Front Row to the Lake & Skyline: Epic 60th Flr 3BR
Guest rating: 5.0 / 5
Overview
'The Observatory' is a luxurious 3-bedroom residence occupying the 60th floor of a full-amenity Chicago tower, offering unobstructed lake and skyline views. Located on the Cultural Mile in the South Loop, the unit combines a private, top-floor retreat with access to over 80,000 square feet of building amenities. Early guests have given it a perfect 5-star record for cleanliness, accuracy, and location.
Rooms & Sleeping Arrangements
The apartment sleeps up to 7 guests across a King suite, two Queen bedrooms, and a single rollaway bed, with 2 full bathrooms. Rooms benefit from exceptional natural light and top-floor lake views, and the unit includes a private balcony with sweeping vistas. Smart TVs and a Sonos sound system are featured throughout the living spaces.
Kitchen & Dining
The unit has a fully-equipped chef's kitchen with oven, stove, and microwave, plus complimentary Nespresso and tea service. This setup suits guests who prefer to cook in, whether for a family stay or an extended visit, and it's supplemented by outdoor grills available in the building's shared spaces.
Amenities & Recreation
Building amenities include a 73rd-floor Sky Deck (the city's highest) with an observation lounge, indoor and outdoor pools with a sundeck, a 2-story fitness center, yoga space, and a basketball court. Additional on-site recreation includes a game room and arcade, a private golf simulator, a Zen garden and terrace with grills and fire pits, and a 21st-floor coworking space with conference rooms. A hot tub, crib, and free Wi-Fi and parking round out the in-unit and building offerings, all backed by 24/7 full-service concierge.
Location
Set on Chicago's Cultural Mile, the property is about 2 minutes from Grant Park and 5 minutes from the Art Institute of Chicago, with the Museum Campus, Field Museum, and Shedd Aquarium also within easy reach. The South Loop is described as a 24-hour neighborhood with strong walkability and public transit access, including CTA 'L' lines and Metra stations just minutes away, making car-free exploration straightforward.
Best for
This property suits groups and families seeking a high-end, view-driven Chicago stay, thanks to its 3-bedroom layout sleeping 7, private balcony, and crib availability. It's also well suited to guests who want an amenity-rich building experience -- pools, fitness center, golf simulator, and Sky Deck -- rather than a standard hotel room. Travelers who value walkability and transit access to Grant Park, the Art Institute, and the Museum Campus will also find the location a strong fit.
Travel tips
Check-in starts at 4 pm (with a same-day 6 pm option) and check-out is 11 am, so plan arrival and departure accordingly. Parking is available on-site for $100/night but spots are limited, so confirm availability when booking if you're driving. Given the strong transit access -- CTA 'L' lines and Metra stations just minutes away -- guests can skip a rental car entirely and reach Grant Park, the Art Institute, and the Museum Campus on foot or by public transit.
What guests say
Guests consistently highlight the standout lake and city views from the unit's high floor and balcony, calling the vistas a memorable part of their stay. Cleanliness is repeatedly praised, with the apartment described as pristine and well-stocked upon arrival. Reviewers also single out the building's amenities -- particularly the multiple pools, hot tub, and lounge spaces -- as exceeding expectations, and note that staff were helpful and attentive. No negative themes were mentioned in the available excerpts.
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