Langham Chicago Hotel Mattress and Sleep Review
- 10/21/2017
Ben Trapskin
Tale of Two Architects: The Langham Hotel Chicago’s Rich History
The Langham, Chicago, isn’t just a contemporary luxury hotel; it’s a fascinating tapestry woven from architectural ingenuity, modern vision, and a respect for heritage. Its story intertwines with the works of two renowned architects, each leaving an indelible mark on the Windy City skyline.
Chapter 1: The Visionary Ludwig Mies van der Rohe (1971)
In 1971, the legendary modernist architect, Ludwig Mies van der Rohe, designed the iconic AMA Plaza, a 52-story skyscraper overlooking the Chicago River. Known for his minimalist approach and emphasis on clean lines and functionality, Mies van der Rohe’s design became a hallmark of Chicago’s modern architectural landscape. The building, originally IBM’s regional headquarters, was lauded for its innovative use of steel and glass, its elegant simplicity, and its seamless integration with the urban environment.
Chapter 2: Transformation and Rebirth (2013)
Fast forward to 2013. The AMA Plaza, already a Chicago landmark, underwent a meticulous transformation into The Langham, Chicago. The Langham Hospitality Group, known for its heritage hotels and impeccable service, saw the potential in Mies van der Rohe’s masterpiece and embarked on a project that would preserve the building’s architectural legacy while infusing it with modern luxury.
The result was a seamless blend of old and new. The hotel’s interiors pay homage to Mies van der Rohe’s minimalist aesthetic, featuring clean lines, natural materials, and expansive windows that showcase the breathtaking cityscape. Yet, it also boasts touches of contemporary elegance, with custom-designed furniture, plush fabrics, and state-of-the-art amenities.
A Legacy of Hospitality and Modern Chic
Today, The Langham, Chicago stands as a testament to the enduring power of great architecture and its ability to evolve with time. It’s a place where guests can experience the timeless elegance of Mies van der Rohe’s vision alongside the modern comforts and impeccable service that are synonymous with the Langham name.
Beyond the Building: A Touch of Hollywood Royalty
The Langham, Chicago’s story doesn’t end with its architecture. It has also become a favorite among celebrities and dignitaries, from Oprah Winfrey and Angelina Jolie to the British Royal Family. In 2011, Prince William and Kate Middleton held a pre-wedding reception at the hotel, further solidifying its reputation as a haven for luxury and exclusivity.
Whether you’re a history buff, a design enthusiast, or simply someone who appreciates exquisite hospitality, The Langham, Chicago has something to offer. It’s a place where the past and present meet in perfect harmony, creating an unforgettable experience for every guest.
The Langham Hotel in Chicago at 330 N. Wabash opened it 2013 and was named best hotel 2017 by U.S. News and World Report. It was previously known as the IBM building. The building was added to the National Register of Historic places in 2010.
The Room
I stayed in a Deluxe Premier room. Here are some of the ammenities of this type of room as listed on their website:
ROOM
- Dark walnut dressing and vanity parlour
- 55-inch LCD HD-television
- Complimentary in-room coffee and tea
- Cellarette with fully-stocked private bar
- Complimentary Wi-Fi
- Oversized executive work desk
- Accessible Room available upon request
BED AND BATH
- Signature Blissful Bed
- Chuan Spa bath amenities
- Botticino Fiorito marble, Alaskan White granite, and Travertine bathroom
- Deep soaking tub and rainfall shower
- “Reveal” opaque privacy glass at a touch of a button
SERVICES
- 24-hour concierge services
- In-room dining services
- Valet and laundry services
My room at the Langham was $500 per night which is very pricey so I was expecting the accomodations to live up to the price tag. Here’s a picture of the room.
My room had a king size bed with a 55 inch tv. There’s a mini bar along with a Nespresso machine. I don’t normally drink espresso but since this is such a fancy hotel, I think it calls for it.
Near the desk you get a terminal to connect your computer to the TV via HDMI, etc. which is awesome if you want to stream Netflix from your computer.
The bathroom is just as fancy. It has a large soaking tub and separate shower. You also get Chuan Spa shampoo, conditioner and soap. The Chuan Spa is located on the 4th floor of the hotel
Having a soaking tub can really help with your sleep experience as it helps you relax before bedtime.
If a bath isn’t your thing, you can head down to the pool and hot tub to relax a bit. The pool is gorgeous and has great views of the city.
The Langham Hotel Mattress
My Bed at the Langham wasn’t anything super special. I found it to be a bit firm. According to the Tag, it is a Beautyrest mattress. Here’s a picture of the bed itself.
The sheets weren’t anything special either but that’s to be expected for all hotels as they are constantly washed for new guests and they cycle through sheet much faster than you would in your home.
I was heartened to see that the mattress had a mattress protector around it to keep bed bugs out and even a tamper proof lock.
The pillows that come on your mattress are varied. I believe some are down but others are simply a polyester fill. You get an extra pillow in the closet which I found to be a polyester fill pillow.
I only stayed one night at the langham. Here are some things to keep in mind regarding my sleep experience.
Pros
The room was quiet despite being in the middle of the city. You can still hear occasional sirens and horns but overall it was a quiet experience after I turned on my whitenoise app on my phone.
The curtains kept the room dark. Dark enough for me to sleep in until 9am without being woken up by sunlight.
The rooms are very clean and spacious. The ceilings are higher than why you would typically find making the space feel bigger too.
A soaking tub made me relaxed and helped me to fall asleep sooner.
There are control panels next to the nightstands where you can turn off and on lights in varous rooms. No need to fidget for a switch
The HVAC is quiet and the thermostat is intuitive.
Cons
There are lots of ambient lights in the room when you turn of the lights proper. Such as led lights from the cable tv box and even the lights from the control panel next to the night stand are a little too bright for me.
The mattress is a bit too firm for me as a side sleeper and someone who prefer as softer mattress overall.
I was a little underwhelmed by the polyester spare pillow. However you can ask for a memory foam or even a lavender infused pillow to be brought up to your room.
Our room came with a Bose sound wave speaker but the bluetooth connector was missing the charger so I couldn’t use it to broadcast whitenoise which would have also helped.
My Langham Hotel Recommendation
Overall I enjoyed my stay at the Langham. I would have like to use the Bose radio and a softer mattress would have helped me get a better sleep but the cleanliness and beauty of the hotel along with a nice bath really made me relax. It’s in a great spot for walking to major tourist attractions.
People that want to sleep on a firmer mattress will definitely enjoy this hotel while side sleepers or anyone who craves a softer sleep experience may want to look elsewhere.
Langham Chicago Complaints
While The Langham Chicago is generally well-regarded for its luxury accommodations, impeccable service, and stunning architecture, like any hotel, it has also received its fair share of complaints from guests. Here are some of the common issues mentioned in online reviews:
Noise: Some guests have reported issues with noise pollution, whether from street noise, construction work, or even other guests in the hotel. This can be particularly disruptive in rooms facing the busy Michigan Avenue.
Service: While praised by many, some guests have expressed disappointment with the level of service they received, particularly regarding housekeeping, responsiveness to requests, and staff attentiveness.
Value for money: Given the hotel’s high price point, some guests have felt that their stay did not meet their expectations in terms of overall value. This could be due to factors like small room size, limited amenities, or unexpected additional charges.
Outdated rooms: While the hotel underwent a major renovation in 2013, some guests have mentioned that certain aspects of the rooms, such as bathrooms or furniture, appear outdated or in need of refurbishment.
Hidden fees: Some guests have been surprised by additional charges not clearly communicated beforehand, such as resort fees, parking fees, or minibar charges.
Food and beverage: While the hotel’s restaurants generally receive positive reviews, some guests have found the prices to be excessive or the menus to be limited.
It’s important to note that these are just some of the complaints that have been mentioned online, and they may not reflect the experience of all guests. It’s also worth mentioning that the hotel has actively addressed some of these issues, such as implementing noise-reduction measures and improving communication about additional charges.
Here are some additional things to consider:
- Guest expectations: The Langham Chicago is a luxury hotel, and guests should expect a certain level of quality and service. However, it’s important to remember that no hotel is perfect, and there will always be some occasional issues.
- Individual experiences: Everyone’s experience at a hotel will be different, and what one person considers a minor inconvenience, another may find to be a major dealbreaker.
- Online reviews: While online reviews can help get a general sense of a hotel, it’s important to take them with a grain of salt. Some people are more likely to leave a review if they had a negative experience, and not all reviews are accurate or objective.
If you’re considering staying at The Langham Chicago, it’s always a good idea to do your research and read a variety of reviews before booking. You should also be aware of the hotel’s policies and amenities, and be prepared for the possibility of encountering some minor issues during your stay.
Here are some interesting trivia facts about The Langham Hotels group:
- Royal Connections: The Langham has a long history of hosting royalty, from Queen Victoria to Queen Elizabeth II. In fact, The Langham, London even has a suite named after Queen Victoria, who stayed there frequently.
- Royal Connections: The Langham has a long history of hosting royalty, from Queen Victoria to Queen Elizabeth II. In fact, The Langham, London even has a suite named after Queen Victoria, who stayed there frequently.
- Literary Haunts: The Langham, London has been mentioned in numerous works of literature, including Charles Dickens’s “Bleak House” and Oscar Wilde’s “The Picture of Dorian Gray.” It was also a favorite haunt of writers like Charles Dickens, Mark Twain, and Oscar Wilde.
- Literary Haunts: The Langham, London has been mentioned in numerous works of literature, including Charles Dickens’s “Bleak House” and Oscar Wilde’s “The Picture of Dorian Gray.” It was also a favorite haunt of writers like Charles Dickens, Mark Twain, and Oscar Wilde.
- Sherlock Holmes Connection: Sir Arthur Conan Doyle was a frequent guest at The Langham, London and even used it as the setting for several Sherlock Holmes stories. The hotel still has a Sherlock Holmes-themed suite today.
- Sherlock Holmes Connection: Sir Arthur Conan Doyle was a frequent guest at The Langham, London and even used it as the setting for several Sherlock Holmes stories. The hotel still has a Sherlock Holmes-themed suite today.
- Palm Court Tradition: The Langham, London’s Palm Court has been serving afternoon tea since 1865 and is considered one of the best places in the world to enjoy this quintessentially British tradition.
- Palm Court Tradition: The Langham, London’s Palm Court has been serving afternoon tea since 1865 and is considered one of the best places in the world to enjoy this quintessentially British tradition.
- Hollywood Royalty: The Langham Hotels have also been a favorite amongst Hollywood royalty, with guests like Grace Kelly, Audrey Hepburn, and Cary Grant all staying at various Langham properties.
- Hollywood Royalty: The Langham Hotels have also been a favorite amongst Hollywood royalty, with guests like Grace Kelly, Audrey Hepburn, and Cary Grant all staying at various Langham properties.
- Pink Palace in Hong Kong: The Langham, Hong Kong is housed in a distinctive pink building that was originally built as a bank headquarters.
- Pink Palace in Hong Kong: The Langham, Hong Kong is housed in a distinctive pink building that was originally built as a bank headquarters.
- Art Deco Gem in Melbourne: The Langham, Melbourne is a beautiful Art Deco building that was once the tallest hotel in the city.
- Art Deco Gem in Melbourne: The Langham, Melbourne is a beautiful Art Deco building that was once the tallest hotel in the city.
- Global Expansion: The Langham Hotels group now has properties in 10 countries around the world, including China, Australia, and the United States.
Have Questions?
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