Ritz-Carlton Chicago050

For sheer pampering, warm welcomes, and luxurious accommodations, it's hard to out-do the Ritz. But parents might be surprised to learn that - in addition to its grown-up charms - the Ritz is crazy about kids. While adults check in at the registration desk, kids are offered a choice of toys and books from the red "welcome" wagon parked in a nearby closet. If you've notified the staff that you're traveling with children, homemade cookies and milk will be waiting in your room. Baby-proofing items are available on request. Cribs, rollaway beds, babysitting, car seats, jogging strollers, and high chairs are also in supply, for the asking. The rooms are generously sized and appointed with a plethora of thoughtful touches - hypo-allergenic sheets, pillows, and goose-down comforters, a dimmer system on the desk lamp (so parents can work while little ones nod off), a CD-player/radio/alarm clock, and easy internet access for an additional fee of $9.95/day. The bathroom is nearly as large as the bedroom, with separate tub and shower, beautiful marble floors and counter-tops, and fluffy robes and towels. TV channels include Cartoon Network, the Disney Channel, the Discovery Channel, MTV, HBO, and ESPN. On demand movies and games are available for a fee. The Room Service Kiddie Menu includes breakfast items like pancakes, oatmeal, cereal, and fruit, as well as such "all-day" options as hamburger, mac & cheese, grilled cheese, chicken fingers, hot dog, and penne pasta. And with the hotel’s Family Package, kids 12 and under eat free through room service (and kids under 5 eat free in the on-site café as well), plus get to choose a free children’s movie in the room. A special Ritz-Kids Program makes sure children are pampered just as much as their parents. Pastry chefs offer cookie making demonstrations in the Ritz kitchen (call the front desk to reserve a spot in advance), and the Family Package includes discounts to a number of area attractions – including the Chicago Children’s Museum, The Field Museum of Natural History, the Museum of Contemporary Art, the Shedd Aquarium, the Hancock Observatory, American Girl Place, the ESPN Zone, and many more.