Elysian Hotel

Same hotel still, different name. It is now a Waldorf-​Astoria and it is still ranked #1

This place is so GANGSTER! They don’t play around.
My favorite part of the place was how the people were not in the least bit pretentious… i mean some of the guests were… but the workers were so nice and down to earth.
We got one of their biggest suites, and were not in the least bit disappointed. The room was so nice. I used the spa both days I was there and was treated like a star.
If you want to drop some coin on a nice hotel, this is the spot to do it.

Exceptional 5-​Star Luxury Hotel. «RANKED #1 in Chicago on tri​pad​vi​sor​.com» (Travelers’ Choice® 2011 Winner)
I stayed here with my family from Nov. 25 – 27, 2011. We got a two-​bedroom suite, and we enjoyed our entire stay experience here.
They have two great restaurants to choose from, Balsan and Ria (2 Michelan Stars). Ate only at Balsan, and the food here is expensive with small portions, but worth the price!!!
Overall, they have a very friendly staff and the hotel has a very contemporary, sophisticated theme to all their rooms, and they have a beautiful hotel lobby (which is small, yet, one of the most unique I have seen in a while).
Only one major con: Don’t expect great views of Chicago at this hotel, however it is steps away from all the major shops on the Magnificent Mile.
***Just learned today, this hotel will be renamed: Waldorf Astoria Chicago on February 1, 2012.

The staff at Elysian blew me away upon arrival! We got upgraded to a suite and there was a brand new «Preggle» maternity pillow waiting for me on the plush amazing bed. They really do love pregnant people :-) I was beyond excited that they paid so much attention to detail and made our stay absolutely wonderful. When I needed some more shampoo, they brought me a whole tray with 2 of every bath product on it… and I felt like it was Christmas! My favorite past time was visiting the spa every night and taking a luxurious steam shower as its open late along with the pool. I read that they were just named one of the top hotels by Travel & Leisure and got bought by the Waldorf Astoria. Congrats to them and I have to say… it doesn’t get any better than this!

I stayed at the Elysian on October 23^rd, 2011. I will remember the date as it was the day before I was to take the GMAT, October 24^th. They were having a deal at the time where you got one night free if you stayed one night, and I used the deal to stay in a room that had a balcony…(forgot what it’s called).
Let me just say that I’ve stayed in hotels in all parts of the United States. In New York, Chicago, Houston, D.C., Virginia, Indiana, etc… and this hotel has them beat hands down. While I was not there on vacation (I was there to relax and get my head in the right place), I definitely would come back if I was… from the attention to detail, to the staff refusing tips to the services and amenities… I’d come back anytime.
I arrived just in time for a massage at the Spa. I left my car with the valet (as I was planning to keep it there in case I needed to move around the city), and was told to head upstairs and not worry about checking in. I did so, crossing my fingers that my two room requests had been honored. I’d asked to have a room on a higher floor so that I could have a view as well as a room away from the elevator so that the noise and bustle of people coming and going would not disturb me.
After my massage (the Lava Stone, please get it if you go as it is absolutely divine), I headed off to get situated in the room. Come to find out, the Elysian put me in a room on their top floor and as far away from the elevator as possible. Each member of staff called me Miss C., which was a new feeling for me. As far as the ego stroking goes, I was definitely enjoying it. I’d asked to not be disturbed as I read some notes and studied, and asked for a wake-​up call the next morning. Fast forward past the reading, I got hungry. As I didn’t want to take a chance on someone’s foul mood at a restaurant infecting my energy (sappy as that may sound), I opted to order room service which came relatively quickly. I also was told by more staff than I could count that they wished me luck on the test, even though I only told two people.
The bathroom was comfortable… how cool is it to take a bath with Asprey Purple Water products (which smell fantastic), and watch TV since the mirror in the bathroom converts to a small television. I’ll tell you… it’s pretty cool. Then, to emerge from the bath feeling totally relaxed and then curl up on the couch and watch tv above the fireplace… totally ah-​mazing way to destress.
Went to bed and I did not sleep as well as I’d thought, but that was partially because I had the temperature thing weird. Once I figured that out, I went right to sleep. As I’d preordered breakfast, I got my wakeup call and breakfast arrived right on time as I’d asked. Then I got dressed and headed out to take my exam, but because the spot was less than 2 miles away, the hotel called their courtesy car driver who drove me to the location in a 2011 Lexus hybrid, gratis. I was wished well. and felt great.
The location of the hotel is wonderful for the out of town or even in-​town visitor, as it is near the hustle and bustle of Rush Street, but far enough to not have to contend with the aftermath of people in bars. It is walking distance from Michigan Avenue and its shops, but not in a tourist trap, so you’d only know it if you were staying there. Room service was excellent, spa was excellent and concierge and staff were wonderful.
Side Note: I am currently trying to track down the maker of the bathrobes as I wanted to give one of them to my mother as a gift. I made a comment about it upon my check out and the head of housekeeping emailed me in regards to it a few days later… and the conversation has continued to today, where he asked to give him some time to find a place that could customize it to her personally… just a sign that great service doesn’t end upon checkout.

Unreal place
amazing rooms
amazing services
linens are fantastic
bathrooms are great
views are EH…
but the restaraunts are fantastic as well.
Total, total experience

My husband and I stayed here during a recent vacation to Chicago in October 2011 through the recommendation of Miriam G. of Moonrings, and the verdict? This hotel lives up to its reputation!
It’s a relatively young hotel and its accolades… well deserved!
The service from the time we arrived to the time we left — perfect! The staff goes above and beyond to make you feel welcomed and at home. During the stay, we asked for a couple of items here and there. Everytime, the items (band aids, etc.) were delivered promptly and in an abundance and on a silver tray thing! (I asked for 2 band aids got 10. No joke!)
We stayed in the Executive Suite. Spacious and plenty of room. My favorite part: the Fireplace! It’s really nice to use after a long day out around town. And it’s always nice to return to your room with turndown services and a little note near our nightstand with a bottle of Evian and the next day’s weather! And no to mention, the TV INSIDE the MIRROR! (So cool!!!) And not to mention the bed: the linens and the king sized pillows and the mattress — awesomeness too!
The concierge is great! (Use it!) We used the concierge to check in for us and print out our boarding passes (so we could enjoy a day on the town worry free), and they were also useful in giving us recommendations and directions (useful to the point, where they concisely gave us instructions on where to buy tickets for the L-​train, method of payment, and how to use the ticket). He was that thorough without me asking for any of that information.
The downside is since the staff spends a lot of time and attention answering each guest’s questions, you might have to wait a bit.
And it’s location: awesome! I was pleasantly surprised at close you are to everything! The Signature Lounge for a nightcap, Michigan Ave. for shopping, Rush/​State Street for dining! And near the L-​train!!!
Overall, when in Chicago, I’d love the opportunity to visit the Elysian again! :)
Also, if you have the chance: Brunch at Balsan — AMAZING. Must do! (Please see my review) :)

Went on a Monday afternoon for a 60 minute massage & lunch. Indulgent. Tranquil. Therapeutic. Sauna. Steam. Whirlpool. Rain shower. A must go. lunch at balsam was tasteful French cuisine. Service at both places was perfect. Its very classy and elegant but not pretentious. Will go again. A very memorable experience.
Now the Waldorf Astoria… quality still remains great (as of 5÷7÷12)

Can I move in here? I never wanted to leave after staying here for a surprise birthday trip. When we checked in, they remember it was a birthday trip, we had hand written notes in our room, they made sure we had good dinner reservations already in line and were available should we not have.
Their staff continuously worked to ensure we were comfortable and happy. I won’t go into details about my white trash moment when I figured out the tv in the bathroom — go find out for yourself, it was great. I gave the spa a little spin and they were just wonderful. The atmosphere of no tipping really takes the pressure of the customer and allowed us to enjoy each experience without worrying about what cash we had in our pockets.
We will stay here when we return, hopefully in the winter so we can enjoy that sweet looking fireplace in each room.

My husband and I just returned from the most blissful vacation we have ever taken and we have the Elysian to thank for that.
To start with we sent some of our clothes to the hotel via UPS in advance so we could just take carry on luggage with us. The amazing staff at the Elysian called me when our clothes arrived to let me know that a bottle of sunscreen had spilled onto a few items of clothing. But, they were quick to tell me, they had cleaned it off and had the clothes, cleaned, pressed and ready for our stay. When we arrived they were hanging in our closet. Amazing.
When we arrived, the manager had left us a hand written note welcoming us to the hotel. We also received notes each day reminding us of dinner reservations, spa treatments, etc. Every note was handwritten.
The staff is amazing. Apparently the hotel philosophy is that each guest should feel like an honored guest in a friend’s home. So, no employee will accept tips (that is already factored into each service), and they are encouraged to connect with guests on a personal level and to try to find ways to amaze and delight the guests. They succeed at every turn.
One thing they thought of is to eliminate ice machines on guest floors because they tend to be loud. Instead, each room has a bar with an ice compartment — they keep it filled with ice for you.
The room service menu is like none I have ever tasted… the food comes from the same kitchen that serves their Michelin 2 star restaurant in the hotel. Especially loved the breakfast and the pasta with bolognese (sp) sauce.
The spa is incredible. Great service and every treatment is a pleasure. I had my hair done 2X by Christina and all I can say is that the next time I go I may not even waste space in my luggage by taking a hair dryer. She made me look and feel like a supermodel.
I could go on an on with examples of Elysian’s excellence but you should experience it for yourself. Top quality sheets, towels, and comfortable furniture. Oh, and my favorite was the TV-​in-​the mirror in the bathroom so you can watch TV while you fix your makeup or from the bathtub. So cool.
One last thing, I have stayed at 5 star hotels all around the US and some globally and the Elysian is, by far, the most luxurious with the best service of all. I love that place and can’t wait to go back for my next visit.

The Elysian is #1 for a reason. Everything is elegant with impeccable service and attention to detail.
I stayed in an Executive Suite (room 2203). The square footage wasn’t huge and the bedroom was only separated from the seating area by a half wall, however the dressing area and huge bathroom more than made up for it.
The décor is absolutely stunning — a symphony of grey’s and creams with chandelier accents. The fireplace didn’t work but perhaps this was because it’s summer? I had a very small balcony (standing room only) with a view of the Hancock building. That was the only window which made the sitting area seem a little dark.
The elevators are slow and there are only three of them.
Room service was a dream accommodating all of my picky requests but the prices are steep.
Housekeeping was fabulous and even went as far as putting tea towels on the bathroom vanity and arranging all of my makeup supplies and brushes for me.
The bathroom is really where it’s at. The shower is large and luxurious — big enough for two people to have a lot of good clean fun.
The bathtub is marble and very deep… I was able to stretch out and have my shoulders submerged.
Asprey provides delightful amenities including shampoo, conditioner, soap, shower gel, bath salts and lotion in their signature scent.
The house car was never available when I needed it which was disappointing — I had heard there was a fleet of Lexus’ (Lexusi?) available but apparently there is only one and you can’t reserve it – it’s first come first served.
I didn’t get a chance to try out the spa unfortunately but I imagine it’s on par with the service I experienced as a hotel guest.
Overall I felt ensconced in luxury and that’s the way it should be. I will definitely return. My favorite hotel in Chicago so far.

Heaven in hotel form. Hallelujah!
I stayed here for a day in the bridal suite and I didn’t have to stay overnight to realize the Elysian is the mecca of modern luxury in the Chi. I mean, l seriously felt like royalty… and a little like a fraud! Ha!
Pulling up to the hotel was an experience in itself. It’s 9am, I’m in an ugly taxi, flustered and frantic about being late. The taxi pulls in to this secluded atrium and I look up to see gorgeous, up-​scale, jaw-​dropping-​ness.
Inside was clean, modern with soft lines and shades of gray and white. The suite? Wow… huge. Let’s just say there were 6 bridesmaids, a bride, a stylist, make-​up artist and photographers and *no one* felt crowded. Fantastic use of space with modern twists, luxury items breakfast delivered and lunch ready for the bridal party. Oh, and champagne.
Did I mention how amazing the bathroom was? Ginormous bathtub for soaking a stressful bride, separated stand-​up shower and a toilet room. Let’s not forget a TV in a mirror. No – I’m not kidding. You don’t even see it until you turn it on! Pimpin’, since been pimpin’…
I honestly don’t know if I’ll ever stay in such a posh hotel again in my life, but if you’re looking to do it up right in the Chi, this is it. Me? I actually don’t even want to know how much it costs to stay there in the suite we were in. I think it would make me pee my pants.

Staying at the Elysian is truly an exercise in luxury, and the undisputed champion of all my staycations in the city of Chicago. I whisked Kelly to the Gold Coast for a milestone birthday which shall remain unmentioned, and I can’t imagine a more luxurious and laid back location for any stay in the city of Chicago.
The courtyard, with its circular drive and limestone façade, evokes a European estate and facilitates an escape from Chicago even as you turn off of a main avenue of the Gold Coast. The lobby is small and minimalist in design, with marble floors and very comfortable seating. The hallways to the rooms are narrow with gorgeous chandeliers.
The rooms themselves are stunning and huge. I reserved an executive suite and was upgraded to a deluxe suite, which came with a balcony. While it was a little too chilly in February to spend much time there, the rest of the unit had more than enough delights to explore.
The bathroom, with double vanities, a soaker tub and walk in shower, was mammoth and luxurious. The master suite was similarly large and subtly elegant. The main room, with wet bar, office desk (which was of no need), fireplace and dining table was roomy and inviting. I could live here, without a doubt. While our stay was purely for pleasure, the suite would provide all the needed comforts of a business trip, as well.
The service throughout our experience was friendly and impeccable. From the doorman to the front desk, to the staff at the Bernard and Ria, everyone was delighted that we were there. I could not ask for more.
Of course, for such exquisite accommodations and service, one must pay, but one needn’t pay and pay, as the saying goes. The Elysian has a no tip policy, which prevents you from being nickel and dimed from luggage and taxi services, which is a nice touch. To maximize the luxury of your stay, become a member of I Prefer, and stay in the off months, i.e. January through March. You’ll increase your chances of upgrades and the size of the lap of luxury into which you will sink.
Cheers!

I stayed there this past Friday for my girlfriend’s 28^th birthday. From the moment I requested a specialty reservation — asking for flowers to be in the room, and champagne and strawberries to be delivered — I knew I was getting an experience above and beyond normal — even most luxury — hotels.
Within an hour of my booking online, due to my special request, I was called by both the concierge staff and a sales representative who also connected me with the kitchen for details on Champagne and desserts to be delivered upon arrival.
Every member of this hotel staff wants to make your stay absolutely exquisite.
I was surprising my girlfriend, which I am surprised I pulled one over on her, for her 28^th birthday. The sales staff had asked if it was a special occasion and I mentioned that indeed it was.
Arriving at the hotel was great. Firstly, there’s no sign, just a European courtyard that you walk into — which was GREAT for surprising my girlfriend. After the doors were opened by friendly staff, and I was greeted at the front desk, they immediately said «Happy Birthday, Mary!’ to my girlfriend, which made her day, and said „We’ve given you a complementary upgrade to a suite with a living room, fireplace, and balcony.“ Due to the frigid weather we’ve been having in Chicago, we utilized the fireplace a lot.
The rooms are modern, tasteful, and elegant. The heavy black doors match the dark décor and the DOORBELL at the entrance to your room… yes — a DOORBELL.
The suite was unbelievable — and from reading a couple reviews below, it looks like Elysian doesn’t give complementary upgrades sparingly.
The room was absolutely amazing — the nicest I’ve stayed in. Modern, sleek, tasteful. The art in the room — and generally in the hotel — adds wonderfully to the experience.
The Bathroom was perfection. Large 2 person soaking tub. Rain shower. Double vanity mirrors. Well designed, spacious and somewhere that you don’t want to leave. There was a remote control on the counter, and I said to my girlfriend…“There’s a TV in here?» but I couldn’t find it. After hitting the power button, a light flickered behind one of the mirrors… the TV was IN the mirror.
From exquisite informed service, the free suite upgrade, prompt delivery of room service, no tipping policy, complimentary use of ‘House Car’, free wi-​fi, and the amazingly decorated and modern hotel rooms — the Elysian goes above and beyond every time.
THANK YOU, ELYSIAN! You and your staff made me look GREAT for my girlfriend. I won’t ever stay anywhere else in Chicago, and I will absolutely reccomend this wondeful place.

Unbelievable. The best hotel experience I’ve ever had. I can’t imagine going to a different hotel for our next Chicago stay-​cation. The room, the bed, the service, the spa, the restaurants… it’s hard to believe a place like this is real, and not just a figment of my imagination.
Next time we’re staying two nights!
WOOT!

Whether you’re a tourist in Chicago or just playing Tourist for a Day, the luxurious Elysian is where you want to stay. The suites are amazing and rooms have their own doorbell, although I’m not sure who would be ringin’ your bell while you’re here (only you should know that!).
Super cool modern art adorns the rooms and the huge bathrooms are beautiful with marble touches, and are probably larger than most studio apartments in Chicago.
Close to the shops on Michigan Ave., but tucked away from the madness, this is a great location for a winter or summer getaway. Blissfully, delightful, appropriately named, the Elysian.

An overdue review from early February
From the moment you pull into the European inspired courtyard the level of service is unsurpassed. Doors open, bags are whisked away, check in quick and flawless and every tip offered is refused,
The rooms are large, well layed out with beautiful marble bathrooms.
The location is centrally located near Rush street and a short walk to Michigan Ave.
We did not dine or use the spa.
Nothing on our 3 night stay to fault.

Originally had reservations at another high-​end hotel nearby but switched after reading about this place. It’s brand new and beautiful, the rooms are spacious and finished out nicely, and the staff are wonderful.
They have a strict no-​tipping policy, which I had read but forgotten by the time I checked in. I tried to give the guy who brought my luggage up a $ 5 and he politely said, «We don’t accept gratuities here, but thank you kindly.» Oh yeah…
The rooms are modern and beautiful, the beds are super comfy, the bathtub is spacious enough for 2, and the complimentary champagne upon our check in was a nice touch. Wifi is also free.
A short cab ride to most nice restaurants in the area (we chose L2O and Alinea) and within walking to all the fine retail in the Gold Coast. I can’t think of a reason why anyone would stay elsewhere.

Just toured this hotel. Let me say one thing:
I go out of my way to walk down Walton just to say «hello» to my dream home someday. (There are condos for sale for the major moneymakers).
I am obviously head over heels for this place. You walk in and feel like a million dollars. Having a bad hair day? Feeling a little chubs in your new jeans? That’s ok. Walk into the lobby of the Elysian, and you will walk out feeling like you got your hair done by Ken Paves, lost 50 lbs, and have a high new self esteem. Sounds superficial, but it’s your secret love.
The rooms are unreal. There’s an LCD tv in the bathroom disguised in the MIRROR. Want to impress some family or friends? Put them up in a room here for the weekend and they will be treated like Royalty. Ipod docking stations in the rooms, full marble bathrooms that look like they belong in a showcase for homes, you won’t even know you are in a hotel.
BEST PART: One of the ONLY hotels in the U.S. that has a «no gratuity policy». The staff does not accept tips. (I think the bars and resturants do though) but the doorstaff, bellman, front desk, etc do not accept tips. Pretty nice to not have to worry about throwing down a $ 10 bill to the guy who gets you a cab. :)
LOVE IT. NEED IT IN MY LIFE.

Since it took me like 3 months to write this review, this is more of an overview. Was recommended the Elysian Hotel during a recent business trip to Chicago. I had a meeting with the salesperson and was given a tour, so that was nice to see the ins and outs of the entire place. Rather than changing hotels, I decided to stay there for the duration of my visit, about 3 nights.
Even though I was there on a site visit, I only had one meeting with the salesperson and the rest of the time, I was just a regular guest. The rooms are big, I believe I was in a suite, and there were two 42-​inch plasmas, a fireplace, a large bathroom and plenty of work space. They strategically placed the desk in front of the window, which is better than staring at a wall while you’re working. The colors and décor were simple and contemporary, the bed was super comfy, the tv actually worked the way it was supposed to, and room service was very accommodating and actually arrived before the promised time. A rarity in hotels.
Service all around the hotel from valet to front desk were really attentive and friendly, but in a non-​pompous way. I called down to ask when and what channel American Idol was showing and the guy actually looked into it and called me back. Stupid Central Time. Missed it. Oh well.
The huge drive that they have in front of the hotel is heated, so that snow doesn’t collect. It’s great because you don’t have to worry about mushy, dirty slush when you step out of your car.
Best part of all, they don’t accept gratuity. Makes everything so much easier not having to tip. It’s like being back in Japan. Just this policy alone will probably have me coming back.