Today Dishing: Waldorf “Stay-cation"

My bride-to-be daughter tends to be a bit of a cream puff, By that I mean, she indulges herself in personal luxuries such as facials, massages, manicures, pedicures and any other beauty treatments she gets wind of. Aside from the beauty advantages she claims these services help retain her “zen”aura. Okay then.

Because her fiancee was off to the Kentucky Derby for his bachelor party, my matron-of-honor daughter, used the opportunity to book a stay-cation for the three of us at The Waldorf Astoria (formerly The Elysian) downtown.

Located at Walton and Rush the Elysian opened in 2009 and Conde Nast rated it the top hotel in the United States. The Elysian was acquired by Hilton and now heralds the Waldorf Astoria title.

Keep in mind, I have not stayed at the #2 or #3 rated hotels but I do know luxury when I experience it and every inch of the hotel breathes quality, service and style in a quiet, subtle manner. With six weeks remaining until the wedding, the purpose of our stay was relaxation, therefore quiet and subtle suited us.

Once you make the turn into the courtyard off Walton, you are transported to a French Chalet. It amazes what a difference a left turn makes.

Checking into our “luxury suite” we found accommodations in excess of our expectations.

The in mirror TV was a hit with the"Cream Puff”. This was her view from the over-sized bathtub.

Other than at a bed and breakfast, this living room fireplace was a first for me.

                                                            

After an afternoon at the spa ,we returned to our suite to enjoy champagne or a white pinot noir and a charcuterie plate from room service while lounging in our spa robes. Decadent... I know!
                                                                 


Too relaxed and not very hungry we opted for the two block walk to Carmine’s for a light dinner.

Exhausted from the pampering, we returned to the hotel and called it a day.

We woke the next morning to our pre-ordered delivery of both regular and french press coffee. Then
once again, off to the spa.
                                                           

For breakfast we visited the hotel restaurant Balsan where both daughters ordered the smoked salmon plate.
         

With so many fine hotels in the city, selecting a four or five star one is not difficult. But the next time you want to treat yourself and get away without going far, do yourself a favor and check out the, Waldorf. I assure you, you’ll want to check in.
We’re glad we did.