Waldorf Astoria Chicago Review
Nonstop Dan rating
Waldorf Astoria Chicago
A Gold Coast classic with an unbeatable sleep and prime location.
Waldorf Astoria Chicago hotel exterior
We needed to be in Chicago to visit some friends and decided to splurge a bit and stay at the Waldorf Astoria Chicago. The cash price was ridiculous at over $1,000 a night but by using Hilton Honors points we got five nights for the price of four, at a total cost of 400,000 Hilton Honors points, which are valued at $2,000. At $400 a night, although more than I would usually prefer to spend, I think this was pretty good value.
Want free breakfast, a room upgrade, and $100+ in credit?
Book through our travel advisor link and get the same rate as booking direct, plus meaningful extras at no additional cost.
- $100+ property credit
- Complimentary breakfast for 2
- Room upgrade, subject to availability
- Early check-in & late checkout, subject to availability
* More benefits may apply at select properties
Waldorf Astoria Chicago Check-in
When staying at luxury hotels in the U.S., you never really know what to expect from the service. With that in mind, our arrival experience at the Waldorf Astoria Chicago couldn't have been better. The door of our taxi was opened for us and we were escorted to the check-in as the lovely staff member explained that the Waldorf Astoria Chicago has a courtesy car available to guests. This car will take you up to 1 mile away from the hotel entirely for free, subject to the car's availability. That’s something we haven’t experienced in most of our other luxury hotel reviews. That's the type of amenity that you only find at the most expensive luxury hotels so considering I was paying $400 a night, I was pretty pleased with that.
The front desk staff were unusually formal (in a good way) by U.S. standards and we really felt like we'd been welcomed into a true luxury hotel, even though the lobby isn't as grandiose as many other Waldorf Astoria hotels. We were asked if we wanted to be escorted to our room, which we declined, and we made our way up to the 9th floor, where our junior suite awaited us.
Waldorf Astoria Chicago hallway
Waldorf Astoria Chicago Junior Suite Room
As a Hilton Diamond member, I received a free upgrade from the basic room to a Junior Suite, which was hugely appreciated. Although I imagine we were given one of the less spectacular Junior Suites , we were just thrilled with the amount of space we had, even more so than the Park View Suite at The London, A Luxury Collection Hotel New York City. Upon entering the room you have a closet and a kitchenette with a mini bar, espresso machine, etc.
Waldorf Astoria Chicago Junior Suite entryway
Waldorf Astoria Chicago Junior Suite minibar
Waldorf Astoria Chicago Junior Suite kitchenette
Waldorf Astoria Chicago Junior Suite kitchenette
After that we entered our semi-separated living room with plenty of comfortable seating and a couch. You'll notice that the room is quite dark since there's only one window, which again, I imagine is a consequence of our free upgrade to this room type resulting in us getting one of the less desirable junior suites.
Waldorf Astoria Chicago Junior Suite living room
Waldorf Astoria Chicago Junior Suite living room
Waldorf Astoria Chicago Junior Suite living room
Opposite the couches there is a fireplace, which is a lovely touch, and then to the left we've got our desk stationed by the window.
Waldorf Astoria Chicago Junior Suite fireplace
Waldorf Astoria Chicago Junior Suite TV
Waldorf Astoria Chicago Junior Suite desk
Our courtyard view was pretty nice, all things considered, and the room ended up having a pretty cozy feel. Finally, behind the fireplace wall, we have got our bedroom with a heavenly Waldorf Astoria bed that was impossible to leave in the mornings because it's so plush and comfortable.
Waldorf Astoria Chicago Junior Suite bedroom
Waldorf Astoria Chicago Junior Suite bedroom
Waldorf Astoria Chicago Junior Suite bedroom
Waldorf Astoria Chicago Junior Suite bedroom
Although the room looks quite bare bones in the photos, in real life we really felt at home and thoroughly enjoyed the luxury of having so much space at this price in Chicago. Finally we've got another spacious hallway with closets before we get to our gorgeous marble bathroom.
Waldorf Astoria Chicago Junior Suite closet
Waldorf Astoria Chicago Junior Suite closet
Waldorf Astoria Chicago Junior Suite closet
Besides the lack of natural light, this bathroom is almost perfect, with double sinks, a massive bathtub, a glorious rainfall shower, and a separate toilet room. The cherry on top is the Aesop toiletries, which are among my favorite in the world.
Waldorf Astoria Chicago Junior Suite bathroom
Waldorf Astoria Chicago Junior Suite bathroom
Waldorf Astoria Chicago Junior Suite double sinks
Waldorf Astoria Chicago Junior Suite double sinks
Waldorf Astoria Chicago Junior Suite bathtub
Waldorf Astoria Chicago Junior Suite bathroom shower
Waldorf Astoria Chicago Junior Suite toilet
Waldorf Astoria Chicago Dining
As a Hilton Diamond member, we got a $25 breakfast credit per person that can be used toward in-room dining or breakfast at Brass Tack. Here’s the menu for your reference.
Waldorf Astoria Chicago Brass Tack menu
Waldorf Astoria Chicago Brass Tack menu
Waldorf Astoria Chicago Brass Tack menu
We decided to eat room service our first morning and we ordered the vegan grain hash. It didn't sound very good in the description, to be honest, but it was one of the only vegan options they had and it turned out to be pretty tasty.
Waldorf Astoria Chicago breakfast in bed vegan grain hash
Waldorf Astoria Chicago vegan grain hash
Breakfast in bed
The following morning we had breakfast at Brass Tack, and by the second time we went, the staff recognized us and welcomed us back warmly. I don't know how the Waldorf Astoria Chicago does it but they really found some incredible employees.
We ended up eating avocado toast with vegan Just Egg on top every day, and it was actually really enjoyable. One morning there were a bunch of guys wearing McLaren F1 clothes and they seemed to be having a team meeting. Unfortunately it wasn't Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri!
To be honest, we didn't eat any other meals at the hotel but one night we went to check out Bernard's, which is a lovely cocktail bar with a distinct Chicago vibe. I'd highly recommend stopping by for a drink if you can.
Waldorf Astoria Chicago Gym and Spa
The Waldorf Astoria Chicago offers a complimentary gym and some pretty nice spa facilities. Starting with the gym, although nice and bright, the selection of equipment is pretty disappointing. I understand they're limited for space but this is not somewhere I would like to spend multiple days working out. The gym is relatively well equipped when it comes to cardio but in terms of weight lifting, you've basically only got dumbbells and a cable machine.
Waldorf Astoria Chicago gym equipment
Waldorf Astoria Chicago gym equipment
Waldorf Astoria Chicago gym equipment
Further past the gym you've got the skinny indoor lap pool. You won't be lounging in here enjoying the day so I'm not sure why they have floats but it's a great fitness amenity for those who like to swim. The aesthetic in here is pretty nice as far as U.S. city hotel indoor pools go.
Waldorf Astoria Chicago swimming equipment
Waldorf Astoria Chicago indoor pool
Finally you've got the spa, where there's a nice proper wood sauna, a steam room, and even an included jacuzzi.
Waldorf Astoria Chicago sauna
Waldorf Astoria Chicago sauna
Waldorf Astoria Chicago steam room
Waldorf Astoria Chicago whirlpool jacuzzi
Waldorf Astoria Chicago whirlpool jacuzzi
Where Is Waldorf Astoria Chicago Located?
The Waldorf Astoria is located in Chicago's Gold Coast neighborhood. Within easy walking access of a bunch of high-end stores and restaurants, the neighborhood feels remarkably safe and would definitely be my preferred location for a visit to Chicago. You are just a few minutes' walk from the beach and Lake Michigan.
Is the Waldorf Astoria Chicago Worth It?
Whether or not the Waldorf Astoria Chicago is worth the price will depend on what price you're paying. For late April, I think the points deal we got was pretty exceptional and we were more than happy to pay $400 a night for this lovely experience. Luxury hotels that take service this seriously in the U.S. are few and far between. If you can swing it, I'd highly recommend staying at the Waldorf Astoria Chicago. Keep in mind that you can get perks such as:
• free breakfast
• a $100 property credit
• room upgrade available
• free early check-in and late checkout (subject to availability)
if you book your stay here through a travel advisor.
The Waldorf Astoria Chicago Scoring breakdown
Room: 7/10
Bathroom: 9/10
Night’s Sleep: 10/10
Value: 6/10
Breakfast: 7/10
Condition: 9/10
Service: 4/5
Dining: 3/5
Location: 5/5
Amenities: 4/5
Wellness: 3/5
Pool/Beach: 2/5
Overall Feeling: 7/10
Final Score: 76/100. See how it compares to other properties in our full luxury hotel rankings.
Positives of Waldorf Astoria Chicago
Exceptional value via points redemption (5th night free, ~$400/night effective rate for a normally $1,000+/night property)
Complimentary courtesy car service (up to 1 mile), a rare amenity at this price point
Formal, polished check-in experience with attentive staff
Junior Suite upgrade for Hilton Diamond members, with generous space (kitchenette, semi-separated living room, fireplace, separate bedroom)
Plush, comfortable Waldorf Astoria signature bed
Marble bathroom with double sinks, large soaking tub, rainfall shower, and separate toilet room
Aesop toiletries
Staff recognition and warmth on repeat visits to the breakfast restaurant
Solid vegan dining options (grain hash, avocado toast with Just Egg)
Bernard's cocktail bar, with a distinct Chicago character
Spa facilities: proper wood sauna, steam room, and included jacuzzi
Gold Coast location, walkable to high-end shopping/dining and close to the lake
Travel advisor booking perks: free breakfast, $100 property credit, space-available upgrade, early check-in/late checkout
Area of Improvement of Waldorf Astoria Chicago
Room lacks natural light (only one window in this Junior Suite category)
Gym equipment selection is underwhelming, especially for strength training (mainly dumbbells and a cable machine)
Lobby is less grandiose compared to other Waldorf Astoria properties
Lap pool is narrow and better suited to swimming laps than lounging
Limited on-site dining
Want free breakfast, a room upgrade, and $100+ in credit?
Book through our travel advisor link and get the same rate as booking direct, plus meaningful extras at no additional cost.
- $100+ property credit
- Complimentary breakfast for 2
- Room upgrade, subject to availability
- Early check-in & late checkout, subject to availability
* More benefits may apply at select properties
