The Talbott, Autograph Collection
My wife and I recently spent a long weekend at The Talbott, Autograph Collection in downtown Chicago — and it was absolutely everything we hoped for. We live just 12 blocks from the Loop, so we don’t often stay in a hotel downtown anymore, especially not for a full weekend. But after the closure of the elegant Dining Room at the Ritz-Carlton back in 2011, we’d missed that refined urban retreat experience. This trip to The Talbott was our chance to reconnect with that feeling. Located just steps from the Magnificent Mile at 20 East Delaware Place, this 149-room boutique gem has undergone a stunning transformation by local designer Kara Mann and Joie de Vivre from the West Coast. From the moment we walked in, the fresh, modern aesthetic — warm yet sophisticated — set the tone. We stayed in a spacious 475-square-foot Premium King Room with a king bed, a cozy sitting area, HDTV, mini-fridge, coffee/tea maker, and a safe — perfect for unwinding after a day of exploring. The renovation shows in every detail: sleek finishes, thoughtful lighting, and high-end touches throughout. The hotel’s amenities are top-notch — 24-hour front desk, valet parking, free Wi-Fi, concierge service, a stylish bar, 24-hour room service, a quiet library, laundry, business center, luggage storage, on-call doctor, multilingual staff, and even complimentary bikes for city rides. We spent our days shopping on the Magnificent Mile, catching a show, taking a boat tour along the Chicago River, and dining at several Michelin-starred restaurants. It felt luxurious but never pretentious — the kind of stay that makes you feel both pampered and at ease. If you’re looking for a memorable downtown Chicago escape with charm, comfort, and great style, The Talbott is a must-try.