Starting the Fun in Chicago at 21C

 

Lynn and I have been having adventures for many years. We’ve been friends for decades and look forward to our getaways. We had lots of plans for this one, taking us through Michigan, then on to Milwaukee before heading back.

She arrived in Champaign a few days before our trip. We got ready for our first stop, Chicago. We were spending two days there at 21CMuseum Hotel before hitting the road for the rest.

 

One of the things I enjoyed most about the 21C Museum Hotel I stayed in when in Louisville the first time were the penguins. These giant plastic penguins would move around the hotel, surprising you in places such as the elevator. After I mentioned this at check-in, we had one waiting for us in our room.

The 21C Deluxe Accessible Double room worked well for us. It had a nice big bathroom, with a low bathtub, which I love. There was also a chair in it for those who couldn’t climb in or get out of the tub.

 

We had stopped on the road to eat a big lunch. I wanted to have dinner at Lure Fish Bar at 21C, but Lynn and I both have seafood allergies and that made it impractical. Instead, I went there for an early breakfast. I loved the Brioche French Toast with caramelized bananas. (For those who can eat shellfish, the Lobster Frittata sounded amazing.)

I had an appointment in the morning and couldn’t resist Stan’s Donuts for a raspberry filled cronut and chai latte when it was done. I had been there longer than expected and knew it would still be a long time before my lunch. I don’t get the opportunity to have Stan’s very often. I then wheeled back to the hotel.

 

Marketing Director Alex Eden took me on a tour. The artwork at 21C is museum quality and worthy of exploring for an hour or two. The exhibits change a few times a year. I saw unusual pieces, such as a picture put together with subway tokens and a wedding cake made from newspaper.

After some rest, I was out again. I love Afternoon Tea and was especially excited to be doing it at the Ritz Carlton. Starting with a glass of Veuve Clicquot Champagne made it even more special. I soon traded my champagne glass for a teacup as I waited for the well-orchestrated food. I chose the cranberry-apple blend tea and looked forward to it while it began to seep.

 
The tea sandwiches were as creative as they were delicious. My favorite was the zucchini with capers and dill spread. Next were the scones, pumpkin spice and traditional, served with cream, apple butter, and raspberry jam. There was also a Carbonara Quiche, with bucatini, smokey mushroom, and parmesan cheese.

Dessert was just as scrumptious as the rest of the offerings. Even though it was summer, they were themed for Halloween: Poison Apple, green apple Cremieux with graham cracker; Monster Under the Bed, blackberry mousse and pistachio ganache; Jack-O-Cannoli, a cannoli filled with pumpkin spice ricotta and dipped in chocolate; and RIP, a crispy hazelnut chocolate bar.

 

All the desserts were fantastic, but the cannoli was simply perfect. They sent me back to the hotel with extras of everything. Lynn and I decided to indulge in more rather than go out to dinner.

The next morning, we packed up the car and headed to Michigan. Our first stay would be in Holland, a place I’ve wanted to go to for years.

21C Museum Hotel is a trip in itself

Updated 7/28/26

I had been told before my arrival that 21C Museum Hotel in Louisville, Kentucky, was incredible.  I had heard this before and I had been to hotels that were truly incredible.  I pictured the rooms filled with old artwork, a huge soaking tub and automatic drapes that would close out the light in a minute. I was very wrong about the idea of "incredible" as this hotel gave it a totally new meaning.

While spending three days at 21C Louisville, I was constantly fascinated by something I hadn't seen before.  Is it a modern hotel with art, or is it a modern art museum with a hotel?  I'm really not sure, but I liked both. The current exhibit (they change about twice a year) featured 76 pieces of art by 35 living artists. The term "pieces of art" is the only way to describe the collection of sculptures, paintings and, well, "art."  Whether you like them or not -- and there were strong opinions -- they are all intriguing.  I happened to like nearly all, finding the nude photos of former First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis a bit disturbing.

This 90 room hotel has one type of art that you don't know where you will find.  The large plastic penguins are a trademark of 21c.  There are over 200 of them and the guests are free to move them around the hotel -- which they do.  You may find one in the elevator, in front of your room, or in the bathroom stall!  When in your room, the look is still modern and includes IPod, flat screen TVs and gourmet coffee makers. Then there is the silver mint julep cup, which is just the beginning of the Kentucky spirits at this local.

Proof on Main is the restaurant and bar attached to 21C Museum Hotel.  Like its neighbor, its servings are modern. Begin your day with Bison Pastrami Hash and Lemon Ricotta Pancakes. For lunch, try the Beet Risotto or Potato Gnocchi. Grilled Pork chop (with arugula, mission figs, goat cheese and bacon vinaigrette) and Braised Beef Ribs are a good choice for dinner. Whatever my group chose, we enjoyed.

As interesting (and delicious) as the food is, the drinks are just as important at Proof on Main. You also shouldn't be surprised to find mixology classes or bourbon tastings here. There is always a tremendous list of wines and beers from around the world; whiskeys and bourbons from their backyard; and mixed drinks that would satisfy any taste, like Whiskey Smash, Pimms Flip and Mile High Club. Also give a try to the Woodland Cider if it is in season, Old Forester, clove and local apple cider. Yum.

It seems I am far from the only one who found 21C to be in a class of its own. At the end of 2009, the readers of Conde Nast Traveler named it the best hotel in the United States and the sixth best in the world. The 21C Museum Hotel is located in the heart of Louisville within hours of Nashville and Indianapolis, just about an hour from the Bourbon Distilleries of Kentucky, including Woodford Reserve, Bulleit, Jim Beam Maker’s Mark.

21C Museum Hotel Photos (all taken by Marcia Frost) from top: The front desk; President Obama art tribute in the lobby; a penguin stands in the lower gallery;