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In This Issue: DG Amazing Experiences Insider Travel Briefs For Private Aviation Travelers Vol 3, No 9  The Seven Best Luxury Hotels in Chicago and their Top Suites Check-out Our DGAE Library featuring: Insider previews of top suites and villas at hotels and resorts across the USA, Hawaii, the Caribbean, Canada, Mexico, Argentina, Australia, Austria, Brasil, China, Ecuador, England, Fiji, France, French Polynesia, Greece, Hungary, India, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, Malaysia, Maldives, New Zealand, Nicaragua, Oman, Portugal, Russia, Seychelles, Singapore, Spain, South Africa, Switzerland, Tahiti, Thailand, Turkey, UAE, Vietnam, plus on the high seas aboard Regent Seven Seas Explorer, Seabourn Encore, Crystal Esprit, Crystal Symphony and Norwegian Breakaway, plus more! April 2018,  Vol 4, No 9 - Top Chicago Hotel Suites

The Seven Best Luxury Hotels in Chicago… After several notes saying how much you enjoyed our recent roundup of the top rated Los Angeles hotels based on the Forbes Travel Guide, this issue we look at the best of Chicago, a total of eight hotels, four earning 5-stars and three gaining 4-stars. In the Forbes scale, the one star difference is fairly nuanced, with top hotels described as “outstanding, often iconic properties with virtually flawless service and amazing facilities.” The 4-star variety are classified as “exceptional properties, offering high levels of service and quality of facility to match.” And yes, to answer the question several of you posed, the Forbes ratings started life in 1958 as The Mobil Travel Guide Star Ratings before finding their present home in 2011. Do you wing it when it comes to your business? While there may be some luck in getting to the top, my guess is you probably don’t leave to much to chance. Yet when spending $100,000 or more to buy a Jet Card, many folks don’t do proper research.  They either ask a friend - whose flying needs are probably somewhat different- or they ask their PA who probably isn’t an expert on private aviation to search online random companies and go from there. In other words, you are buying the companies that spend the most for ad words, perhaps missing options that might be a better fit for you. Private Jet Card Comparisons, a site I founded last year, is the only independent buyer’s guide to Jet Cards, covering over 250 jet card programs. Before you spend six figures on a Jet Card, spend $250 to compare programs by over 65 variables, including safety, aircraft sourcing standards, policies, prices and hidden fees, all in easy-to-use spreadsheets you can download for personal use.  You also get personal support in guiding you through the options. Past Issues PS — We keep all past issues on an easy to access website DG Amazing Experiences where you can find both newsletters and special reports. Thanks for reading. I hope all your trips are amazing experiences! All the best, Doug Gollan Founder/Editor-in-Chief DG Amazing Experiences

In This Issue:

A.   Private Aviation Headlines

Chicago’s Seven Top Luxury Hotels And Their Best Suites

1.  Four Seasons Hotel, Chicago

2.  The Langham, Chicago

3.  Trump International Hotel & Tower Chicago

4.  Peninsula Chicago

5.  Park Hyatt Chicago

6.  The Ritz-Carlton Chicago

7.  Waldorf Astoria Chicago

8.   Executive Security Reports

9.   Jet Card Insider Reports

10. Most Popular DGAE Special Reports

1.  NetJets increases support of Corporate Angel Network

2.  Star Jets International posts $5.9 million in first year revenues

3.  Air Partner says $4.7 million accounting error has no impact on operations

4.  Jettly expands catering options for charter and jet card customers

5.  JetSmarter launches a family plan membership 

6.  Airstream Jets sets jet card discounts through April 18

7.  Qatar Airways, JetBlue invest in JetSuite

8.  Unity Jets launches jet card programs

9.  When buying a jet card, look beyond the hourly rate

Overview

While Chicago’s central midwest location means that it is often possible to fly in and fly out for the day, when you have to stay over, the Windy City, despite being 3^rd in U.S. population has a surprisingly limited number of truly luxury hotels. In this issue we look at the seven that earned 5-and-4-Stars from Forbes Travel Guide in its just released 2018 rankings.

1. Four Seasons Hotel Chicago

 

Forbes Travel Guide says, “With its prime Magnificent Mile location and attractive, contemporary rooms, Four Seasons Hotel Chicago (5-stars) is a top choice for visiting celebrities and those who appreciate the peace and quiet the polished staff practically guarantees. Rooms feature French deco style, with fabrics in rich chocolate, deep blue and shimmery silver hues, and new leather window seats in many rooms overlooking Lake Michigan and the Gold Coast. The lobby, grand ballroom and restaurants and the larger suites and apartments received updates in 2009. Two things haven’t changed though: the wonderful, personal service, and the location. The hotel is situated above the upscale shops of 900 North Michigan, and steps from the lakefront and Chicago’s top shopping.”

 

Presidential Suite

One of three signature suites, The 2,315 sq. ft. Presidential Suite, redesigned by Pierre-Yves Rochon, occupies a corner of the 46th floor and features magnificent views of Chicago and Lake Michigan blending the classic features of its original architecture with contemporary design. If you need more space, connecting rooms are available. More suites from Four Seasons Chicago here.

  

2. The Langham, Chicago 

Forbes Travel Guide says, The (5-star) Langham, Chicago occupies the first 12 floors of a landmark building that sits beside the Chicago River. Designed by Midcentury Modern master architect Mies van der Rohe, the soaring 52-story structure was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2010. Inside the hotel, you can see nods to the building’s heritage — large, elegant guest rooms have subtle bronze accents while gorgeous travertine tiles are found in bathrooms and in public spaces. Guests are able to take afternoon tea in the open and airy Pavilion, dine at the Mediterranean restaurant Travelle Kitchen + Bar (designed by David Rockwell), indulge in a treatment at the Asian-inspired Chuan Spa or retreat to the 12th-floor club lounge for cocktails and magnificent views of the Chicago River and Lake Michigan.”

 

Infinity Suite

The 2,700 sq. ft. 2-bedroom Infinity Suite on the 12th floor (The 11th floor Regent Suite has the same footprint, just different design) has ensuite bathrooms for each bedroom. There are formal dining facilities for up to 10 guests and a private butler pantry. There is an oversized living room with a fireplace and grand piano. View the Chicago River and cityscape framed from floor-to-ceiling windows. More suites here. 

 

3. The Peninsula Chicago

 

Forbes Travel Guide says, “Peninsula Chicago (5-star) is the retreat of choice for stars and notables who come for the discreet, attentive service, delivered by a staff trained in the art of gracious hospitality. Luxurious guest rooms are bright with light wood and muted earth tones, and the marble bathrooms have oversized tubs where you can soak while catching up on the news on the flat-screen TV. A bedside control panel allows you to adjust the room's temperature, lighting, music and even the curtains all without having to leave the comfort of the 300-thread-count sheets. The skyline level spa and fitness center provide a reason to leave the comfort of the spacious, contemporary guest rooms.”

 

The Peninsula Suite

 

On 18th floor overlooking Michigan and Chicago Avenues, the 3,645 sq. ft. Peninsula Suite features a baby grand piano and wrap-around terrace overlooking Lake Michigan with outdoor whirlpool tub. You can configure The Peninsula suite from one to three bedrooms and the entire wing can be blocked off if you require additional privacy. More suites here.

 

4. Trump International Hotel & Tower Chicago

Forbes Travel Guide says, “The 92-story glass and steel tower in which the (5-star) luxurious Trump International Hotel & Tower Chicago resides brought a dose of glamour to an already glitzy skyline. Inside, the splendor continues, with rich, clubby woods and neutral tones balancing the sparkle of the views outside the floor-to-ceiling windows. The modern, slate-gray rooms are filled with custom-designed furniture and fully-stocked state-of-the-art kitchens. Summon the hotel's chefs to cook for you in your room, or head to the signature restaurant, Sixteen, to sample the creative American cuisine served there.”

 

Grande Deluxe Lakeview Two Bedroom Suite 

The 2,245 sq. ft. Grand Deluxe Lake View Two Bedroom Suites offer 10-ft floor-to-ceiling windows with views of Lake Michigan and the historic Wrigley Clock Tower. There is a separate living room with a contemporary marble surround fireplace, a full guest bath, large dining area with a dining room table and chairs and a fully equipped kitchen with appliances by Nespresso, Sub-Zero and Miele. Heavy fabric curtains, dark wood tables and a leather-topped desk to add to the sense of luxury, while artwork depicting classic scenes of Chicago life help create a sense of place. The Master bedroom features five fixture master baths with Kohler rain shower head, deep soaking tubs, in mirror TV, double sinks and Portuguese limestone tiled floors and shower surround. More suites here. More suites here.

 

5. Park Hyatt Chicago

Forbes Travel Guide says, “The spirit of (4-star) Park Hyatt Chicago aligns with what the Windy City is known for: stunning art and design, great food and welcoming Midwestern hospitality. Its tony Gold Coast location just off the Magnificent Mile speaks to the type of place it is — a chic luxury hotel with contemporary, design-savvy style to spare. Sophistication and friendliness are not mutually exclusive at this Forbes Travel Guide Four-Star. Yes, expensive artwork adorns the walls and the dark and glamorous lobby makes for a dramatic entrance, but the staff is invariably amiable and incessantly working to learn the names and the whims of its guests. The library located off the lobby has cozy sofas and chairs, modern art books ready for perusal and an adjacent kitchen where you can treat yourself to tea and coffee while lounging about and peering through the floor-to-ceiling windows that look out onto bustling Chicago Avenue.”

 

Water Tower Suite

The 1,850 sq. ft. Water Tower Suite has 1-bedroom with a King Simmons Beautyrest bed, a 42” HDTV, a marble foyer, a half-bath, kitchenette, and large living with 55” HDTV and dining table seating five. More suites here.

  

6. The Ritz-Carlton, Chicago

Forbes Travel Guide says, “The Ritz-Carlton, Chicago's location in the center of the Magnificent Mile on the exclusive Gold Coast can’t be beat. Shopping mecca Water Tower Place houses the hotel as well as some of the best stores and restaurants in the city. Just an elevator ride down from the 4-Star hotel in Water Tower Place is an elegant shopping center with more than 125 stores. With some of the Windy City’s most prestigious shopping and fine dining at its feet, the luxury Chicago hotel is in the perfect location to enjoy the savviest sightseeing in the city. Spend an afternoon perusing works from Rembrandt, Van Gogh and Dalí at the nearby Art Institute of Chicago; walk across the street to see the historic Water Tower, one of a few structures to survive the Great Chicago Fire of 1871; or stroll over to popular Navy Pier along the lakefront.”

 

Presidential Suite

Spanning the 25th and 26th floor, the 2,900 sq. ft. two-story Presidential Suite features a spiral staircase leading from living spaces to King bedrooms. There are floor to ceiling windows providing views from the living area with baby grand piano. There’s also a full kitchen and private dining room, media room, three full marble bathrooms. More suites here.

7. Waldorf Astoria Chicago

Forbes Travel Guide says, “One of Chicago’s newest luxury hotels is also one of its most stylish. Waldorf Astoria Chicago is an Art Deco jewel inspired by the style of Coco Chanel — the drapes are patterned after her dress designs and the elegant chandeliers in the ballroom are modeled after her jewelry. The hotel draws from the past with its old-fashioned motor court and antiques while remaining firmly au courant with its crisp gray color palette and slick surfaces. The luxurious property is also home to celebrity chef Michael Mina’s first Chicago eatery: Margeaux Brasserie, serving up classic French fare on the hotel’s third floor. Be sure to also visit the lavish spa, a getaway itself with Greek columns and a mosaic pool covered in thousands of tiles.”

 

Presidential Suite

 

The 2,130 sq. ft. Presidential Suite is located on the 26th floor with three entrances and two private terraces, both with panoramic views of the Gold Coast neighborhood. There is an expansive living room with one-touch fireplace, dining table, fully equipped kitchen and butler pantry, two master bathrooms and a separate powder room. There’s also a media room, complete with an HD TV, games consoles, surround sound system and telephone conferencing services. More suites here.

  

More Chicago Suites

If you are looking for more, there are more Forbes Travel Guide reviews of other hotels in Chicago its inspectors have reviewed, including Thompson Chicago, Loews Chicago Hotel and JW Marriott Chicago.

  

9. Jet Card Program Reviews:

1.   Air Partner

2.   Flexjet

3.   JetSuite

4.   Jet Aviation

5.   Jet Linx Aviation

6.   Magellan Jets

7.   Private Jet Services (PJS) Group

8.   ProspAir 

9.   Sentient Jet

10. StraightLine Private Air

11. Wholesale Jet Club

12. XOJET (Updated)

10. Top Special Reports

If you are new to the world of chartering a superyacht, here are key questions to ask - and four hot superyachts that you can charter in the Med this summer.

Special Report:  Laucala Island in Fiji was once the playground of publishing mogul Malcolm Forbes. Now owned by Red Bull founder Dietrich Mateschitz, it is a private island resort with just 25 oversized villas bringing together high luxury and South Pacific romance in a playground of soft adventure, and even an 18-hole golf course.

Special Report:  The 5-Star Acqualina Resort & Spa is a perfect South Florida family getaway, a good venue for groups, family gatherings, weddings, meetings, and the new Estates at Acqualina with its Karl Lagerfeld lobby may make you want to call the place home.

Special Report:  An Insider Preview of the new suites at Four Seasons Maui at Wailea, and its impressive personal concierge service. You’ll be surprised what she can do.

Special Report:  Live like a King at Trianon Palace, next to Versailles, a perfect place for a meeting or romantic getaway outside the city.

Special Report:  Villa One and Villa Cortez at One&Only Palmilla in Los Cabos offer two oversize villas at the legendary 5-star resort.

Special Report:  Rosewood Mayakoba in Riviera Maya provides a small resort experience with big resort options, all conveniently 45 minutes south from Cancun International Airport. 

Visit our library of previous news and reports from DG Amazing Experiences.