Five-Star Service, Family Style
Luxury and "Kid-Friendly" Meet at the Peninsula HotelBy Belinda Clarke
The pool at the Peninsula is on the 20th floor with floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the city. Though the pool is part of the Peninsula Spa, that certainly doesn't mean it's for grownups only. There is no hour restriction for children in the pool, and the spa staff provides a host of water toys (kickboards, floaties, noodles and footballs) for kids to play with in the pool with their parents.
Members of the spa staff also are happy to provide swimming lessons upon request. The best part is, while Dad is watching the kids in the pool, Mom can relax with a magazine on the outdoor sundeck overlooking Michigan Avenue.
For a great casual lunch or dinner, the Pierrot Gourmet restaurant is located next to the hotel and is a cozy French bakery with long wood tables for friendly dining. Menu selections include unique quiches that are elegant but mild enough for kids, open-faced sandwiches and killer pastry desserts. The Lobby Restaurant is also a great place to take the family for dinner. Parents will enjoy an exceptional menu (complete with sushi, pasta and grill selections) and impeccable wine list, while kids can have fun with provided coloring books and crayons and their own menu.
| French toast sticks
Caboodle noodle chicken soup
Belt busting baby burgers, lettuce, tomato and "dill-icious" dill pickle
Gooey grilled cheese sandwich
Kids hot dog with French fries
Crazy Rice Crispy Treat and Rocky Road ice cream
Super-stacked brownie sundae, vanilla ice cream
Chocolate chip cookies and milk | |
Another benefit of the Peninsula's impeccable service is on-site childcare for parets wishing to dine alone, shop or take in a show in Chicago's booming theater district. With three award-winning restaurants within the hotel, parents can enjoy live music and a first-class wine list without having to rush home to relieve the sitter. "Our Concierge staff is able to secure babysitting services so that parents who wish to dine alone can do so, while resting assured that their children will be well taken care of," Zec says.
Lastly, it's important to remember that most hotels, especially top-tier properties, are committed to going above and beyond to make your stay memorable. Not all hotels advertise their family amenities so it doesn't hurt to ask, and you should never feel shy about making special requests.
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