A city that thinks their mile is “Magnificent!” Where boutiques, baseball & Blackhawks are more enticing than dating (maybe!) Whether you’re into jazz, blues, top chefs or architecture you will be blown away by Chicago!
Travel in Style. Want the red carpet treatment? VIP Travel is your go to travel source for that hard to get reservation! All you need to do is relax, enjoy the VIP “Experience” and be whisked about town.
Where2Stay
Trump Hotel – Pleasure or business? What better place than Trump Hotel Chicago? Towering over Michigan Avenue, this glass & steel skyscraper is one of ten in the world to hold a 5-Star Forbes rating for both its restaurant & hotel! It is the tallest reinforced concrete building in the world. With the largest hotel rooms in Chicago, panoramic views & luxurious spa what more can you want? How about one of their special exotic martinis at Rebar?
Shake it up – Start by flying high New Years Eve at Sixteen for dinner, then head to Rebar for fireworks and champagne. Then retire to your room to make your own fireworks!
Virgin Hotel – Wouldn’t it be nice to be a virgin again? Sir Richard makes that a reality with the opening of the first Virgin Hotel in the world! Rooms are colored exactly like his planes – red and white. Use their Virgin app (your wish, their command.) Don’t miss “Death by Chocolate” in their Miss Ricky diner, free cocktails from 6-7, meet your roommates in the Common Room or hang out literally on their roof top. And you thought you could never be a virgin again!
Where2Dine
Chicago Cut – Make the cut! Fantastic charred steaks, city views, outdoor terrace (in summer) buzzing bar – reservations essential! Martinis overflow (you even get a straw). Probably the most happening place in Chicago!
Momotaro – Not a carnivore? How about sushi & whiskey? Don’t get lost in their 11,000 sq. ft space! Serving modern Japanese in the Fulton Market District. Don’t miss their signature tartar. Don’t have a reservation? Head to their downstairs izakaya. Large tables, make new friends!
Duck Inn – Duck in! Esquire magazine named it one of the new 10 best restaurants in America & bartender Brandon Phillips just won the Global Bartender Competition for his Gin Cocktail & Gin popcorn. Pre order the duck when reserving. Better than a movie!
Pick Me Up Café – Hungry at 4 AM? Head to Lakeview (filled w/ vintage shops & bars) to this 50’s style cafe! Open 24 hours on weekends – don’t miss their zombie coffee drink: three shots of espresso, two cups of coffee, steamed milk, whipped cream w/ chocolate & caramel! Gives a whole new meaning to “getting picked up.”
Lunch Tip – Want to fast track that business deal? Dine at Sixteen, on the 16th floor in the Trump Hotel. Awarded two Michelin stars, the view alone makes you a winner!
Where2Play
Three Dots and A Dash: A bit of Hawaii in Chicago. Follow the tiki torch lit back alley named after Don the Beachcomber. Order one of their “Pain Killer “cocktails & a Pu Pu Platter. You won’t feel a thing!
Violet Hour – A yellow lightbulb is the only clue that you have arrived! This Wicker Park bar is ideal for that romantic tryst. White tables, chandeliers, candles & artisanal cocktails. Read the house rules – no beer, cell phones, no Grey Goose! Think Absinthe, beet syrup & egg whites!
The Drake – Footloose? Stay on your feet & move to the rhythm of ballroom &salsa.
Gibsons Bar & Steakhouse – Head into the “triangle”and you might never emerge. An a iconic institution – start early evening w/martinis you can drown in & end the night singing with the pianist!
What2Do
Chicago is a cultural mecca! Museums – Art Institute, Science & Industry, Field Museum to name a few. Love boat rides? Take the Chicago Architecture Boat Cruise but bundle up! For the sports fanatic – hockey, basketball & baseball which will keep him occupied while you stroll the Magnificent Mile! Don’t forget Fulton Market -art galleries, restaurants, bars and boutiques. Don’t want to carry those bags? Have VIP Travel Experience travel help out!
\
Don’t Miss
The Chicago Architecture Biennial – Artist exhibits, installations from over 70 studios in 30 countries (October -January)
Randolf St. Monthly Market (dates vary)
Creatures From the Concrete (September 13th-January 10th)
Robot Revolution at the Museum of Science and Industry (May 21st-Jan.3rd)
The Next Hot Neighborhood – Pilsen on Chicago’s South Side! New buzz, new restaurants, new galleries
Look Out – Willis Tower Sky-deck Plexiglas box-step out at your own risk suspended
Fashion, North America
fashion, Furry Boots, Space 519, Trump Hotel, Vintage Underground, VIP Travel
Chicago Fashion – Top to Bottom
Stay High in Style… Layers, layers & layers. Masked under billowing fur coats and hats are Chicago’s most elegantly dressed. Freezing temperatures means more fashion latitude!
“Head”out in Chicago – Take cover – it’s cold outside. Step out in bold over-sized hats. Stay warm, look cool. Uncover by the fire and reveal a sheer multi textured top.
Swipe right – it’s a holiday match. A pop of color and you will shine for New Years at the Trump Hotel.
Are you a leg man? Opaque stripped stockings and a white button down shirt will carry into late night. Add a black skirt, furry boots, and top it off with a red fur hat. Look stylish from head to toe.
Shop
Do you want unique hidden shops? Items that no one else has?
Ikram – Ignore the security guards, be prepared for sticker price shock & focus on the vogue look & high styled unique designers
Sprinkles ATM Cupcake! How can you keep shopping without nutrition?
Vintage Underground – One of a kind jewelry. Perhaps a teal blue ring watch that tells real time. It’s always time to shop.
Luxury Garage – High-end designer vintage boutique. Designer shoes, accessories & couture fashion. Two locations – Old Town & a pop up at 900 North Michigan You’ll need all day to shop there! Sales are final.
Space 519 –Located at 900 North Michigan – Men’s & women’s fashion & accessories. Primarily local Chicago and European designers. Coveting the huge gold ball necklace there.
Nakamol Chicago – Jam packed bling store. Unique pieces of big statement jewelry. The jewelry is featured in major department stores – an opportunity to go right to the source.
Fashion Event – Transworld’s Jewelry & Accessory & Fashion Show for buyers & sellers – February 18 -21. You need to sell more than you buy!
Why Go?
Old and new – Toronto. Towering skyscrapers & modern architecture nestled with churches, castles & historic English architecture makes for an ideal getaway. Home to 70 nationalities, 100 languages, all w/ diverse neighborhoods. Major museums, 7,000 restaurants, the worlds tallest free standing structure (the CN Tower), major sport teams Maple Leafs, Raptors, Blue Jays & Argo (heaven for women,) theater, outdoor sports for winter & summer, a perfect destination. Best of all? The people – Canadians are the nicest, friendliest people – just ask for directions.) They would actually walk you there!
No matter which corner you turn, street art everywhere!
Does being married or single influence Where2Stay? Location, cost, size & child friendly all play a part. Do you want your hotel, hip & modern with sexy dark lounges, a DJ spinning “singles” on the roof? Or do you prefer a quiet, elegant & romantic hotel? Sometimes you might want to “marry” the two which is the hardest to find. You will see an M (married), S (Single), or an MS (married/single) next to each hotel.
Where2Stay –
Park Hyatt– Could this hotel be in a better location? In the middle of the fashionable Yorkville Area , surrounded by designer shops, chic restaurants, clubs and let’s not forget within walking distance of the Babaluu Salsa Club. Understated, sophisticated & elegant like all Park Hyatts. Renowned for its Stillwater Spa, Annona Restaurant and the best feature – their sultry rooftop lounge w/outdoor seating overlooking the city. ( (MS)
Ritz Carlton Toronto – Conde Nast Gold List – not only one of the best places to stay in Canada but voted top business hotel as well. Floor to ceiling windows, a Clarins Spa (second in the world), huge ballroom for weddings and fabulous Ritz Service. Not to mention plush, lush rooms. (M)
Four Seasons – Want to say you slept with “The Stones?” This newly remodeled Four Seasons is the place to play and stay. Located in the ritzy Yorkville District – a gorgeous hotel. From the rooms, flower arrangements to the expansive bar with great art, best people watching around. Martinis aren’t too bad either. (MS)
Thompson Toronto – The first foray into Canada for this hip NY based boutique company. Located downtown near clubs & great bars this chic hotel has a yoga studio, screening room, 24/7 diner for those late nights, rooftop infinity pool (not for use in winter) & extra large marble baths. Home to hip Scarpetta Restaurant. Definitely for those ready to party (S)
The Drake – Laid back, retro but w/ a modern bent – this is our value find. Located on revitalized West Queen West, the art & design district is the hip place. With room names like Crash Pad, Solo & Den, a sky yard patio, live music and changing art work, this is another version of Toronto (S)
Shangri-La -From the famed Asia based company this is the new one. This sexy chain (note the golden entrance below) gets it right on so many levels. State of the art fireplace in the lobby is the perfect meeting place. Couple that with a live piano player & floor to ceiling windows in the modern calming rooms (largest rooms in Toronto). Attached is David Chang’s Momofuko, with a great entrance. See below (MS)
Where2Dine
From formal to funky Toronto has it all. Our favorites… Bucca for Italian, Brassaii, Westlodge on Queens Street, romantic Canoe & Sotto Sotto, Woodlot Bakery, David Chang’s Noodle Bar, Cafe Boulud, Globe & the controversial glass & aluminum c5 for lunch (designed by Daniel Libeskind) and don’t forget House of Poutine (fries & gravy) Toronto’s signature dish.
Where2Play
Pravda Vodka Bar, Babaluu for Salsa, Fifth St. Social Club, The Boiler House in the Gaslight District and The Cocktail Bar
Where2Shop
Stroll down Bloor Street for major shopping including our favorites – Intermix, Roots, & Holt Renfrew, wander the streets of Yorkville, Stroll Queens St. West and the Eaton’s Mall. Our best find for designers under one roof – TNT in Hazelton Lane
What2Do
Historic St. Lawrence Market (don’t miss Carousel Bakery), historic Distillery District with its art galleries, & pubs, BATA Shoe Museum, Casa Loma, AGO & ROM Museums, stroll the Harbourfront
The Toronto Girls