You’re out and about minding your own business. All of a sudden you look down at your phone and a pit in your stomach begins to form because you see it: the low battery warning. You try to play it cool, but deep down you’re panicking. That ominous little red battery icon is emblazoned into your psyche no matter how many times you try to convince yourself that living without a cell phone is “freeing” or “something people used to do their entire existences without until about 20 years ago.”
The real truth is our phones aren’t the only things that need recharging. As parents we all need–and deserve–the chance to recharge our mental and physical batteries. Getting ourselves out of the red battery icon zone means a happier, healthier home. Which is why I’d like to propose taking a mini battery-charging vacation … in Chicago.
“But I live here!” you say. “Shouldn’t a vacation be to a place I haven’t been before?” you might ask. “Girl, you crazy!” you note, and while the last one is most definitely true, let me clarify why this is a brilliant plan.
First, you can get away without a getaway vehicle and, even better, without an airport, since there is nothing that ruins the relaxation of a getaway weekend more than dealing with an airport.
Second, you probably won’t feel as pressured to “do all the things!” as you would in a new city. Want to stay in your room, catch up on that series on Netflix everyone has been talking about for six months and sleep the weekend away? That’s OK because you live in the city. You’ve seen the sites before and have full access to them again. Want to go play tourist without kids? You’re in the right place for that, too. Do as much or as little as you’d like. The beauty of this “getaway” is that you won’t feel guilty no matter what you choose.
Third, you know how your friends always say, “Oh, I can’t wait to come visit you in Chicago … when it’s not winter!”? It turns out that everyone else’s friends say that, also. Which means hotels are offering some great deals you can jump on, making this mini vacation not only fun but–gasp!–affordable. Add in the savings you’ll bank from not driving or flying to a destination and you can probably even up the ante and go a little more luxe than you would be able to otherwise.
So hire a sitter, drop your kids off at the grandparents or arrange alternating weekends with a friend for child care. Do whatever it is you need to do to get that battery fully charged. You’ll be glad you did.
Here are three hotels worth checking out for a weekend away this winter.
Sofitel Chicago Water Tower
20 E. Chestnut St., Chicago
Two words: pillow menu. A few more words: sleep the sleep of your childless friends. Erica O’Neil of Sofitel Chicago helps clarify even further by describing these magic beds: “Exclusively designed for Sofitel hotels, MyBed provides made-to-perfection plush comfort and support that transforms every night into a truly magnificent sleeping experience.”
The James Chicago
55 E. Ontario St., Chicago
A stay at The James hotel allows for the perfect mix of Chicago “middle of it all” and “luxury retreat in the city.” Feel free to enjoy a world-class steak at David Burke’s Primehouse in-house or in-room while you’re there; it’s worth the treat.
Be sure to check out their numerous winter special offers, such as complimentary breakfast packages!
The Gwen, A Luxury Collection Hotel, Chicago
521 N. Rush St., Chicago
At last, the give and take between going shopping and facing the outdoor elements is solved. The Gwen is connected to The Shops at Northbridge, so you can shop, rest, shop and repeat without ever putting on your winter coat. The world-class concierge services can arrange for in-room spa services in case leaving your room is even too much (no judgment here on that one). The Gwen is also just a stone’s throw away from all the Chicago theater in case you do decide you can put on your winter coat for a little bit after all.
