Four Seasons Chicago Tips: Adults Only is Best
The Four Seasons in Chicago is a beautiful hotel, largely because there are no goldfish crackers on the floor. Leave the kids at home. What Four Seasons Chicago tips and tricks do you need to know to plan your adults only getaway?
What Four Seasons Chicago Tips Do You Need to Know to Plan Your Stay?
1. Four Seasons Chicago Location
2. Don’t Park at the Four Seasons Hotel Chicago
3. Four Seasons Chicago Check-in Time
4. Download the App
5. The Hotel Concierge Can Arrange Transportation
6. What is There to Do By Four Seasons?
7. Should You Bring the Kids?
8. Pets Are Allowed
9. Four Seasons Chicago Room Choices
10. Housekeeping Comes Twice
11. Avoid the Minibar
12. Skip the Four Seasons Chicago Restaurant (Unless You Have a Dining Credit)
13. The Four Seasons Chicago Spa is Worth a Visit
14. The Gym is Open 24 Hours
15. Wi-Fi is Included
16. Four Seasons Chicago Checkout Time
17. There Are Ways to Save
18. COVID-19 Tests Are Available
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Four Seasons Chicago Tips
1. Four Seasons Chicago Address
The Four Seasons and Spa is located in the Gold Coast at 120 East Delaware. It is on the north end of the Magnificent Mile. The rooms boast amazing views of the skyline and Lake Michigan.
The closest airport is O’Hare, followed by Midway.
2. The Four Seasons Chicago Parking Fee is Outrageous
As of the time of this writing, valet parking at Four Seasons Chicago is $74 and self parking is $54. Hard, hard pass. Reserve a spot with a site like SpotHero before you arrive.
Pro tip: Do you need to come and go? Be sure your spot has in and out privileges.
Bonus pro tip: Not all spots hold SUVs. Double check to make sure your vehicle will fit before you make payment.
3. Check-in Time
Check-in begins at 3:00 p.m. The hotel will not guarantee early access to your room, but it will hold your bags and give you access to the showers in the Four Seasons Chicago fitness center while you wait.
Pro tip: If you book through the Fine Hotels and Resorts program with American Express, you can probably get in early.
4. Download the App
Four Seasons has an app. You can use it to communicate with the staff, book transportation, and view hotel activities.
5. The Hotel Concierge Can Arrange Transportation
You have access to the free Four Seasons Chicago house car. It will take you places within a two mile radius.
The concierge can also arrange a paid Four Seasons Chicago airport shuttle. This may not be the cost effective option, so try to plan ahead.
6. What is There to Do Nearby?
Why Four Seasons? First and foremost, it has a prime location near the lakefront. Great shopping and lots of dining options are within walking distance.
The Museum of Contemporary Art is located blocks from the hotel. Major tourist attractions, like the Shedd Aquarium, Lincoln Park Zoo, Willis Tower, Maggie Daley Park, and Old St. Patrick’s Church, are within a couple of miles and easily accessible.
If you’re willing to travel a little further, the Museum of Science and Industry is worth a stop.
7. Should You Bring the Kids?
Chicago has a ton for kids to do. Is this hotel a good option for families?
During normal times, the hotel definitely attempts to cater to kids. There is a kids’ club with some video games and foosball that is included with your stay. You can have ice cream and tents delivered to your room. Kids get to pick a toy from a treasure chest. Pool toys are available. Babysitting can be arranged.
However, as of the time of this writing, the kids’ club is closed. Kids are few and far between. No one is splashing in the Four Seasons Hotel Chicago pool. A stay here, at least at this time, will likely be wasted on them.
If you are deciding between this hotel and the Waldorf Astoria Chicago with kids, Four Seasons for the win.
8. Is Four Seasons Pet Friendly?
You can bring two animals under 25 pounds, cats or dogs. Fees may apply. Dog beds and treats are available. You will need to leave the property for them to relieve themselves.
9. Room Choices
All of the rooms at the hotel are modern, clean, and have a soaking tub. They have an espresso machine rather than one that makes coffee, obviously.
Four Seasons Chicago amenities include robes, hair dryers, ironing boards, umbrellas, corkscrews, bottled water, scales (why?), and complimentary shoe shines (also why?) in all rooms.
The rooms also offer access to streaming services, including Netflix and Hulu, but you need to log in to your own account.
Pro tip: You can request a microwave and mini-refrigerator for your room.
Bonus pro tip: There is free coffee and hot water in the lobby.
Standard Guest Rooms
Regular Four Seasons rooms range from 375 to 390 square feet. You can select from one king or two doubles. Rollaway beds and cribs are available. You will either get a view of the city or lake.
Maximum number of guests: 3 to 4 (with a maximum of 3 adults)
Executive Four Seasons Chicago Suites
The Four Seasons Executive Suites are 575 square feet. They come with a king and sofa bed or two double beds and a sofa bed. Cribs are available. You can get a view of either the city or lake.
These rooms have a door that separates the bedroom from the living area, which is key to your sanity if you’re traveling with kids.
Maximum number of guests: 3 to 4 (with a maximum of 3 adults)
Premier and Four Seasons Chicago One Bedroom Suites
The One Bedroom and Premier Suites are 725 square feet. They come with a king and sofa bed. Cribs are available. They offer a separate living room with views of the city or lake.
You also get a full bathroom plus a guest powder room with a shower.
Maximum number of guests: 3 to 4 (with a maximum of 3 adults)
Deluxe One Bedroom and Author Four Seasons Suites Chicago
The Deluxe One Bedroom and Author Suites are 950 square feet. They have one king and two rollaway beds. Cribs are available. You can get views of the city or lake. The living area is bigger than the smaller suites and features a bar.
These suites have a full bathroom and guest powder room with a shower.
The Author Suites also have a private literary collection, which just screams family hotel.
Maximum number of guests: 3 to 4 (with a maximum of 3 adults)
Luxury Four Seasons Chicago Residences
The Luxury Residences are basically apartments, featuring a bedroom, living room, and kitchenette. They will even stock the pantry for you if you ask. Magically, there is an option to add additional bedrooms. Mind blown.
You can get views of the city or lake.
Maximum number of guests: 3 to 4 (with a maximum of 3 adults)
Lake Michigan Terrace Suite
The Lake Michigan Terrace Suite is 1,325 square feet. It has a king, sofa bed, and rollaway bed. Cribs are available. You get a view of the lake.
The room has a full bathroom and separate powder room, as well as a kitchen.
Maximum number of guests: 3 to 4 (with a maximum of 3 adults)
Lakeshore Terrace Suite
The Lakeshore Terrace Suite is 1,700 square feet. It has two king beds, a sofa bed, and a rollaway. Cribs are available. You get a view of the lake.
This room has two full Four Seasons Chicago bathrooms and a separate powder room.
Maximum number of guests: 4
Presidential Four Seasons Suite Chicago
The Four Seasons Chicago Presidential Suite is no joke, clocking is at 2,700 square feet, larger than the average American home. It has one king, two double beds, and a rollaway. Cribs are available.
It has a kitchen, dining room, play area, and private workout room. There are two full bathrooms and a separate powder room.
Maximum number of guests: 4 (despite the fact that there is a table for 8)
10. Housekeeping Comes Twice
Housekeeping comes twice per day, offering a nightly turndown service.
11. Avoid the Minibar
The minibar is fully stocked with overpriced items. If you move them, at all, you will automatically be charged. Making room for your leftovers in the regular guest rooms is not an option.
Pro tip: You can request a mini-refrigerator from the hotel.
12. Skip the Four Seasons Restaurant Chicago (Unless You Have a Dining Credit)
The hotel has limited offerings, and they are steep. You can do better elsewhere.
Pro tip: There are plenty of great restaurants near Four Seasons Chicago. Try Carmine’s for dinner. The portions are huge and gluten free pasta is free flowing.
Four Seasons Chicago Adorn
Adorn is an expensive restaurant that is really into itself. The restaurant serves breakfast, lunch, dinner, and weekend Four Seasons Chicago brunch. Gluten free bread is available.
It connects to the Four Seasons Chicago bar, Social Lounge. The lounge is a great place to grab a drink before you eat elsewhere.
Pro tip: As of the time of this writing, live music is offered every Thursday through Sunday. The schedule of performers is posted online.
Bonus pro tip: The Social Lounge features a Four Seasons Chicago tea service.
In-Room Four Seasons Chicago Dining
The hotel offers 24 hour room service. A kids’ menu and dessert options are available. This is a good choice for a treat or if your kids are just not up for seeing the public. Otherwise, skip it.
13. There is a Four Seasons Spa Chicago
As should be expected, the spa at Four Seasons Chicago Hotel offers luxurious services. Even the nail polish is vegan. You can book massages, facials, and body treatments, among others.
14. The Four Seasons Chicago Gym is Open 24 Hours Per Day
The fitness center, included with your stay, is open 24 hours. There is also an amazing pool, hot tub, and Four Seasons Chicago steam room.
Note: Kids are not allowed in the Four Seasons Chicago pool after 9:00 p.m.
15. Wi-Fi is Included
Standard wi-fi is included with your stay.
16. Checkout Time
Checkout time is 12:00 p.m. The hotel will not guarantee a late checkout, but it will hold your bags.
Pro tip: If you have access to the Fine Hotels and Resorts program through American Express, you can ensure late checkout.
17. There Are Ways to Save
Is Four Seasons expensive? Yes, it costs a small fortune. Fortunately, there are ways to save. Look for a deal.
Direct Four Seasons Chicago Reservations
The hotel runs regular specials. Four Seasons Chicago deals may include things like dining packages or free nights on longer stays. Children in your room stay free. Check the offerings at the time of your visit.
Third Party Sites
You may be able to find discounts on Four Seasons Chicago downtown on third party sites like Booking.com, Expedia, Hotels.com, Travelocity, Hotellook, or Tripadvisor.
Groupon
Nothing screams luxury like Groupon. Check for sales.
Visit in the Winter
Chicago is the place to be during the summer. If you can tolerate the cold, you will find much better rates off season.
Miles and Points
How can I stay at Four Seasons for free? There are lots of great ways to book this hotel for free or at a discount with an assist from plastic.
American Express
You can book this hotel using American Express Membership Points through the American Express travel portal.
Pro tip: This hotel is a part of American Express’ Fine Hotels and Resorts program. This program gets you extra perks, including a room upgrade, free Four Seasons Chicago breakfast for two, a guaranteed 4:00 p.m. checkout, a 12:00 p.m. check-in when available, and a $100 property credit.
Bonus pro tip: If you have the American Express Platinum card, you can get a $200 statement credit once per year when booking this hotel.
Capital One
You can book the hotel through the Capital One travel portal. Alternatively, you can book elsewhere, charge it to one of the Capital One Venture cards, then erase the charge from your statement.
Pro Four Seasons Chicago visitor tip: The Capital One Venture X card has a $300 annual travel credit for travel booked through the Capital One portal. Make your Four Seasons Chicago booking through the portal to get $300 off.
Chase
You can book this hotel using Ultimate Rewards points through the Chase travel portal.
18. COVID-19 Tests Are Available
As of the time of this writing, the Four Seasons Chicago concierge offers COVID-19 tests for those who require them for travel or just want to take one.
Final Thoughts – Four Seasons Chicago Tips
Is Four Seasons worth it? It depends. The hotel is beautiful. It is also expensive. As of the time of this writing, it is best enjoyed by adults only. Use the Four Seasons Chicago tips to plan your stay and save. You will not regret an adults only visit.
I went to an adults-only resort in St. Lucia and it was the best thing ever. Don’t get me wrong, I love kids but since I don’t have any yet- I want to enjoy without them, for now. Love the great pictures of this hotel.
Great post! Thank you for sharing!
Great review! I did Chicago in winter, & saved a ton. I stayed at the Waldorf one day & Hilton the other days. I used cash/points at the Waldorf. I am looking to go to Chicago soon. Probably won’t stay at this hotel but maybe will in the future. I booked Marriott Talbot. Thanks for great review.
I love Chicago and plan to visit again soon. Great recommendation for a stay! Love the adults only policy!
I like your reviews. They contain the details that anyone wishing to travel needs to know. Thanks!
This seems like an amazing place to stay! If I find myself in Chicago, I want to at least go see it if I can’t stay there myself. Thank you for this in-depth review!