What You Need to Know About the Pendry Chicago: A Perfect Rainy Weekend Escape

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Weekend at the Pendry Chicago

I spent the weekend at the Pendry Chicago, tucked inside the historic Carbide and Carbon Building. Completed in 1929, the building’s green terracotta and gold trim were designed to look like a champagne bottle—a bold nod to the Prohibition era. Today, its restored Art Deco lobby draws photographers and architecture buffs alike. The hotel mixes vintage elegance with modern comfort. At night, the entire space glows—soft light reflecting off polished brass, chandeliers sparkling like city stars, and shadows dancing across the marble floors. I couldn’t wait to check in.

Arrival and Expectations

The warm glow of the hotel lobby on Chicago’s Magnificent Mile greeted me as I stepped inside. It felt like a cocoon of elegance shielding me from the bustling city on the other side of the revolving doors. I didn’t expect the hive of energy in the lobby of the Pendry Chicago. Crystal chandeliers sparkled overhead, reflecting on the polished marble floors. A steady hum of voices filled the air—travelers arriving, suitcases rolling, and the faint clink of glasses from the lounge nearby. I felt alive with anticipation. This weekend was going to be fun.

I clutched my weekend itinerary, a meticulous list of places I wanted to see and things I wanted to do. Art galleries, rooftop bars, brunch at a Michelin-star restaurant, and a stroll along the lakefront. The city stretched before me like a canvas waiting to be painted with memories. My phone buzzed with a message from a friend: “Can’t wait to see your photos!” Neither could I.

The line at the check-in desk moved slowly, but I didn’t mind. The lobby was grand, the kind of place that made you feel like a character in a movie. I could already imagine sitting by the oversized windows with a glass of wine, watching the city lights dance against the night sky.

Thunder and Realizations

Then I heard it. A low rumble that grew louder, vibrating through the walls. Thunder. At first, it was distant, almost ignorable. But then came the hard, staccato beat of raindrops against the tall glass windows, followed by the unmistakable sound of hurried footsteps and dripping umbrellas.

My stomach sank. I turned to look outside. The sky had transformed from a bright winter blue to a slate gray, heavy with rain that lashed against the pavement. Pedestrians darted for cover, their coats pulled tight, and the wind twisted umbrellas into useless shapes. My mind raced. The gallery visit? Impossible in this downpour. The rooftop bar? Ruined. Even walking along the lake’s edge—one of my favorite things to do in Chicago—seemed like a fool’s errand now.

I clenched my itinerary, my earlier excitement dissolving into disappointment. I had planned everything to perfection, yet here I was, stranded in the heart of the city with nothing to do. Rain hammered the windows harder now, drowning out the upbeat jazz playing softly in the background. I could feel my carefully crafted plans slipping away like water through my fingers.

A Change in Perspective

The line at the desk moved forward, but I barely noticed. My thoughts spiraled. What was the point of coming all this way? Why did I even bother? I looked around the lobby, hoping for inspiration. People bustled past, chatting and laughing as though the rain didn’t matter. A couple sat by the fireplace, sipping cocktails, their faces glowing in the firelight. A man with a camera was snapping photos of the chandeliers. Slowly, I realized something: I was already in an amazing place. Maybe I just needed to adjust my lens.

By the time I reached the desk, I had a new plan. Rain or not, this weekend wasn’t going to waste. As I checked in, the concierge handed me my room key with a smile and mentioned the hotel’s amenities: a luxurious spa, a renowned restaurant, and a library stocked with books from local authors.

Velvet and Gold

Even before I reached my room, the hotel had already seduced me. Dim lighting traced the edges of the hallways. Velvet armchairs, dark wood, and touches of gold made each corner feel like a film set. Downstairs, the lounge glowed with soft amber tones. Couples leaned in close. Bartenders moved with quiet rhythm. A fireplace crackled behind glass. It wasn’t just luxurious—it was intimate, warm, and deeply atmospheric.

I checked in and made a quiet promise to slow down. Maybe I wouldn’t rush around the city after all. The hotel itself felt like a destination.

Making the Most of a Rainy Day

Once in my room, I dropped my bag and walked straight to the window. The skyline shimmered through sheer curtains. The room echoed the building’s Art Deco past—brass fixtures, rich textures, and thoughtful design. I kicked off my shoes, poured a glass of sparkling water, and sat down to revise my plans.

Instead of dashing through museums and rooftops, I decided to stay in. Not to hide from the world—but to soak in this space.

1. Explore the Hotel

I wandered through the hotel’s public spaces like I was moving through a gallery. The light fixtures, the vintage trim, the dramatic floral arrangements—every detail had a story.

2. Skip Room Service

Tempting as it was, I opted for dinner in the restaurant downstairs. The candlelight, mirrored walls, and clinking glassware made the meal feel like a private event.

3. Create Your Own Spa Experience

I ran a hot bath, unpacked my favorite face mask, and leaned into stillness. The room’s lighting made even a quiet evening feel special.

4. Write or Read

I curled up in the armchair and opened my notebook. The hotel gave me space to think. To breathe. To dream without rush.

5. People-Watch

Later, I sat by the lobby fireplace with tea. A couple from London checked in. A woman in heels snapped a photo of the ceiling. Everyone seemed softened by the mood—the lighting, the music, the calm.

A New Kind of Journey

By the end of the night, I realized the weekend didn’t need to be packed. It just needed to feel full. The Pendry didn’t just give me shelter—it gave me an atmosphere. A sense of calm elegance. A way to see Chicago through a softer lens. I arrived with a list of things to do. But what I needed was already waiting for me, under low light and quiet luxury of the Pendry Chicago.

Address: 230 N Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60601

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