Her Tasty Life

I finalized my plans, packed my bags, and made the long journey… right down the street.

Sometimes there’s nothing like a proper staycation to give you the quick recharge and refresh you need, without ever leaving your city. Don’t get me wrong, I love a proper vacation and sometimes you need to properly get away. I tend to spend most summers in villas in jamaica, but at the same time, sometimes I just love a vacation at home. Stepping away from the daily routine and into a pristine room, with a smushy bed, on-point room service, modern style and ultimate comfort… how special! It’s just a night or two away, but it’s all you need to transform an average weekend from drab to fab.

I recently explored the brand new Conrad Chicago Hotel – opened just last November – to much fanfare and excitement of its takeover of the former DraftFCB offices on Chicago’s Magnificent Mile. With an incomparable locale overlooking Michigan Avenue, the Conrad boasts impeccable location as much as it does smart luxury.

Bursting with midcentury style and oozing with class, the Conrad has easily differentiated itself from a vastly crowded hotel landscape in downtown Chicago. It’s moody and sexy, without being over-the-top or kitschy. Appealing to both business travelers and vacationers alike, Conrad Chicago is a classic, beautiful home base for its guests.

Then, of course, there are the guest rooms and suites. Oh, the rooms!

Well-appointed, thoughtfully styled, spacious and grand, I can’t gush enough about how much I loved our suite. Like a little home in the sky, I wanted for nothing because Conrad had already thought of everything. From stunning fixtures, to sleek furnishings, to a bathroom like no other, calling it heavenly is such an understatement.

Pretty perfect, right? And oh my god, that soaker tub! It was so welcoming, it was an easy decision not to leave the hotel all weekend. Despite all of the shops and restaurants beckoning from below, I lounged, relaxed, imbibed and dined all within the confines of Conrad Chicago all weekend long.

Speaking of dining, Conrad has two superlative options currently (with a third Japanese spot coming soon). Il Tavolino, a casual Italian-style street-side café, and Baptiste and Bottle, their celebrated American New, bourbon-centric restaurant with a killer menu and matching view of Michigan Avenue below. During my stay, I was so enamored by Baptiste, I actually ate three meals there. #noshame

From beautiful brunch, to a swanky dinner service replete with cocktails made tableside, Baptiste calls from a bygone era and transports you somewhere quite unique.

What a visit it was! It was all but impossible to pull myself away and go back home… but on the bright side, at least the travel wasn’t far.

It was a magical weekend spent at Conrad Chicago and one I hope to repeat, often. A staycation is certainly good for the soul. It takes little planning, little travel cost and even less travel stress, but lacks none of the enjoyment and bliss it takes to have an incredible time. A perfect idea for your next weekend at home? Absolutely.