ANNUAL MOTHER-DAUGHTER
CHICAGO STAYCATION Every winter, as the frigid temps and lack of vitamin D begin to envelope our lives, my Mom and I make sure to head to Chicago for a girl's weekend staycation! No matter the weather, a quick luxury getaway will warm your heart and soul. So we hopped on the train after school on a Friday and were in the city by 5pm. Upon arrival at the Conrad Chicago Hotel, we were greeted with such warmth and friendliness as we were handed keys to our 17th floor suite. As we opened the door, my eyes almost popped out of my head. Across the room were birthday balloons, flowers and treats! No one has ever surprised me for my birthday before-- I was elated!
The Conrad Chicago Hotel is a boutique style hotel located just off of Michigan Avenue. The hotel is the perfect balance of contemporary style and luxury. Our room was absolutely beautiful and the bathroom was like a spa--so spacious with two double sinks and a huge shower with high-end lotions, soaps and shampoos. We also had such a beautiful view.
We decided to eat dinner at the restaurant on the 20th floor, Baptiste and Bottle. There are no words to describe the food we experienced. We had a four course meal with small plates. The flavors in each portion were like nothing our taste buds have ever experienced. It was, no exaggeration, like an out of body experience. My mom even asked for the chef's name and I've never heard her do that before. Executive Chef James Lintelmann , if you’re reading this, beware! I think you may now have a stalker. Of course, we returned for breakfast the next morning--a no brainer.
Part of our Chicago weekend tradition, is stopping at the nearest Walgreens and buying a bunch of gift cards. We then walk around the city, and give out the gift cards to the homeless. No matter where you travel, it is so important to include “giving back” as part of your itinerary. It doesn’t have to be a grand gesture—just something to make someone’s day a little better.
Everyone we encountered at The Conrad Chicago was so warm and friendly. They went out of their way to meet all of our needs. We couldn't have asked for a lovelier mom-daughter weekend and what an amazing birthday surprise! Chicago, you never disappoint and Conrad Chicago, you made my 15th birthday something I’ll never forget!
ABOUT THE BLOGGERS Naperville mom and teacher, Kristen Kainrath and her teen daughter, Brooke, are a mother-daughter travel-blogging team who have always shared an incurable case of wanderlust. Their goal is to inspire girls to follow their passions and appreciate the diversity of our global community. Follow them on their journeys at www.pedisnpassports.com and watch for their monthly article inside Glancer Magazine in 2018.
