Fairmont Chicago, Millennium Park - CHICAGO, FROM THE INSIDE
An introduction to the Windy City through Fairmont Chicago, Millennium Park.
I arrived in Chicago for the first time with an editorial cover shoot for A BOOK OF and a city I had yet to discover. From the outside, Fairmont Chicago, Millennium Park cuts an imposing figure against the skyline, its stately architecture suggesting a certain formality. Yet stepping through its doors reveals something entirely different. Warm, subdued lighting fills the interiors, creating an atmosphere that feels both intimate and inviting. Opened in 1987, the hotel has witnessed decades of Chicago's transformation, predating even the opening of neighboring Millennium Park in 2004. That relationship between past and present continues throughout the property, where spacious guestrooms retain their classic character while incorporating the comforts and conveniences of contemporary hospitality. Today, amenities such as Leaf Spa, Toro Chicago, and a 24-hour fitness studio reflect the hotel's ongoing evolution without losing its established sense of place.
What struck me most, however, was how the hotel embraced the creative energy of the city. During our stay, I encountered an inclusive fashion show featuring women of different backgrounds, shapes, and sizes walking the runway in designs that celebrated individuality. It was a refreshing sight, particularly in an industry where representation remains an ongoing conversation. Seeing that diversity celebrated within the walls of a luxury hotel gave the property another dimension. It was no longer simply a place to stay, but a space where people, fashion, and creative expression could come together. Fairmont also welcomed our own editorial production, providing a setting for the cover shoot that had brought my team and me to Chicago in the first place.
Our visit lasted only a couple of days, but the generosity of the experience extended well beyond the accommodations. From helping our team navigate production needs to offering thoughtful recommendations on where to explore, the staff made our introduction to Chicago feel effortless. Their hospitality never felt rehearsed or overly formal. Instead, their ease and familiarity made us feel genuinely looked after. For a city celebrated for its towering architecture, cultural history, and unmistakable character, my first impression of Chicago came from something considerably more personal. Behind Fairmont's grand exterior was a warmth that stayed with me long after we checked out.
**Editor's Note: Fairmont Chicago, Millennium Park provided accommodations and property access as part of an editorial collaboration with A BOOK OF. The observations expressed are based on the author's firsthand experience.
