Nobu Chicago

Nobu Chicago, a Michelin Key selected property, stands as a testament to luxury and serene Japanese-inspired design amidst the vibrant energy of Chicago's Fulton Market District. Since its opening in July 2020, it has consistently earned high praise from guests and critics alike.

1. Overall Rating & Sentiment

Nobu Chicago generally receives an "excellent" to "exceptional" rating from guests, with an average score of 8.9/10 on Booking.com and 18.6/20 on Tablet Hotels. The overwhelming sentiment is positive, with many considering it one of Chicago's premier luxury hotels and a standout experience in the city. It has been recognized with one Michelin Key, signifying it as a "true gem with its own character and personality," offering exceptional service and design.

2. Key Highlights

Guests consistently laud Nobu Chicago for its seamless blend of minimalist Japanese design with modern luxury, world-class dining, and impeccable service. The tranquil ambiance, even within a bustling city, is a frequently mentioned highlight. Thoughtful in-room amenities such as Dyson hairdryers, yoga mats, and custom-designed Nobu beds also contribute significantly to guest satisfaction. The stunning rooftop dining experience with panoramic city views is another major draw.

3. Room Quality

The 115 rooms and suites at Nobu Chicago are designed with a profound Japanese influence, achieving a harmonious balance between Zen-like tranquility and sleek, post-industrial chic. Guests describe the rooms as spacious, spotless, comfortable, and beautifully designed. Luxurious amenities are standard, including Nespresso machines, 60-inch smart TVs, Dyson hairdryers, and steamers. Suites often feature elegant cedar tubs, further enhancing the sense of calm and relaxation. The custom-designed plush beds and luxurious linens are frequently highlighted for their comfort.

4. Dining Experience

Dining is at the heart of the Nobu Hotel Chicago experience. The hotel features two prominent dining venues:

• Nobu Restaurant: This 10,000-square-foot flagship restaurant offers world-class Japanese-Peruvian cuisine crafted by Chef Nobu Matsuhisa. Signature dishes like black cod miso and yellowtail sashimi with jalapeño are celebrated by guests, with the Black Cod with Miso often described as "exquisite." The atmosphere is stylish and welcoming, focusing on precision, luxury, and personalized service.
• The Rooftop at Nobu Hotel Chicago: This eleventh-floor lounge provides one of the city's most stunning dining settings, featuring delicate sushi bites, masterfully crafted cocktails, and a diverse selection of Japanese whiskeys against the backdrop of Chicago's skyline. It's described as a perfect spot for a date night or enjoying drinks with a view.
• Breakfast: Guests have praised the breakfast options, including the American breakfast and the salmon Egg Donburi. The hotel also offers a popular brunch buffet on Saturdays, featuring sushi, breakfast sandwiches, French Toast, and a selection of desserts, available for around $65.

5. Service & Staff

The service at Nobu Chicago is consistently described as impeccable and exceptional. Guests frequently commend the staff for being attentive, friendly, accommodating, and going above and beyond to ensure a great stay. Specific staff members are often mentioned by name for their helpfulness and personalized service, including providing complimentary upgrades and making special occasions memorable. The check-in process is noted as quick and easy, with the option to text the front desk for needs.

6. Location & Accessibility

Nobu Chicago is strategically located in the heart of the vibrant Fulton Market District, also known as the West Loop. This trendy neighborhood is renowned for its culinary scene, with Randolph Street's "Restaurant Row" and numerous upscale boutiques, art galleries, and popular dining and nightlife options within walking distance. It offers a calmer atmosphere compared to the bustling city center while remaining accessible. Attractions like Willis Tower (1.1 miles) and the Art Institute of Chicago (1.9 miles) are easily reachable. The hotel is about a 10-minute drive to Michigan Avenue and the River North area, and approximately 11 miles from Midway International Airport. The property also features wheelchair accessibility for its registration desk, pool, and restaurant.

7. Value & Pricing

Nobu Chicago is a luxury hotel, and pricing reflects its upscale offerings, world-class dining, and prime location. Room prices can vary significantly depending on dates and room type, with rates ranging from approximately $275 to over $1,000 nightly. While the dining experience, particularly at the main Nobu restaurant, is considered "worth it" by many, it can be costly. Valet parking is available but is noted as being quite expensive, at around $85 per night.

8. Common Complaints

While overwhelmingly positive, some recurring criticisms include:

• Noise Disturbances: Some guests have reported issues with noise, particularly from shouting in corridors, affecting sleep quality, and noting that rooms might not be entirely soundproof.
• Parking Cost and Speed: Valet parking is considered expensive, and some guests have experienced long wait times (up to 25 minutes) for car retrieval.
• Restaurant Service Speed: On occasion, service at the main Nobu restaurant has been described as slow.
• Lack of Hot Tub: One guest noted the absence of a hot tub in the pool area as a downside.
• Inconsistent Service Details: Isolated incidents mention issues like no one attending the front desk during a late check-in, room service being unavailable for late dinners, or mix-ups with complimentary gifts for special events.
• Perceived Quality Compared to Other Nobu Hotels: One review suggested that the Chicago property was not "nearly as nice as other Nobu hotels," criticizing weathered building appearance and cheap/minimal furnishings, though this appears to be an outlier sentiment.

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