What it is

A chic, Midcentury Modern hotel within a landmark skyscraper by Mies Van der Rohe..

What it isn't

Austere. Mies may have coined the phrase "less is more," but the interiors are more swank than solemn.

What we think

The riverfront Langham occupies the first 13 floors of Ludwig Mies Van der Rohe's last American structure: the sleek, black 1973 IBM Building (now AMA Plaza). The Hong Kong–based group brought many of its signature flourishes to the Chicago property—greeters wear pink suits inspired by Jackie O.; there's a pink London-style taxi; a regal high tea is served in the Pavilion—it also reflects the Chicago that Mies knew and loved. The great architect's grandson, Dirk Lohan, redesigned the lobby; hometown artists feature promintently in the hotel's collection; and the public spaces and rooms are decked out in Midwestern Midcentury Modern style. The 316 rooms are, by any standard, enormous, with floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the river and Chicago’s downtown, and low-slung, handsome furniture. Travelle serves three farm-to-table meals a day in a warmly glowing room designed by David Rockwell.

You're here because

You're an architecture aficionado who wants a hotel with a distinctly Chicagoan sense of place, and a central location.

The Moment

Sitting beside the sweeping wall of glass and looking out over the river at the Pavilion, you sip on a piping cup of fine tea. A server winds his way through the clusters of seats bearing meticulously crafted scones and cakes on Wedgwood platters.

Restaurants & Bars

Travelle Kitchen and Bar - Features contemporary Mediterranean-inspired cuisine and innovative cocktails

Pavilion - Home to afternoon tea at the The Langham,

See above. All offer a bar.

Location

On the north bank of the Chicago River, right next to the iconic Marina City and Chicago’s House of Blues. It’s an easy stroll to the high-end boutiques and shops of Michigan Avenue.