Recommend March 2013 - (Page 76)

“hard rock” chicago-style—rock out in the windy city continued from page 26 doubt, the Hard Rock brand is one that prides itself on its musical roots and superb ability to provide every guest with a “rock star” experience. And how do they do it? Blake Smith, global music and marketing manager for Hard Rock International, tells us it’s all about “service, service, pampering...and maybe some more service. Rock stars are mercurial creatures, and our teams offer superlative responsiveness to even the most creative of requests.” Adding to that, Smith jokes, “Please keep it legal, people.” Of course, the hotel offers everything a music lover could crave. Each floor is themed after a different band or artist, with memorabilia displayed on the landing floor—pieces like a medieval-style coat worn by Elton John to Elvis Presley’s birthday party; vest, pants and scarves worn by Steven Tyler of Aerosmith; and a silver jumpsuit, platform shoes and black Yamaha guitar belonging to James Young of STYX. No drooling on the glass, please. Yes, music is at the heart of the experience at this property, right down to the carpeting, which is rumored to mimic the visual design of musical sound waves. Downstairs near the lobby, antiquelooking (but not sounding) Little Horn speakers decorate a sitting area where clients can gaze through floor-to-ceiling glass windows “Cloud Gate” at Millennium Park. at the constant movement of the city outside, or they can head to Angels & Kings, an all-day and (nearly) all-night establishment serving everything from morning brunch to evening shots of tequila...or morning shots of tequila, if your clients are down for that. Guestrooms are modern, spacious and comfortable, each following along with the memorabilia theme of its floor with framed photos, lyrics etched into the mirror and guitars stitched into the pillowcases. Citrus-scented Rock Spa bath products had us swooning, and iPod docking stations and our flat-screen TV provided in-room entertainment. One of the perks of staying in a historic building in the center of downtown is the view—our corner unit offered a northern view across the city’s skyscrapers plus a glance eastwards to Chicago Harbor and its yachts as they cruise up and down the coast. So yes, relaxing is indeed an option in this fast-paced “Second City.” In fact, your clients can do it up right at Rock Spa, which features two private massage treatment rooms, or if they prefer, they can have a spa therapist come to their own guestroom for some in-room treatment. For a real workout, your clients can stop in at the 24-hour fitness center, Body Rock. And of course, retail therapy is also an option at Hard Rock Hotel Chicago’s Rock Shop. CITY OF CHICAGO touring the town 76 march 2013 26-77 NA HR Chicago.indd 76 Speaking of shopping, Chicago’s Magnificent Mile is just a few steps from the property, and can surely provide an entire afternoon (or two) of great finds. If your clients are fans of fun (and who isn’t?), Second City Comedy Club absolutely cannot be missed. Open since 1959, this comedy house has seen hundreds of comedic geniuses as they rose on their way to fame, with alumni including Tina Fey, Stephen Colbert and Steve Carell. Also around town are plenty of must-see sights outdoors. One of the most popular is Navy Pier—a shopping and entertainment complex offering an entire afternoon’s worth of family fun—followed closely by Millennium Park and its popular sculptures, which include the spouting faces and “Cloud Gate” (known as “The Bean”). “Chicago is a great destination all year long,” says Lynn Farrell, president and owner of Windy City Travel and Foremost Travel, two agencies that call Chicago home. The city, she says, “offers all of the culture, dining and sightseeing opportunities that big cities like New York offer, but Chicago is a more manageable size with a great lakefront and friendlier people.” Farrell recommends a few key essentials when visiting, including stopping by Willis Tower—formerly the Sears Tower—where clients can visit Skydeck Chicago, an attraction affording an incredible lookout, plus the option to step out onto glass-bottomed (and enclosed) ledges 110 stories high. Also on her list of must-do’s are a boat tour, which often occur on double-decker boats that cruise along the lakefront or the river, showcasing the city’s architecture, and a good, hearty slice of Chicago pizza. We can attest—it is definitely as good as they say it is. recommend.com 2/20/13 11:59 AM http://www.recommend.com

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Recommend March 2013

Editor's Notes/Agent Speak
Hotel Desk: Fairmont Hotels & Resorts
Tour Talk: Travel Indochina
Safaris in Southern Africa
Un-Cruise Adventures in Alaska
Alaska is Celebrating in 2013
"Hard Rock" Chicago-Style: Rock out in the Windy City
Mexico Destination Weddings & Honeymoon Planner
Girldfriends' Getaway at Eden Roc, Miami Beach
Kyushu: The Rising Sun of Japanese Destinations
The New All-Inclusives in Jamaica Claim Their Turf
RIU Punta Cana
Costa Rica: A Trio of Detours
Touring Central & Eastern Europe

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