The writer was hosted.
As far as big U.S. cities go, Chicago takes the cake for having the friendliest people and the cleanest downtown area. At least that’s what I’ve claimed ever since I lived in the Chicago area for four years.
I recently visited my former home on a nostalgic trip to Illinois. During that time, I spent one night at theWit Chicago, a four-star
I traveled with a friend, and our stay at theWit Hotel commenced a delightful girl’s trip. From its great location to its vibrant rooftop lounge and friendly staff, it seemed the hotel was made for us.
Home to event spaces, a spa, and a variety of room types, the hotel could just as easily be the backdrop of a business trip, romantic escape or fun-filled family outing. Here’s everything you need to know about theWit.
TheWit: Location
TheWit Hotel sits in the Loop in the heart of downtown Chicago. Located at 201 N State St., the hotel stands at the corner of State Street and Lake Street, just down the road from the Chicago River.
This is the perfect base from which to explore Chicago, as it is within a 10-minute walk of the Chicago Riverwalk, the Magnificent Mile and Millennium Park. The Art Institute of Chicago is only a 15-minute walk south, and the Chicago Theater is right down the street.
Guests looking to venture outside the city center can hop on the CTA, which stops right outside the hotel and serves five different lines.
Read More: 12 Secret Spots and Hidden Gems Not to be Missed in Chicago
TheWit: Service
What really sets this hotel apart from other hotels I’ve stayed in is the service. From check-in until check-out, all hotel staff, including the front desk clerks and the housekeeping staff, were extremely attentive and cheerful.
Rather than being overly formal, all my interactions with staff felt friendly and genuine. It was as though I developed a personal relationship with the staff at the front desk, despite the fact that I only stayed for one night.
TheWit: Rooms
Perched on the 19th floor, my room at theWit boasted both city and river views. Windows made up nearly one entire wall, and I found myself pasted to the glass, unable to look away from the view.
The room was clean with simple yet chic decor. We slept in two queen-sized beds, topped with plush bedding. Truly, no details were overlooked, from the beautifully lit bathroom to the on-hand garment steamer (which was a lifesaver for my wrinkled linen pants).
The room also came with a Keurig and there was a large desk that extended into a cabinet, which was perfect for placing suitcases on. I loved this extra touch, as it kept belongings off the floor and our room looking neat.
In addition to classic guest rooms, like the one I stayed in, theWit offers a variety of suites. All suites come with kitchenettes, and some rooms boast spa-style bathrooms with large soaking tubs.
Dining and nightlife
There are two dining options at theWit—State and Lake Chicago Tavern, a restaurant on the first floor with a pub-style bar, and ROOF, a lively bar on the 27th floor. I dined at both during my stay.
ROOF
My friend and I were already planning to visit the hotel’s rooftop bar, so we were delighted to discover that our night attheWit coincided with the hotel’s popular Ladies’ Night. Hosted every Wednesday, this event offers women the chance to win three prizes, including a pair of Louboutin heels.
Throughout the night, a host passed out free raffle tickets to all women at the bar. These tickets were then collected and three different women won prizes. I was, of course, convinced the entire night I would walk home with a pair of Louboutin, but didn’t win any of the prizes.
Read More: Where to Enjoy High Tea in Chicago
Throughout the event, a DJ played music and the bar filled up with big groups of women. My friend and I ordered the sweet and spicy chicken pizza and a couple of specialty cocktails, including an espresso martini and a French 75. Everything was so delicious, especially the pizza!
The ROOF also has a sushi menu as well as a brunch menu on Sundays. On weekends, the bar is a lively hub for nightlife, with DJs, silent discos and more. Other events can be found on the bar’s website.
State and Lake Chicago Tavern
My friend and I also dined at the State and Lake Chicago Tavern. We went for breakfast, sharing the spiced brioche French toast and the egg sandwich, which was served on a croissant. Both were an exceptional twist on a traditional American breakfast. In a thoughtful gesture, the staff split both of our orders in half, so we didn’t have to use any extra plates.
If these dining options don’t suffice, remember Michigan Avenue is only minutes away. Here, you can satisfy any food craving, from Indian food to sushi to donuts. There is also room service for those who would rather try in-room dining.
Basic Fitness Center
Located on the fifth floor, the hotel’s fitness center is stocked with ellipticals, treadmills, a Pelotron and an exercise bike. There is a separate room with weights and a multifunction machine.
Wall-to-ceiling windows look out over the city and the Chicago River. While not extensive, the fitness center does have most basic equipment, plus a great view.
Other Amenities at TheWit
Traveling for work? Business travelers at theWit will enjoy the hotel’s complimentary wifi and business center with scanners, fax machines and printers.
TheWit also serves as a venue for work-related events, weddings or parties. I didn’t get to explore these parts of the hotel, but according to the website, there are more than 7,000 square feet of event spaces, including several ballrooms, boardrooms and meeting rooms.
Guests looking to unwind after a long day of sightseeing can take advantage of the on-site spa. I didn’t have time for a spa treatment during my visit, but the menu boasts facials, wraps, scrubs and massages. These experiences can be done solo or couple style.
The hotel has valet parking and overnight parking for guests. Whether you’re traveling from afar or a local looking to be a tourist for a weekend, TheWit Chicago is a welcoming and wonderful haven.
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