THE RITZ-CARLTON CHICAGO (A FOUR SEASONS HOTEL) IS NAMED "BEST HOTEL IN THE UNITED STATES IN 2007” AT CONDÉ NAST TRAVELER’S 20TH ANNUAL READERS’ CHOICE AWARDS
Chicago, IL – October 16, 2007- The Ritz-Carlton Chicago (A Four Seasons
Hotel) has been named “Best Hotel In The United States In 2007” at the
Condé Nast Traveler magazine 20th Annual Readers’ Choice Awards.
This is the seventh time the hotel has secured the top spot, setting a
record for the honor. The Ritz-Carlton Chicago was also named “Best
Hotel In The United States” in 2002, 2001, 2000, 1999, 1996 and 1994.
“There’s so much service there,” said Condé Nast Traveler
editor-at-large, Dana Dickey, when asked by the Today Show’s Matt Lauer,
what is the recipe for The Ritz-Carlton Chicago’s success.
“There’s that Midwestern friendliness. And, also, they’ve instituted
some programs where you can raid the pantry if you’re on a Girl’s
Weekend. And every day, the chefs take any kids that are interested into
the kitchen to make cookies. They have all the touches, which is nice.”
Christian Clerc, regional vice-president and general manager of The
Ritz-Carlton Chicago agrees. "This is really a tribute to our employees
and Chicago. The work ethic here in the Midwest is unmatched and that
commitment to servicing our guests is what sets us apart.”
Several elements are included in The Ritz-Carlton Chicago’s formula for
success, including:
Tenured Staff
Over 20% percent of the hotel’s staff has worked at the hotel for over
20 years, including 32-year veterans, Jon Winke (chef concierge), George
Anderson (banquet manager) and Richard Warren (banquet chef).
Personal Service
These long-term employees offer incredibly personal service because they
know the guests so well. A New York-based businessman - and frequent
Ritz-Carlton Chicago guest - calls on chef concierge Jon Winke to make
his dinner reservations back in Manhattan if he can’t secure one
himself.
Innovative Programs & Amenities
Ritz-Carlton Chicago guests can select from over 150 complimentary
travel items from the hotel’s “I Need It Now” Program; call upon the
assistance of a “Compcierge” who is available on a moment’s notice for
computer-related questions; and select to stay in an “Allergy-Sensitive”
guestroom.
The 435-room Ritz-Carlton Chicago is set atop Water Tower Place, high
above prestigious North Michigan Avenue, steps from Oak Street Beach,
and Chicago's bustling cultural community. Four Seasons Hotels & Resorts
acquired management of the luxury property in 1977.
Condé Nast Traveler’s Annual Readers’ Choice Awards are recognized as
the predominant international benchmark of travel service. For the 20th
year, the magazine tabulated surveys from over 28,000 readers - - making
it the largest private poll of consumer attitudes in the United States.
Hotels were judged on the quality of their service, guestrooms,
food/restaurants, design/layout and location.
For information on The Ritz-Carlton Chicago (A Four Seasons Hotel),
kindly phone (800) 621-6906 or visit www.fourseasons.com/chicagorc.