The Ritz-Carlton Chicago (A Four Seasons Hotel) is Named 'Best Hotel in the United States in 2007' at Conde Nast Traveler's 20th Annual Readers' Choice Awards
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The Ritz-Carlton Chicago (A Four Seasons Hotel) is Named 'Best Hotel in the United States in 2007' at Conde Nast Traveler's 20th Annual Readers' Choice Awards
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Category: North America & West Indies / Carribean islands
This is a press release selected by our editorial committee and published online for free on 2007-10-17
The Ritz-Carlton Chicago (A Four Seasons Hotel) has been named "Best Hotel In The United States In 2007" at the Conde 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 Conde 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.
Conde 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.
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