Categories: Chicago Architecture
Trump International Hotel & Tower Chicago
Author: Wendy Wollenberg
Trump Is Up in Chicago: "The Donald" is up and running with his new, Chicago River skyline-adding building, the Trump International Hotel & Tower.
As anyone who has ever watched The Apprentice knows, Donald Trump is no stranger to hyperbole. However, seemingly exaggerated statements about the top-of-the-line amenities at Chicago’s new Trump International Hotel & Tower (401 N. Wabash Ave., 312-588-8000) all seem to be true. Read on for an overview of this elegantly conceived and designed building that comes from a man who knows a thing or two about luxury, and from his three grown children, Donald, Jr., Ivanka and Eric Trump, who represent the next generation of high-end hospitality.
The Hotel: Guests arriving to the Trump Hotel will be greeted by a gracious staff and will be awed by the gracefully sedate lobby (no overwrought gold fixtures here!). The sleek and sophisticated surroundings are perfect for leisure and business travelers alike, with comfortable couches and a coffee table displaying magazines and daily newspapers. (There is a separate lobby entrance for the private residences at Trump Tower.) A champagne lobby lounge is in the works, which will serve as an enticing pass-through to the ongoing riverwalk development plans.
The 339 guestrooms and one-, two- and three-bedroom suites occupy floors 18-27 of the 92-floor property. Each room offers 10-foot floor-to-ceiling windows with spectacular views of Lake Michigan, the Chicago River and the city skyline. (These magnificent views are a hallmark of the entire building.) Lavish amenities include contemporary, custom-designed furniture, the Trump Luxury Sleep System beds, plush bathrooms with deep soaking tubs and kitchens outfitted with stainless steel appliances, Sub Zero refrigerators and Bernadaud china. Lighting and window treatments can be controlled at the touch of a button, and a Do Not Disturb panel turns off the doorbell and alerts housekeeping that the guest doesn’t want to be bothered. Suites offer fireplaces, dressing areas and spacious dining rooms.
Guests seeking an extra level of personalized service can choose to employ the assistance of a Trump Attache, who offers 24-hour personalized services before, during and after your stay, including grocery and laundry requests, personal shopping, business services, reservations and travel arrangements.
Sixteen and Rebar: The property’s restaurant, Sixteen, and lounge, Rebar (set to open in March), are destinations in and of themselves. The fine-dining restaurant, Sixteen, is fittingly perched on the property’s 16th floor. It flaunts sweeping vistas of the lake, river and skyline and offers a face-to-face view of the Wrigley Building’s clock tower. A 900-bottle glass-enclosed wine gallery, an intimate lounge and three separate dining rooms offer customizable dining options. Ivanka Trump was instrumental in helping to design the dramatic space, which is highlighted by a stunning Swarovski chandelier that drips with 19,000 crystals. The modern American menu is the work of chef Frank Brunacci and pastry chef Hichem Lahreche.
Rebar (the name refers to the reinforced concrete construction of the building) boasts a breathtaking view of the Michigan Avenue Bridge over the Chicago River and the upcoming riverwalk oasis from the stylish main room. A posh private VIP lounge hosts events for up to 25 guests. The bar will use fresh squeezed juices and high-end liquors for first-rate cocktails and offer a small plates menu.
The Spa at Trump and Health Club: Set to open in March, the Spa at Trump, located on the hotel’s 14th floor, will feature 11 treatment rooms including two offering couples’ services, an event space and a store stocked with bath and beauty products. Signature treatments include massages, facials, relaxation programs, hydrotherapy options and nail services. Offering a deluxe urban retreat, 53 spa guestrooms will be available for personalized services, including a private nutritionist, spa products and wellness education.
The hotel’s Health Club, which adjoins the spa, offers state-of-the art equipment, personal trainers, a yoga and Pilates studio, a heated pool and roomy areas for weights, cardio and classes.
Meeting and Event Spaces: As would be expected, the Trump Tower’s meeting and event spaces offer well-appointed surroundings. For business functions, there are five unique salons and two boardrooms offering 12-foot windows with the building’s signature views. The Grand Ballroom accommodates up to 269 guests and features 24-foot windows facing downtown. The Skyline Room can host up to 175 people and has 12-foot windows with views of Chicago’s Gold Coast neighborhood.
Check out places of interest near Trump International Hotel & Tower Chicago:
Sixteen
401 N. Wabash Ave.,
Chicago, IL 60611
Located on the16th floor of Chicago's new Trump International Hotel & Tower, Sixteen offers gorgeous city views and the modern American Cuisine of Chef Frank Brunacci.
Smith & Wollensky
318 N. State St.,
Chicago, IL 60610
This steak location is a Chicago outpost of the New York-based steakhouse chain, which specializes in on-premise dry-aged beef, with choices like a bone-in rib-eye and porterhouse.
The Gage
24. S. Michigan Ave.,
Chicago, IL 60603
The Gage offers high-end Irish fare with a touch of elegance and class. Located near Millenium Park, this restaurant offers traditional Irish foods along with all-American favorites.
Garrett Popcorn Shop
4 East Madison Ave.,
Chicago, IL 60602
Since 1949, Chicagoans have been enjoying Garrett Popcorn, Carmel Corn, and Cheese Corn. The popcorn is hot-air popped using no oils or fats.
The Gage
24. S. Michigan Ave.,
Chicago, IL 60603
The Gage offers high-end Irish fare with a touch of elegance and class. Located near Millenium Park, this restaurant offers traditional Irish foods along with all-American favorites.
The Redhead Piano Bar
16 W. Ontario St.,
Chicago, IL 60610
Top-notch piano players make The Redhead Piano Bar a sought-after venue when it comes to sophisticated live music in Chicago. Gather around the piano, or head toward the back of the room for more intimate conversation.
Chicago Architecture Foundation
224 South Michigan Avenue,
Chicago, IL 60602
The Chicago Architecture Foundation (CAF) offers a 88 different tours in total. You can explore the city by bus, boat, bike on foot or even via a segway.
Chicago Symphony Orchestra
220 S. Michigan Ave.,
Chicago, IL 60604
The Chicago Symphony Orchestra is the heartbeat of Chicago. The CSO has numerous concerts and special events throughout the year. See the full list at their website. Tickets range from $10 to $200.
Wendella Sightseeing Boats
400 N. Michigan Ave.,
Chicago, IL 60611
Located on the Magnificent Mile, Wendella Boats are guided by expert staff.
