Chicago With a Lake View at the Four Seasons

Chicago is a city I find myself going back to often, and while every trip feels a little different, where you stay really does shape the experience. Four Seasons Hotel Chicago feels a bit more tucked away, a little quieter, and more like a retreat within the city, even though you’re right in the middle of everything.

One of the biggest advantages here is that the hotel sits inside 900 North, so shopping is literally downstairs. It makes it incredibly easy to come and go throughout the day. You’re also right by Oak Street and Michigan Avenue, so everything is within walking distance.

Right in the same building is Merchant & Rhoades, which is always busy and definitely a go-to for the guys. It’s one of those easy little extras that makes the stay feel seamless.

The overall feel of this hotel is more calm and residential. It’s not as buzzy as some others nearby, which is exactly why people love it. After a full day out in the city, it’s really nice to come back somewhere that feels a little quieter and more relaxed.

Who doesn't love an upgrade?

The rooms are spacious and thoughtfully designed, with options ranging from guest rooms to larger multi-bedroom suites. If you can, request a view of Lake Michigan, it completely changes the feel of your stay.

This is also a really great option for longer stays. Whether you’re visiting schools, medical centers, or just want to settle in for a bit, they offer extended-stay options that make it feel much more livable.

The spa here leans more into wellness and restoration, and it’s one of those spaces where you can really unplug. We spent some time there and it’s quiet, calming, and feels like a true reset in the middle of the city.

Dining at the hotel is centered around Adorn Bar & Restaurant, and it really is more of an experience than just a meal. The menu is globally inspired, and the little details like the martini cart and ice cream cart make it feel fun while still elevated.

We had dinner here one night and it ended up being one of those meals where everything just worked. We started with the beets and ricotta and a wedge salad, both really fresh and well-done. For dinner, we had the pepper and dill salmon and the ribeye, and both were great, the salmon was light and flavorful, and the steak was exactly what you want after a full day in the city.

I also had a cocktail called “Night of Your Life” with Ketel One or Monkey 47, hibiscus syrup, lemon, and a St. Germain foam. It was light, a little floral, and just really good.

And definitely save room for dessert, the burnt Basque cheesecake with blood orange was so good and the perfect way to end the night.

We also had breakfast here one morning and then the next day had it in our room overlooking Lake Michigan, which was such a nice way to start the day. We had the Wagyu corned beef hash, eggs Benedict, strawberry fields yogurt, blueberry pancakes, and an acai bowl, along with the mango ginger madness drink. Everything was really good, but honestly the setting made it even better.

Booking through me adds that extra layer here, too—breakfast included, potential upgrades, and added amenities based on availability.

Booking a Four Seasons through a Preferred Partner like me secures, at no extra cost, daily breakfast for two, a $100+ property credit, room upgrades (subject to availability), and VIP status, all at the same rate as the public site. It really is the best way to get those added luxury perks and a more personalized experience.

And if you’re planning something special, this is also a beautiful hotel for weddings, with lake views and elegant spaces that feel timeless.

Outside of the hotel, you’re right in the heart of everything. Walking the Chicago Riverwalk is always one of my favorite things to do. It’s fun to grab a table along the water at RPM Seafood, especially when there’s live music or just a lot going on. You can also kayak right through the city.

Navy Pier is always worth a visit, whether it’s for lunch, dinner, or just walking around. There’s so much to do there, from the Ferris wheel and rides to the Chicago Children’s Museum and even an IMAX movie theater, so it really works for all ages.

It’s also a great spot to grab something casual. I love stopping for a pizza at Giordano, or a margarita at Margaritaville Chicago. You can also grab Garrett Popcorn or stop into Kilwins for ice cream or fudge while you’re walking around.

There’s a fun beer garden there, and in the summer, every Wednesday and Saturday night they do fireworks over the lake, which is such a fun thing to plan around.

It also has a bit of history, originally opened in 1916, and has always been one of Chicago’s main gathering spots along the lake. It’s also a really pretty place for events, and a great spot for a wedding right on the water.

The holidays are always beautiful.

And if you want something a little more active, you can hop on a speedboat ride from there and see the skyline from the water.

In the summer, the energy in the city really shifts. I’ve even seen Mick Jagger at Soldier Field, and there are always events like Windy City Smokeout, Lollapalooza, Taste of Chicago, and the Chicago Air and Water Show, along with the Auto Show and Boat Show at McCormick Place.

And you can’t come to Chicago without trying a few of the classics. Portillo’s and Garrett Popcorn are part of the experience.

For Italian, La Scarola is one of my go-to spots, and for steak, Gibsons Bar & Steakhouse is always worth it.

If you’re looking for a meal with a view of the lake, Cindy’s Rooftop and The Signature Room at the 95th are both great options.

For a little culture, the Art Institute of Chicago, Shedd Aquarium, and Lincoln Park Zoo are all easy to fit into your trip.

What I love about this hotel is that it gives you a slightly different version of Chicago, still central and walkable, but calmer and more relaxed at the end of the day.

Restaurants at the Hotel

• Adorn Bar & Restaurant

Restaurants Nearby

• Michael Jordan’s Steak House Chicago

• The Purple Pig

• Gibsons Bar & Steakhouse

• La Scarola

• RPM Seafood

• Giordano’s

• Portillo’s

Shopping Nearby

• Oak Street

• Michigan Avenue

Shopping Malls Nearby

• 900 North Michigan Shops

• The shops at North Bridge

• Water Tower Place

Things to Walk To

• Chicago Riverwalk

• Navy Pier

• Millennium Park

• Chicago Theatre District

Kids & Family Activities

• Shed Aquarium

• Lincoln Park Zoo

• Art Institute of Chicago

• Chicago Children’s Museum

Hotel Highlights & Activities

• Lake Michigan view rooms

• Spa and wellness-focused treatments

• Adorn dining experiences

• Direct access to shopping

• Great for extended stays

• Ideal for weddings

Navy Pier Highlights

• Navy Pier Ferris wheel and rides

• Chicago Children’s Museum

• IMAX movie theater

• Giordano’s pizza

• Margaritaville Chicago margaritas

• Garret’s popcorn

• Kilwins ice cream and fudge

• Beer garden

• Summer fireworks Wednesday and Saturday nights

• Speedboat rides and lake views

• Great spot for weddings

Extra tips:

• Make dining reservations ahead of time, especially for popular spots.

• Plan outdoor activities earlier in the day or closer to sunset.

• Bring comfortable shoes—you’ll be walking more than you think.

• Even in warmer months, mornings and evenings can feel cool near the lake.

• Leave time to just wander—some of the best moments in Chicago aren’t planned.

For more inspiration and insider recommendations, visit our Chicago page.