Washington St., is one of Chicago’s great architectural jewels. Originally designed by Daniel Burnham and built as the Reliance Building in 1895, this living landmark is the first direct predecessor to Chicago’s modern skyscrapers.

Hotel Monaco: The AAA Four Diamond Property at 225 N. Wabash Ave overlooks the Chicago River and is located just steps from the North Michigan Avenue and State Street shopping districts.

Hotel Palomar: Located in Chicago’s River North neighborhood, Palomar is Kimpton’s newest addition to its Chicago family. The boutique concept features 261 guest rooms and suites, all with floor-to-ceiling windows, and a rooftop indoor pool. The hotel is located at 505 North State Street, Chicago, IL, 60654.

Rates start at $129/night and are valid today through Monday, January 24, 2010. For reservations and to check availability, call 1.800.KIMPTON and use the Rate Code “END.”

Daily Pampering: Holiday shop in style at the Blackstone Chicago

by Melanie Nayer on

We’ve offered a great gift guides this past week. From luxury travel gifts to cold weather gear, there’s something for everyone on your list. But if you’re still not settled on the perfect present, Blackstone Chicago has a package that’s right for you:

The hotel is offering a Shop Like You’re Famous package. With a limo service shuttling to stores, and a personal shopper at Macy’s, the shoppers are getting a gift themselves! For last-minute shopping done in style, the package includes:

  • Luxurious overnight accommodations at the Blackstone
  • Limo service for the day with a shopping map
  • A bottle of Moet Champagne in the limo
  • Personal shopper service at the State Street Macy’s

After the shopping is done, the package pampers further with a voucher for a carriage ride around Chicago and endless hot cocoa room-service.

The price for this pampering: Only $359 (but you’ll have to spend your own additional money on anything you purchase on your shopping excursion). This package goes through January 31, 2011, giving plenty of time to hit the post-holiday sales in style.

Want more? Get your daily dose of pampering right here.

Daily Pampering: Warm up at Trump Chicago with a romantic overnight

by Melanie Nayer on

Oh, baby, it’s getting cold outside! The great minds at Trump International Hotel & Tower Chicago have just the thing to put some fire back into your cold routine.

Chicago locals and visitors alike are invited to escape the cold weather this holiday season with a romantic overnight stay in one of Trump International Hotel & Tower Chicago’s luxurious one-bedroom suites, equipped with a fully furnished kitchen, illuminating fireplace, spacious living room, and five-fixture bathroom.

Snuggle in front of a warm fireplace while sipping on your choice of a hot toddy or hot chocolate, and take in the romantic views of the Chicago River and the city’s skyline. You’ll be served breakfast in bed the next morning and, to keep you warm when you leave, each guest will receive a signature Trump bathrobe as a holiday gift.

The price of this hot little pampering? Room rates start at $695 a night and are available November 1 through December 30, 2010.

Want more? Get your daily dose of pampering right here.

JW Marriott opens in Chicago

by Melanie Nayer on

Marriott certainly is making the rounds. The first ever JW Marriott Marquis opened in Miami last week and coming Thursday, Nov. 11, the JW Marriott Chicago will open its doors.

Situated in the historic Continental & Commercial National Bank Building in Chicago’s financial district, the JW Marriott Chicago will be the first of its brand in the windy city. Occupying the first 12 floors of the building at 151 W. Adams St., the hotel will have 610 guestrooms, including 29 corner suites and more than 44,000-square-feet of meeting space, a 20,000-square-foot world class spa and fitness center, and two different dining options – an Italian Steakhouse and a lounge serving more casual plates and sushi.

Each guestroom will offer complimentary in-room coffee/tea service and nightly turndown service. All rooms have 10-foot ceilings with handcrafted crown molding and spacious bathrooms clad in Italian marble, featuring stand alone tubs and separate marble showers. Forty-two inch flat-panel high-definition televisions grace each room with hookups for A/V stations and Wi-Fi capabilities.

The spa, VALEO, is a 20,000-square-foot space of ultimate serenity combining fitness facilities, traditional and non-traditional spa services and myriad salon services. The fitness center will feature cardio and circuit training equipment, a large pool for laps as well as a therapeutic whirlpool.

The hotel’s restaurants, The Florentine and the lobby lounge, give travelers and hotel guests the option of fine dining or casual take-out. The Florentine, a concept from the BLT Restaurant Group, offers Italian-American fare from Corporate Executive Chef Rodelio Aglibot and Executive Chef Todd Stein, of Sunda and mk fame respectively. For a more casual experience, the JW Marriott Chicago’s lobby lounge will serve light fare like appetizers and sushi.

To celebrate the opening of the hotel, individual room reservations will be available beginning November 11, 2010 with introductory rates from $179 – $329.