5 Musts When You Travel to Le Méridien Chicago-Oakbrook Center

Posted by: Melissa Maynard

Le Méridien – Chicago Oak Brook

Escape Chicago’s city center and venture to the western suburbs for a weekend at Le Méridien Chicago-Oakbrook Center. Located in the high-end commerce and business district and just steps from the shopping paradise Oakbrook Center, this sophisticated stay will feel like a world away with its chic new $25 million transformation. With 172 guestrooms and suites—all artfully designed, Le Méridien Chicago- Oakbrook Center will give you plenty to do onsite from their luxurious spa suites to their restaurant perched on the top floor, El Tapeo. Here are 5 musts when you make your visit. And trust us, don’t leave without trying their famous éclair.

Room Service for Breakfast

There’s nothing better than breakfast in bed. Oh yes there is, breakfast in bed at a hotel. We couldn’t wait to order up from Le Méridien’s extensive breakfast menu. We recommend the Eggs Benedict, fresh berries, toast and of course, fresh orange juice and coffee.

Illy coffee and an éclair

Across Le Méridien’s hotels around the world, you’ll find the iconic French éclair–a traditional Parisian pastry filled with cream and topped with icing, truly something sweet that you will never forget. Look for this treat in The Hub, along with an Illy coffee bar. We can’t think of a better way to start your day.

Make a Spa Appointment

Make an appointment for the hotel’s signature Spa Suites, if only for the luxury products. The spa uses ESPA, a luxury brand, featuring natural products that are made in England. Their aromatherapy, coupled with a massage, still has us daydreaming. With a healing and holistic approach, enjoy an array of spa services including massages, facials—and even treatments for the busy executive that lasts 25 minutes so you can get in, pampered and then back to business. For a full list of services, click here.

Dinner at El Tapeo

Definitely check out one of the hottest new Spanish restaurants, El Tapeo, on the 9^th floor. Be amazed because you can take in the stunning views of Downtown Chicago through floor-to-ceiling wrap around windows. The name originates from the Spanish term “Vamos de tapeo”, and is helmed by the incredible Chef Franco Diaz, who comes from a stunning background of luxury hotels including St. Regis Bal Harbour Florida, St. Regis Aspen Colorado, St. Regis Princeville Kauai, The Drake Hotel, and Peninsula Hotel Chicago. Look for tapas style dishes and main courses like Croquetas de Marisco (crispy shellfish fritters and piquillo aioli), Paella de Langosta (bomba rice, maine lobster, spicy chorizo, mushroom, mussels, lemon and garlic aioli), Chuletero Ibérico (grilled Ibérico pork chops and mojo verde), and Carne Asada (waygu skirt steak, arugula, manchego and piquillo pepper).

A Visit to Oakbrook Center

Being so close to Oakbrook Center, you must take time for some shopping. From Neiman Marcus to Tory Burch, finding every brand you know and love will be a breeze—and, since the hotel is directly across the street from the shopping center, you can shop ’til you drop, literally. Definitely check out some of the new specialty shops like PIRCH—an oasis for all of your kitchen, bath and outdoor needs or the Porsche Design store that carries a wide range of luxury products including women’s and men’s ready-to-wear, engineered sportswear, handbags, small leather goods, a fine luggage collection for your travels, elegant eyewear and timepieces. Keep tabs on stylish events year round, here.