Waldorf Astoria Chicago Tips

Thinking about booking a night away at The Waldorf Astoria Chicago? What a great idea, a stay at this luxury property is a perfect hotel for a couples getaway. My husband and I spent a few kid free nights here, this Waldorf Astoria Chicago Hotel review is based on our experience.

Children are allowed, but the experience is wasted on them. The most important of all the Waldorf Astoria Chicago tips is to ditch the kids. A night in a hotel without them is cheaper than bail or divorce court, after all.

As part of my Waldorf Astoria Chicago Hotel review, I have to emphasise that the location is ideally situated at 11 East Walton in the upscale Gold Coast area. Trust me when I say the location is FABULOUS, it is one of the best places to stay in Chicago! You’re within easy walking distance of amazing restaurants and high-end shopping (hello, Michigan Avenue!). My husband and I spent an entire afternoon just strolling around the neighborhood, popping into shops, and feeling like we were living our best city life.

DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, we receive a commission.

Booking The Waldorf Astoria Chicago Hotel

Waldorf Astoria Chicago is a luxury hotel and therefore rates are high. However, you will find better deals in the winter.

You can book on their website (Check for specials to determine if a direct booking is your best option) or Booking.com for more rates. If you have a genius discount that will significantly bring the price down. I personally prefer Booking.com as often you don’t need to pay until a few days prior to your stay and you get a full cancellation.

If you have Gold or Diamond status with Hilton Honors, you’ll get some amazing perks:

Free breakfast
Room upgrades (we actually got a better upgrade with Gold than Diamond!)
$15 dining credit per person
Premium Wi-Fi (Diamond only)

Waldorf Astoria Review

First Impressions & Service

Waldorf Astoria Chicago Hotel Parking

Waldorf Astoria Chicago parking rates are steep. There is no self parking on property. If you want to park your car at the hotel, you will need to use valet. Waldorf Astoria Chicago valet parking will set you back $77. Hard pass.

Try Spot Hero for nearby parking. We were able to find a spot less than 200 feet away for $24. The car was still intact when we picked it up, despite another person discovering an open beer can that was not in his vehicle when he left it.

Pro tip: Make sure your parking spot has in and out privileges if you want to use the car throughout your stay. Discounted parking isn’t going to help you if your car is held hostage.

Waldorf Astoria Shuttle Bus

Waldorf Astoria Chicago offers complimentary transportation to guests to locations within a two mile radius of the hotel during their stay. This is a significant perk, and fairly unusual downtown. The hotel does not offer a shuttle to the airport, but the concierge at the hotel can help you arrange transportation.

From the moment we stepped through the doors, the service was IMPECCABLE. The staff greeted us by name (how do they do that?!), and there’s a strict no-tipping policy which feels so refreshingly civilized. Before we even arrived, the concierge emailed to ask about our preferences and arrival time. After check-in, we received a text asking if our room was acceptable – talk about attention to detail!

Waldorf Astoria Chicago Check In

Waldorf Astoria Chicago check in time is 3:00 p.m. However, they will let you in early. Just give the concierge a heads up. Shortly after arriving in your room, expect a text asking you if your room is acceptable. Waldorf Astoria Chicago check out time is 12:00 p.m. You will be given more complimentary water bottles for the road.

Waldorf Astoria Chicago Concierge

Concierge service is offered to all guests. A few days before your arrival, you will receive an email asking if you require anything for your stay. They also confirm your arrival time to ensure your room is ready.

Concierge can help you book reservations to restaurants and the fitness center, arrange transportation, and plan special events.

The level of service is especially impressive given Waldorf Astoria Chicago’s tipping policy: No tips allowed.

The Rooms

For many readers of this Waldorf Astoria Chicago Hotel review, the accommodations will be the deciding factor, so let’s look at what you can expect.

All 215 rooms are much nicer than the average hotel room. The smallest room, the Deluxe Room, is 480 square feet, while the Waldorf Astoria Chicago Presidential Suite is 2400 square feet.

We splurged on a Junior Suite (600 square feet of pure luxury), and OH. MY. GOODNESS. It was bigger and more beautiful than some apartments I’ve lived in! I did not want to leave the room but had to keep reminding myself that I was on a city escape in Chicago.

The suite featured:

A gorgeous fireplace in the living area (SO romantic!)
A king-sized bed that was like sleeping on a cloud
The most INCREDIBLE bathroom I’ve ever seen in a hotel
A deep soaking tub perfect for relaxing with a glass of wine
A shower literally “the size of Brazil” (my husband’s words!)
Separate toilet and shower stalls for privacy

Pro tip: small dogs are allowed – pet policy requires a $75 non-refundable deposit to bring your dog, which must be under 30 pounds. Pet supplies are delivered to the room, including a dog bed, food bowls, and treats.

The living area has a fireplace, television, and sitting area.

The wall housing the fireplace creates a barrier blocking the view of the bed to allow for some privacy.

There is a king size bed and another television in the bedroom area.

The bedroom connects to another hallway leading to the bathroom.

Waldorf Astoria Chicago bathrooms are amazing. Like really.

Both the toilet and shower have separate stall doors so multiple people can use the bathroom at once.

The shower is the size of Brazil.

There is a separate soaking tub.

I am pretty sure the Sex and the City scenes in Mr. Big’s apartment were filmed in this room.

Waldorf Astoria Chicago Deluxe King Room

The Deluxe Room is not as exciting as the Junior Suite.

It has a standard studio format, but the bathrooms are just as good as those found in the Junior Suite.

No Waldorf Astoria Chicago Hotel review would be complete without discussing their amazing spa and health club facilities.

Waldorf Astoria Chicago Spa & Health Club

The Waldorf Astoria Chicago Spa and Health Club is included with your stay. This includes access to the steam rooms, whirlpools, a lap pool, and fitness center. You can purchase a membership to the spa without staying at the hotel. Despite the area not being solely for hotel guests, it does not feel crowded.

The Waldorf Astoria Chicago spa menu offers a wide variety of services.

Pro tip: Check for spa package specials if you are interested in treatments.

Pool

The Waldorf Astoria Chicago pool hours typically run from 6:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. or 10:00 p.m., depending on the night. Unlike hotels that cater to families, you can enjoy this lap pool without getting splashed unwillingly. This also means your child may feel out of place if he or she chooses to use it.

There is a small sitting area near the pool, seemingly visited only by adults in bathrobes with champagne.

Waldorf Astoria Chicago Dining Options (And What to Skip)

No Waldorf Astoria Chicago Hotel review would be complete without discussing their dining options. The hotel has dining options but don’t feel obligated to use them. You can get a better value at many nearby restaurants.

Waldorf Astoria Chicago Margeaux Brasserie

The Brasserie is the main bar and restaurant in Waldorf Astoria Chicago. It serves dinner on select nights and breakfast and brunch on the weekends.

It. Is. Fancy. And by fancy, I mean expensive.

This Waldorf Astoria Chicago bar serves ~~overpriced~~ unique drinks. The Taffy Apple, pictured below, was $18 as of the time of our visit.

This restaurant isn’t great for kids. There is no written kids’ menu, but I can tell you from experience that two kids’ pancakes and a small glass of orange juice is $17.

The crowd is also stiff. The man down the bar from us wore a dapper jacket and swirled and sniffed his wine before accepting it. This is slightly different from the way I choose my wine (prettiest label for under $15).

Pro tip: There is a Waldorf Astoria Chicago happy hour of sorts from 4:00 p.m. through 5:00 p.m. and 10:00 p.m. through 11:00 p.m. Thursday through Saturday only. We’re not talking Taco Bell prices, but it’s better than nothing.

waldorf astoria chicago diamond breakfast

Waldorf Astoria Chicago Patisserie

The Patisserie is a Waldorf Astoria Chicago cafe with quick service options, coffee, and alcohol. It offers a happy hour from 4:00 p.m. through 6:00 p.m.

Pro tip: You can use your Hilton Honors dining credit at both the Brasserie and the Patisserie.

Room Service

Room service is available, and it is pricey. The Waldorf Astoria Chicago room service menu has items ranging from small items to expensive steaks. This is an option if you really don’t want to leave, but there are plenty of restaurant options within walking distance of the hotel with better value.

Restaurants Near Waldorf Astoria Chicago with Gluten Free Options

There are several restaurants close to Waldorf Astoria Chicago from which to choose with a wide range of prices.

If you don’t want to drop a small fortune, Doc B’s (or Doctor Butt’s, as my son likes to call it) has gluten free buns. Sprinkles Chicago, located a couple of blocks away, has gluten free cupcakes and cookies that you can purchase through a cupcake ATM.

Let’s talk food! The Waldorf has on-site dining at Margeaux Brasserie and the Patisserie, but I’m going to be real with you – they’re FANCY and PRICEY. My $18 Taffy Apple cocktail was delicious but definitely a splurge!

PRO TIP: Use your Hilton Honors dining credit here if you have status! And check out their limited happy hours for slightly better prices.

If you want better value, walk to nearby restaurants! Doc B’s has great gluten-free options, and Sprinkles is just blocks away for those late-night cupcake cravings (their Cupcake ATM is open 24/7!).

Why This Hotel is Perfect for Couples

The most important tip I can share: LEAVE THE KIDS AT HOME! While children are allowed, this hotel is wasted on them. Everything about the Waldorf Astoria Chicago screams “romantic adult getaway” – from the sophisticated ambiance to the lap pool that’s not designed for cannonballs.

As I told my husband, “A night in a hotel without the kids is cheaper than bail or divorce court!” 😂 This place gave us the reset we desperately needed as a couple.

Final Verdict: Is the Waldorf Astoria Chicago Worth It?

To conclude my Waldorf Astoria Chicago Hotel review, let me answer the big question: Is it worth it?

ABSOLUTELY YES! The property is immaculate, the staff are incredible, and the rooms are to die for. Sure, it’s a splurge, but those bathrooms alone are worth every penny. If you’re celebrating something special or just need a luxurious escape from reality, this is THE place to do it.

Have you stayed at the Waldorf Astoria Chicago? I’d love to hear about your experience in the comments!

Water bottles are free and passed out liberally. You do not need to pack these.
For the fancy among you, the rooms contain a laundry bag and information regarding complimentary shoeshine service. My husband’s gym shoes and my three year old boots from Kohl’s didn’t require shining, so we passed
During normal times, there is a nightly turn down service. Slippers appear where they were not before.

You can get automatic Gold status with the Hilton Honors Amex Surpass card ($95 annual fee), which is TOTALLY worth it for the benefits!