The Godfrey Hotel :

Whirlwind Chicago. If you’ve only got 48-hours on the ground and your travel profile is setup for luxury boutique hotels then you’ll want to check out the new Godfrey Hotel.  It’s conveniently located in the River North neighborhood, which is home to the fine dining scene and couture shopping on Michigan Avenue and a 6-minute walk to the El train.

The Godfrey Hotel – Chicago
In today’s competitive travel leisure market it gets increasingly more difficult to differentiate yourself and stand out.

It all about blending architectural style and textures and the Godfrey gets it right.
 
The facade incorporates a Picasso cubism treatment that draws you into the building. The oval lobby space is adorned with art deco furniture and light fixtures. The recessed ceiling's focal point is an oval concentric ring pendant chandler that hangs majestically.

Check-in is a breeze and the your host pleasantly takes the time to welcome and inform you of all the hotel's amenities and special features.

My Room
The rooms are bright and cheerful playfully utilize the hotel's master color palette of art deco red, black and white.

I stayed in a King Room with a 46" HDTV and complimentary WiFi, iHome docking station, in-room safe, and iron/ironing board.

The bathrooms are spacious with luxury Waterworks Rain Showers and adorned with lemon scented bath products provided by L’occitaine.

Urban Roofscape 
Located on the 4th floor this space is the perfect place to enjoy a summer cocktail while gazing at Chicago's spectacular skyline. Keep warm at night next to the two-level fire pit and some new friends. Chicago is a friendly city.

The restaurant specializes in seasonal cuisine and “kitchen created” cocktails and I ordered the Piri Piri Sautéed Hawaiian Blue Prawn Shrimp, Spicy Peppers, Garlic and Thyme - $16 and Spicy Chicken Skewers marinated with Hot Peppers, served with Peanut Sauce - $13, which were both yummy.

MK Restaurant
Casual sophistication dining at it's best - The menu takes farm-to-table food to the next level.  The menu is prepared from family old recipes and enhanced with spices and authentic charcoal grilling.

I was referred to MK by a Chef friend of mine and I knew I would not be disappointed.

Make your reservation in advance because this established is busy starting at the first seating at 6:00pm. My waiter was very knowledgeable about everything on the menu as well as the wine list.  I ordered a nice Au Bon Climat 2010 which, complimented every dish. 

Appetizers were the Grilled Baby Octopus with Potato and Leeks - $18 and the Tartar Duo with Fennel and a Saffron Scented Rice Crisp - $18.  Chef Erick Williams sent me out the most perfect Butternut Squash Risotto with a Poached Farm Egg on top that just melted into the rice when pierced - $15.  Entrees included Grilled Scottish Salmon with Bok Choy and Mushrooms with a Mustard Glaze - $33 and the Duck Breast with Sweet Potato, Melted Leeks with a Huckleberry Reduction - $38.  I barely had room for a few soothing spoons of sorbet.

Open at 5:30pm nightly
868 N. Franklin Chicago, IL 60610
Phone: 312.482.9179
Website: www.mkchicago.com
Valet Parking Available

Water Tower and the Peninsula
Just stroll away from the Godfrey Hotel is one of Chicago's best landmarks the historic Water Tower and all the history of the Great Chicago Fire. Just staring at the buildings makes it more of a reality of the history that is steeped in this City.  I walk another block over and enter the bottom of the Peninsula hotel with 2 statues of lions guarding the entrance.  The elevator brings me up to the 4th floor lobby and I feel the serenity and luxury wash over my entire being.  I walk down a long hallway and there it is.  A Sky Rink for guests to skate on while looking out over the lit up buildings down below.  For a split second I imagined having a skate and a glass of champagne under the heat lamps with a significant other.  Snapping back to reality, I walk into "The Bar" and have a drink in front of the roaring fireplace.   

Sunda
That evening I was excited for Sunda Restaurant.  Entering this venue, I am instantly greeted by three hostesses and a bustling bar area.  It is 7:00PM and there are barely any tables open or seats at the sushi bar.  The food is Asian Fusion inclusive of Sushi, Thai and Chinese.  We decided to try lots of small plates - Miso Cauliflower - $14 was brimming with flavor and was one of my favorites all night.  We had to try the signature Seared Crab Crusted Ahi Tuna with Japanese hot mustard and sweet soy - $20 ....