Do you ever want to just get away? Maybe you’re overwhelmed with work or you simply can’t recall the last time you pampered yourself. If you want to just relax for a weekend without taking time off, then you’ll love a staycation. You get all the benefits of a vacation without the stress of travel! I chose to spend my first ever staycation at Renaissance Chicago O’Hare in Rosemont, and it was everything I needed it to be.
I’m the type of person who rarely takes time to just drop everything and relax. I’m constantly working, planning, and doing. Those of you who know me in person know how hard it can be to schedule a brunch or happy hour together because I’m constantly on the go. After too many nights staying up late to grade papers and battling a bad cold, I recognized it was time to stop and recharge. While staycations can be a great opportunity to explore your own city through the eyes of a visitor, all I wanted this particular weekend was to find a hotel where I could escape for the weekend. Renaissance Chicago O’Hare checked all of my boxes: spacious suites, pool, gym, restaurant, bar, and Starbucks (that was a bonus)!
Dave and I checked in at the front desk, then headed up to our room to officially start our staycation. We were immediately blown away by how huge our suite was, complete with a table, comfortable chairs, couches, a master bedroom, two spacious closets, and a bathroom. The best word to describe the hotel is sophisticated. The king-size bed was one of the most comfortable I’ve slept in for a while and was certainly more luxurious than the full-size bed I have at home. Trust me, you’re in good hands at Renaissance Chicago O’Hare Suites–you’re in for very well-rested nights!
Our room on the 11th floor of the hotel had a beautiful view of trees and the surrounding area. You would never in a million years guess that Renaissance Chicago O’Hare is located right next to O’Hare Airport because it our room was perfectly quiet. Our room bathed in beautiful natural light from the many windows, which made me feel so joyful and centered. (Also, can you imagine this gorgeous view with the changing colors of fall leaves? Perfection.)
I loved the mirror in the bathroom, which seems like such a silly thing to point out, but it made a real difference. Bordered with the perfect selfie light, the mirror also had special anti-fog technology in the center of it so you don’t have to constantly wipe away the fog after taking a shower. (Note that the lights weren’t even on in the picture below because of the gorgeous natural sunshine flooding our room.)
We enjoyed a delicious dinner at Asado Urban Grill, which is the in-house restaurant at Renaissance Chicago O’Hare. Asado is not your average hotel restaurant that you resign yourself to for mere convenience. I would go out of my way to choose to dine at this restaurant; it’s the real deal. Chef Tony Roldan serves up his impressive take on Midwest favorites including salads, burgers, sandwiches, and mains. Asado also offers a fabulous “Chicago Like a Local” menu, including Chicago classic like hot dogs, which completely wowed us during our last visit to Renaissance Chicago O’Hare. We were excited to try the offerings on the regular menu at Asado Urban Grill, and we were so impressed. The fact that we could continue relaxing on our staycation by not stressing out about city parking by eating at the hotel was really important to us.
We spent the rest of our evening luxuriating in the hot tub and watching a movie that was projected onto the wall of the pool (how cool is that?!). Apparently movies are projected in the pool every weekend evening. This was such a fun, unique experience!
After a luxurious sleep, we enjoyed breakfast at Asado, which included an impressive buffet of cereal, organic yogurt, granola, muffins, oatmeal, fruit, toast, bagels, made-to-order omelettes, waffles, pancakes, bacon, scrambled eggs, and more. We could not have been happier.
I left the staycation at Renaissance Chicago O’Hare Suites feeling refreshed, energized, and ready to conquer the rest of my workload. If you’ve never treated yourself (or a loved one) to a staycation, then now is the time. Click here to book your staycation for the relaxing weekend you deserve!
While our stay at Renaissance Chicago O’Hare was complimentary, all opinions expressed herein are my own.
Luzel says
This looks epic. Why would you want to go anywhere when you can go here! Monsters Inc and a pool! as good as netflix and chill!
Carolyn Rose says
I agree–it was so much fun! It was a great way to relax with no expectations of doing any work. A rare treat that I highly recommend! Especially at Renaissance Chicago O’Hare.
Ursula Herrera says
Love staycations!
Carolyn Rose says
I couldn’t agree more, Ursula!
Willow says
I have been threatening to take a staycation this Summer! Now I just need to find a hotel that projects movies on the pool wall! How cool!
Carolyn Rose says
It truly was a fun experience! There are Renaissance hotels throughout the world, so I would definitely recommend seeing if there’s one near you! Movies on the wall of the pool is my new swimming standard.
Chelsea Pearl says
Staycations are the best! That hotel is stunning and I’ll definitely consider it for my next trip to Chicago.
Dave says
This looks really classy! I wish my place had this much style!
Carolyn Rose says
That’s the beauty of staycation at the Renaissance Hotel Chicago O’Hare! It’s something new and better than how you live day-to-day. 🙂
Karyl | Karyl's Kulinary Krusade says
I never think of doing a staycation…clearly I’m missing the boat! Looks like you had a great time, and it’s a beautiful property
Corinne says
I’ve never heard of a movie in a pool. Looks fun plus a really nice, comfortable hotel!