Romantic Getaway - Park Hyatt Chicago
Reprinted with permission

So you've done the roses, jewels and dinners. Running out of ways to tell your sweetheart how special they are to you? Well, what about a romantic getaway? After all, it is one of the best ways to jump-start any relationship. When it comes to planning a romantic getaway, it is important that the location and hotel meet certain criteria. First, it has to be in an exciting city with lots of things to do. Second, the hotel had to be a first class property with exceptional service. Third, the hotel has to know how to pamper its guest like royalty. Mission: Finding a place that offers it all.

As luck would have it, you don't have to go very far. As a long time Chicago resident, I have always known that this city has a lot to offer. In fact, Chicago rivals Paris in romance, class, and culture. And when it comes to romance, Chicago is one of the most romantic cities in the world. With so much to see and do, there is something for everyone here. It's clean and well maintained streets makes walking to restaurants, museums, art galleries, aquarium, theatres, and bars and shops a cinch. Thanks to its wealth of cultural diversity from African to Italian, Chicago's cuisine is one of the best in the world. From elaborate architectural buildings to the beautiful Lake Michigan sunsets, Chicago does not disappoint. Though a big city, Chicago has an authentic Midwestern hospitality that is unmistakable. People here are so friendly and down to earth.

Your romantic getaway begins when you arrive at the Park Hyatt Chicago located in the heart of Chicago's Magnificent Mile. As the latest addition to the hotels in Chicago, the Park Hyatt Chicago made its debut in the fall of 2000, introducing unmatched luxury to travelers with discriminating taste. Its first-class service begins when you pull up to the curb. Its friendly staff will promptly greet you and immediately phone your name into the front desk so that your paperwork can begin. You will then be escorted to your room by another staff that will be happy to show you the features that make this hotel so indulging. Its lavish rooms offer breathtaking views of Lake Michigan and Michigan Avenue. Its luxurious bathrooms are complete with a two-person soaking tub with cherry-wood doors, wall-mounted flat screen televisions, separate shower stall, terry-cloth robes, individual wooden bath brushes, candles, bath salts and so much more. You will also be impressed with the entertainment system in the bedroom equipped with high-tech amenities like flat-screen televisions, DVD and CD players. And should you ever care to leave the hotel, a Mercedes town car is available, with compliments, to destinations within downtown Chicago and nearby neighborhoods.

You may choose to start your day by strolling in and out of the many shopping areas on Michigan Avenue such as Watertower Place and Bloomingdale's. The shops in this area are plentiful with everything from Louis Vuitton to Prada. Getting around on Michigan Avenue mostly consists of walking, though there are times when you might want to grab a cab. After several hours of shopping and site seeing, you may want to head back to the hotel to get ready for dinner at NoMI, the hotels' restaurant.

NoMI is one of Chicago's most celebrated restaurants and it attracts people with an appreciation for great food and fine wine. NoMi is designed by Toni Chi and Associates, designers of many of the world's prestigious and architecturally significant restaurants. Located on the seventh floor, NoMI features phenomenal views of Chicago's historic Water Tower and Lake Michigan, a 300 square foot wine room, show kitchen, sushi bar, two private rooms and an outdoor terrace. Its celebrity chef, Sandro Gamba, comes up with the most creative and indulging cuisine with an infinite variety of flavors.

A stay at the Park Hyatt Chicago will not be complete without being pampered in its spa - Tiffani Kim. The plush new 7,000 square foot-spa capture its Asian flavor through elements such as terra cotta, French limestone, jute and sisal. Afterward several sessions of being pampered, you may want to head back to Michigan Avenue for some more shopping and site seeing. The view from the John Hancock, less than a block from the hotel, is incredible, even in the coldest of winter months. It offers the most romantic view of Chicago especially when you have someone to enjoy it with.

The Park Hyatt will not only meet but it will beat your expectations. When it comes to romance, the Park Hyatt Chicago rises to the occasion in a beautiful yet understated way. To sum it up, the Park Hyatt Chicago is a great hotel with an excellent location, exceptional service and a phenomenal view. Park Hyatt Chicago, 800 Michigan Ave., (800) 778-7477, www.parkhyatt.com