Which romantic hotel

Question

My fiance and I are planning to spend our wedding night in downtown Chicago. We originally wanted to stay near the river and have a soaking tub and rooftop bar. Our top pick (The Wit) ran out of rooms with soaking tubs for that night. We're still open to staying there in a regular room though.

We want to relax, eat good food, maybe go to a jazz club. Out of these three hotels, which would be the best choice:

- The Wit

- Kimpton Gray

- Radisson Blue Aqua

I'm also open to other suggestions too. We'd like to stay under $370ish per night.

Answer

Congratulations on your upcoming wedding! For your wedding night in downtown Chicago, you’re looking for a romantic, relaxing experience, so I’ll go through the options and provide my thoughts on each hotel to help you decide. Based on your preferences for a soaking tub, a rooftop bar, good food, and a potential jazz club, here’s a breakdown of the three hotels you mentioned:

The Wit – This hotel is an excellent choice for a chic, romantic experience. It offers a rooftop bar, rooftop lounge, and beautiful views of the city, which can create a fun, celebratory atmosphere for your wedding night. Even though the soaking tubs are sold out for your date, their regular rooms are stylish, comfortable, and well-suited for a relaxing evening. The Wit is also located near the theater district and Millennium Park, giving you easy access to dining options and entertainment, such as jazz clubs in the area. There is also a restaurant in the hotel, which can be convenient for a quiet dinner. Since you wanted a rooftop bar, this is still a good option, though keep in mind that the vibe here is more modern and lively, which could suit your celebratory mood.
Kimpton Gray – The Kimpton Gray offers a great combination of romance and luxury, with elegant rooms and an overall boutique-hotel vibe. Located in the heart of the Loop, it’s close to great dining, shopping, and entertainment options. This hotel doesn’t have a soaking tub in every room, but the bathrooms are modern and spacious. Kimpton hotels are known for their attention to detail and personalized service, which could make your wedding night feel special. The hotel also has a rooftop bar (the I|O Rooftop Bar), which is perfect for unwinding and celebrating your wedding night. As for jazz, you’ll find plenty of options nearby, such as the famous Green Mill Cocktail Lounge, just a short trip away. This hotel would be perfect if you're looking for a slightly quieter, more intimate vibe compared to The Wit.
Radisson Blu Aqua – The Radisson Blu Aqua is a fantastic choice if you want a more spacious hotel with fantastic amenities. It features a beautiful outdoor pool (though it might not be warm enough in January), a large fitness center, and contemporary rooms with modern designs. The hotel is located near the lakefront and has great views of both the city and Lake Michigan. While it doesn't offer a rooftop bar, it has plenty of dining options nearby and is a short distance from River North, where you can find great restaurants and jazz clubs like the Jazz Showcase. The Aqua hotel has a more relaxed vibe compared to the first two options, which might be perfect if you want a quieter stay with some amenities for relaxation. However, it might feel a bit more corporate compared to the other boutique-style options.

Other Suggestions: If you’re open to exploring other options, here are a couple of suggestions that might fit your romantic vibe:

The Langham Chicago – This is a luxurious, romantic hotel near the river, with a beautiful spa, excellent service, and elegant rooms. They offer a great fine-dining restaurant, and although they don't have a rooftop bar, their bar/lounge area is cozy. This hotel would be ideal for a quiet, romantic night, and it's close to the river and downtown.
The Peninsula Chicago – This hotel is another great romantic choice, with fantastic service, a luxurious spa, and a rooftop bar. It’s a more traditional, high-end hotel, perfect for a pampered experience. They have elegant rooms, some of which include soaking tubs, and there’s a lot of nearby dining and entertainment options for your wedding night.

Recommendation: If you’re looking for a mix of fun, convenience, and romance, The Wit and Kimpton Gray are probably the best choices. The Wit offers the rooftop experience you’re looking for, while Kimpton Gray offers a slightly quieter and more intimate experience with easy access to jazz clubs. Both options are near great food, drinks, and entertainment, so you’ll have plenty to do after relaxing in your room. However, if you’re looking for a quieter and more relaxing stay with a bit more space, the Radisson Blu Aqua might also be a great option for you.

Overall, all three hotels are excellent choices, but I think The Wit and Kimpton Gray align most with your desire for a romantic atmosphere and a great mix of amenities like rooftop bars, good food, and nearby entertainment.

Which romantic hotel

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