Pendry Chicago Hotel Review and Photos

What No One Tells You About Launching marathon is that it doesn't end at the finish line. It all ends with a return to transport, home or, in my case, hotel. After I crossed the finish line on Chicago Marathonall I could think about was how much I wanted to go back to my hotel. Yes, there was a party after the race, where the euphoria of the team runner's high was probably contagious. But the sensory overload of running for hours through iconic Chicago neighborhoods left me craving quiet solitude.

I hobbled half a mile to get back to Pendry Chicago. My legs felt heavy with every step, but my feet felt surprisingly good. Nike Vomero Plus shoes. I reminded myself that my room is full of a couple recovery devices to mitigate the impact of 26.2 miles. As I entered the Art Deco lobby, I congratulated several marathon participants. With every step into the hotel the atmosphere became calmer. While training for the marathon, I often doubted my decisions. Did I follow the right one training plan? Was I gas station adequately? What happens if I get injured? As I approached my room and found my body beginning to relax, I realized that I had made one important decision: to stay at a wellness hotel.

About Pendry Chicago

What I love about the Pendry Chicago

My goal as a runner is to complete all six Abbot World Major Marathons and receive the Six Stars medal. The Chicago Marathon was my third marathon on this journey. After traveling to Berlin and Boston to earn my stars, I realized that where you stay for a marathon sets the tone for the event you've put months of training into. In Chicago, I was determined to do my best, and Pendry was the perfect place.

My first thoughts when I arrived at the Chicago airport and found myself on a crowded subway were that it was going to be a busy weekend: my numerous solo workouts had now culminated in an event that rivaled a Taylor Swift concert in attendance.

But when I arrived at the Pendry Hotel, located in the Carbide and Carbon Building, it was busy but not overly crowded. Small groups enjoyed happy hour at Bar Pendryand there were several runners with their race kits. During marathon weekends, hotel lobbies are often as busy as an airport, so I was grateful that the Pendry was spacious.

Although the hotel is known for its famous views, I asked for a room on the lower floor. When I ran the Boston Marathon, I stayed in a hotel with over 1,000 rooms and had to wait over 20 minutes for the elevator. Staying on the bottom floor allowed me to take the stairs, but I was relieved when the lifts to Pendry arrived quickly.

The room was modern, clean and luxurious. The standout feature was the bed; it was the perfect balance of cozy and firm. I usually don't sleep much before a race, but I managed to capture a decent shot. Oura this time evaluate the dream according to the ring.

One of the most important aspects of marathon running is carb loaded dinnerwhere a carbohydrate-rich meal will give you the extra fuel you need to run long distances. I chose Venteux, the hotel's Parisian-style restaurant. I ate a warm baguette and pasta primavera. Both were exactly what I needed: full of carbs, without too much spice or fat. The restaurant also offered several marathon promotions: 50 percent off race day food and drinks for finishers and a half-dozen free oysters for participants. As someone with a sensitive stomach, offering oysters before a marathon scared me, but I've seen plenty of runners indulge in them after the race.

When choosing a hotel for a competition, proximity to the start line is the first criterion I pay attention to. I wanted to arrive at the marathon at 6:20 a.m. to register, so every minute of extra travel time cost me sleep. Pendry was about a 10-15 minute walk down Michigan Avenue and I saw an epic sunrise on the way to Grant Park.

The energy of the marathon was electric. WITH 1.7 million viewers at 29 blocks, it was a party from start to finish (though I politely declined offers from several colorful spectators to shoot the Fireball). When I reached the finish line my legs were tired. This was my third marathon in six months and my quads felt like they were fighting for their lives. I tried my best to focus on the present moment and not be distracted by worrying about not being able to walk tomorrow.

Luckily, the energy of the crowd helped me get to the finish line. After more than 26 miles of being surrounded by celebration, I was ready for some peace. After slowly making my way back to the hotel as quickly as I could, I relaxed with a few items I'd rented from Pendry's store. wellness menua selection of products designed for recovery, sleep and relaxation. I started with Therabody RecoveryAir Jet Bootswhat was better than a massage. They combine compression therapy with vibration and infrared LED lighting to provide a truly restorative effect. They restored my legs and after using them I was able to walk with less discomfort. Next I wrapped myself in Higher Dose Infrared Sauna Blanket. After running, your body cools down and the infrared warmth feels like a soothing hug.

What should I consider before booking the Pendry Chicago?

There are a few considerations if you're looking to book Pendry. First, since it's located on Michigan Avenue, traffic and city noise can be loud, but my white noise machine did a good job of drowning out those sounds. If you live in an urban environment, noise may not bother you.

Parking in Chicago is notoriously expensive, and the $79 per night valet tax is quite steep. But public transport is easily accessible from the hotel.

Finally, although the Pendry Chicago does not have a spa, it does partner with Aire Ancient Bathwhere guests receive priority reservations and special spa benefits. Aire is a spa offering thermal baths, massages and body treatments. The day after the marathon, I tried a 30-minute massage and it helped relieve some lingering tension in my legs.

Who is Pendry Chicago best for?

This is the ideal hotel for runners training for the Chicago Marathon. The proximity to the starting line is unbeatable and the tranquil environment will set them up for success. Overall, the hotel is ideal for a trip to Chicago if you're looking for a balance of urban adventure with a touch of luxury.

Rating

★★★★★

Genevieve Farrell Roston (she/her) is an award-winning director and video director at PS. She curates the Webby Award-nominated video series PS Fit, which makes fitness fun and accessible. Has over 10 years of experience in the entertainment industry. A certified personal trainer, she enjoys running, Pilates, and rest days. As a mother of two, she is an avid reviewer of baby products and products.