So I slept more hours than expected. It could have been that I was tired but I think the buckwheat pillows provided, touched with an addition of lavender oil could have helped as well.
So up for breakfast at 0730 ... and morning meeting with the lovely Elysian PR Bridget Quinlan.
The hotel will open in November. The building is 60 floors ... with the hotel - 188 all-suites - set over the first 27 floors and the rest being private residences that start at $3.4 million each! All but two are sold ...! We have never filmed in a hotel that isn't really open yet but the Elysian only has days to go and everything we need is in place ... and the staff is exceptional ... and I believe the property is a fantastic addition to the Chicago hotel industry and a fabulous addition to the show.
First up, filmed "arrival" at the hotel in a Maybach with number-plate "Elysian"! Very cool ... The drive-in entrance has underground heating that will ensure even on snowy days, there will be no need for gritters or sand. It's the only luxury hotel in Chicago that has this kind of drive-way ...
By the way - when Ancient Greek warriors died, they went to live in eternity in the perfect splendour of "Elysian Fields" ... so the name of the hotel!
Next stop the Spa. I have not shaved for the past 8 days for a reason ... today! The 4th floor spa has fitness facilities, a 20 metres indoor lap-pool, massage rooms ... and his n' hers areas each with sauna, steam room and whirlpool. I headed to the men's atelier where barber of 30 years Mimi Sagadin removed my beard in 45 minutes using a single blade ... not ONE drop of blood was spilt! It was a lovely experience ... the idea of being shaved everyday instead of me doing it is most appealing!
After a superb lunch at Ria (there are 3 - Ria, Balsan and Bernard's) we trotted up to the top of building (59th floor) to film the Chicago skyline! The Penthouse is not quite ready yet ... it was VERY windy up and VERY cold! Brrrrrrr!
From here it was a chef cooking feature with Exec Chef - Jason McLeod ... who is from Vancouver Island in Canada! Ahhh! We cooked a fish dish that was just yummy.
The General Manager interview was up next. Kevin Robinson is ex-Four Seasons - so he knows his stuff. The Elysian is doing things slightly differently - no tipping, ice-cream in your own fridge/freezer, a business centre delivered to your suite if you need it, all phone calls - local and inside the USA are free, complimentary wi-fi ... to name but a few! I like!
Then the suite review - number 1702 is 120 m2 - a Premier Gold Coast Suite with a terrace (excellent), fireplace, king-bed, dining table, large & comfy sofas, enormous bathroom with mosaic floors and Asprey amenities, HD televisions, microwave, fridge/freezer ... a very practical and comfortable suite!
Finally we finished up in the kitchen munching on chef's pizza, salad and desserts! A lovely evening!
Bridget has been so wonderful to us ... and even temporarily overcame her hate of heights to let Jimmy take the photo below!
The Elysian has made me smile all day. I love this hotel - especially because the staff is so friendly and genuine. I know this property is a winner.
Song of the Day: Fascination - Alphabeatwww.youtube.com/watch?v=3BOMhenAQcwWeather: Fine but chilly ... brrrrr ....
the elysian
60 floors! phew!
10 day beard
shave to the left
shave to the right
shave in the middle
mimi the barber
exec chef - jason mcleod
penthouse hard-hat tour with lovely bridget
general manager - kevin robinson
balcony view of john hancock building
fireplace
bedroom
finn still on my mind!
jimmy samples a champagne older than he is!
a 1975 vintage dom perignon
my mate kimberly
chef charlie trotter
lunch :)
row of honour
darling jen and emily (prrrrrrrrr)
my perfect scent - eau de gemima
tedd neenan
