Best Hotel Gift Shops In Chicago
Hotels have realized that travelers can get magazines, Twizzlers and dental floss at Walgreens and 7-11, so smart places are stocking their gift shops with unusual, Chicago-centric and hotel-specific items for you to tote back home for yourself or friends and family.
The Langham Chicago
330 N. Wabash Ave.
Chicago, IL 60611
(312) 923-9988
www.chicago.langhamhotels.com
An iconic stack of bricks (designed by the celebrated Mies van der Rohe), exceptional dining (Travelle) in a city that's known for its sweeping food scene and a pretty cool gift shop – it's all at The Langham, Chicago. The Langham's signature boutique, Flavours of Langham, is located on the second floor outside the Pavilion Lounge. A jewel box store with white cabinetry and tones of Langham pink, the store features signature Langham products including tins of tea and the hotel's signature Ginger Rose scent, along with unique and distinctive gifts.
Ritz-Carlton Chicago
160 E. Pearson St.
Chicago, IL 60611
(312) 266-1000
www.fourseasons.com/chicagorc
There's more than travel tubes of toothpaste in the gift shop at the Ritz-Carlton Chicago. Although stock turns over, expect brands such as Robert Graham, Peter Millar and Gitman Gold in terms of men's clothing. For women, there's Nic+Zoe, Vince, Eileen Fisher, Kinross cashmere and Maggy London. Pick up unique Ritz-Carlton wine classes and scented candles sporting the Ritz logo.
Hard Rock Hotel Chicago
230 N. Michigan Ave.
Chicago, IL 60601
(312) 345-1000
www.hardrockhotelchicago.com
You can rifle through vintage shops to put together a rock star persona or visit to the Rock Shop® located in the lobby of Hard Rock Hotel Chicago. In addition to Hard Rock logo apparel, see exclusive collections from designer brands (like Lyric and King Baby); customized tops; and Hard Rock Couture tees and accessories. King Babby baubles are made of 100% Sterling Silver and are available in items such as a Brass Knuckle Chain, Angel Wing earrings, Heart Wing pendant and others.
The Drake
140 E. Walton Place
Chicago, IL 60611
(312) 787-2200
www.thedrakehotel.com
Yes, you can get modern items like Pashmina, watches, rings and bracelets, Guess purses and others made from recycled materials as well as Kai and Savannah Bee body lotion, candles, lip gloss and nail polish. But stop in for anything stamped with the historic hotel's image such as Drake gourmet chocolates and candles, Drake tee shirts, coffee mugs and ornaments. History fans will want a copy of the book detailing the history of the timeless Drake which has a storied past dating from the 1920s.
Trump International Hotel & Tower
401 N. Wabash Ave.
Chicago, IL 60611
(312) 588-8000
www.rrumpchicagohotel.com
Don't expect newspapers stacked up at the gift shop at Trump (as a guest, you're already eligible to receive free digital newspapers and magazines delivered to your tablet or phone via hotel Wi-Fi). Pick up a python handbag by Isabella Adams or one of daughter Ivanka's bags. You may get blinded by the number of gifts adorned with Swarovski crystals: Spotligtht tee shirts, jewelry boxes, hair clips, candles and picture frames among the lot. Captains of Industry may go for the line of cuff links made from foreign coins and well-off kids will like one of Hannah's Kittens – French faux fur stuffed animals. There is is a fun line of costume jewelry from Bene and Bene and if all else fails, snag a Trump chocolate bar that looks like a bar of gold bouillon.
Jacky Runice has been a columnist with the Daily Herald Chicago since grunge music and flannel was the new black. Her fingers and gray matter have been busy as travel editor of Reunions Magazine; penning a column that was syndicated around the nation via Tribune Media Services. Her work can be found at Examiner.com.
