I got to spend my birthday weekend in one of my favorite places; downtown Chicago! If you’re looking for a stimulating getaway with an inspirational haven to retreat to in-between, check out EMC2 Hotel! All you need is 48 hours in Downtown Chicago for all the entertainment you could want.
The Retreat- EMC2 Hotel
I had the pleasure of visiting The Albert, the in-house restaurant of EMC2 Hotel, exactly a year ago on my birthday! Isn’t that crazy? As fate would have it, I was there for a PR event and was instantly enamored with the paintings, and being a bookworm, the books along the walls. Therefore, I was excited to get the chance to go back there again and get to know the space even better.
The Albert design accents
First impressions
At first impression, EMC2 Hotel is pretty, modern and chic. But if you look closer, there’s little nooks and crannies of technology and modern design that appear effortless. The lobby has two robots named Cleo & Leo (I joked that they’re in love!), that help bring you stuff to your room, i.e. towels, water, etc.! The couple rides the elevator with you and if you haven’t been introduced to them beforehand, you definitely wonder what’s up with the R2D2 -esque robot next to you!
The 2nd floor lobby 2nd floor lounge
The elevator itself is gorgeous! There’s a modern art design in all. If you stop at the 2nd floor lobby on the way up to your room, there’s a comfortable seating area overlooking The Albert (restaurant). It has a modern yet retro vibe about the decor there and throughout the hotel. The lighting is great and really sets the mood for meeting up for drinks or relaxing.
The Room
Once you get up to your room, it’s also surprising in a good way! The glass shower is right between the bathroom and bedroom in an avant garde fashion. The beautiful art from the elevator is continued in the room with a dreamy face overlooking the bed. My husband loved the accents in the room that were again, both throwback design and modern conveniences. Some of these were: the horn structure playing music from your phone and the flower holder vase that holds your toiletries.
I loved the view from our room and the design thoughtfulness throughout! Another reason to stay here is the amazing S.T.E.M Youth Program they help support! In conclusion, I would recommend this hotel is the proximity to Michigan Ave and Downtown Chicago, as well as public transportation. I think it’s better for couples, work events and adults than it is for kids! If you need a hotel that lends itself to kids, check this out!
So you have 48 hours in Downtown Chicago!
Day One
8 AM Breakfast in bed:
Thanks to Cleo & Leo, our robot friends, you can get your breakfast faves delivered to your room so that you’re fueled up and ready to go on your Chicago adventure.
9 AM Out the door:
If you’re like me, if I’m on vacation without kids, I’m trying to sleep in until 8 AM at least! Because, hello #momlife! Once you’re up and ready, grab a coffee at the nearby Starbucks at Erie & St. Claire!
10 AM Class at MaZi Dance Fitness
719 South State Street
You’re on vacation but why not break a little sweat and have fun while you’re here. Check out Ballerina Fight Club, a HIIT workout that detox before you retox!
12 PM Lunch at Atwood
1 W Washington St, Chicago, IL 60602
Since MaZi Dance Fitness is in the South Loop, head to Atwood Chicago for a proper lunch with a gorgeous dining room with tons of natural light!
2 PM Catch the Chicago River Architecture Tour
This is the best way to see Chicago and learn about it’s history! It’s about $43 for adults, $22 for youth and takes about 90 minutes. They run almost every hour and you can catch one at 2, 3 or 4 PM.
5 PM Back to EMC2 Hotel
Regroup at the hotel and meet friends you might now in town for drinks at The Albert! I love the homemade bread and ceviche.
8:30 PM Dinner at Le Colonial
57 E Oak St, Chicago, IL 60611
Just up the street on the Gold Coast, you’ll find one of my favorite restaurants, Le Colonial Chicago. If you’re looking for ambiance, excellent food, service….come here! Everytime I go it kind of sweeps me away and makes me feel that I’m in a scene from Casablanca of something like that. The French-Vietnamese food is super approachable and the 1920’s decor is something to see!
10:30 PM Walk along the Gold Coast, maybe back to EMC2
I love walking around Chicago at night during the summers. This part of town is pretty safe if you’re aware of your surroundings and with another person. It’s lovely walking by the shops and maybe down Michigan Ave!
Day 2
11 AM Brunch at Fig & Olive
104 E Oak St, Chicago, IL 60611
For an awesome brunch that’s close by, with an alfresco rooftop overlooking the shops, check this place out! The food and service are impeccable and you can easily shop afterwards!
1 PM Shopping Time Gold Coast
The shops here are mostly high end, so it lends itself for a lot of window shopping. However, they are so beautiful, it’s worth a peek!
2 PM Dylan’s Candy Bar
663 N Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60611
If you’re like me and need something sweet at 3 PM, head to Dylan’s Candy Bar! It’s so pricey you won’t get much candy but the presentation and original candy are a must-see. I love the plain ole Dylan’s Chocolate Bar $3.25 in Cookies & Cream! The boys love to fill baggie with a variety, when they come with.
3 PM Michigan Ave Shopping
Now we’re talking! My favorite shops on the street in no particular order are: Zara, Saks, Neiman Marcus, David Yurman, H&M, Burberry, Cartier, and Ann Taylor. These are all shops I frequent a ton when I’m down there and the service is usually friendly and fun!
Midnight, JK. 6 PM Walk along Navy Pier
I could shop til midnight but around 6 PM, it’s time to wrap it up! I love walking by and around Navy Pier, it’s so magical. With the lake and Ferris Wheel silhouette, you’ll have beautiful memories and Instagram worthy moments!
8:00 PM Dinner at Bandera
I freaking love this place for dinner! The live music, the closeness to everything and the food is great and not too expensive. Every time I go here, it’s a great time! Love sitting at the bar.
Next day pack up your stuff and back to reality but not without saying goodbye to Cleo & Leo! Hopefully your 48 hours in downtown Chicago was all you hoped it would be! XO, Z
Thank you EMC2 Hotel for having us!