Heading to Chicago for a sizzling weekend with your sweetheart? You can’t go wrong with the spa-like atmosphere of a stay with an in-room jacuzzi. It’s tough to envision anything more intimately relaxing than a private hot tub.
Whether you’re escaping to or from the city, Illinois has options. From an elegant mansion in Alton to an Italian-inspired inn in Chicago, this state is replete with options for your next romantic getaway.
Here are six of my favorite picks with jetted in-room tubs.
A stay in one of the cottage suites at the Goldmoor Inn will inspire you to slow down and soak in the moments with your partner (literally). The country cottage vibes are sophisticated rather than kitschy — a win for couples with upmarket taste.
Take your pick of English, French, or Irish design. Each of the three cottages includes a private entrance, exclusive outdoor space, and small kitchen for crafting your own charcuterie, cocktail, or simply a morning cup of joe. The in-room jacuzzi and fireplace are merely cherries on top.
Whether you stay in one of the cottages or the Goldmoor’s cabins or suites, don’t miss a dinner at the on-site restaurant. Sample the extensive wine list and savor the tender traditional Beef Wellington or housemade pasta. Prefer private dining? Simply ask for supper delivery to your terrace.
Picture this: After walking hand-in-hand through Millennium Park or soaking in the Monets at The Art Institute of Chicago, you’re ready to unwind in style with your partner. Villa D’Citta, a four-star bed and breakfast dripping with Italian charm, awaits.
Upon check-in, you’ll be greeted by a glass of wine and chilled lemon water. A tour of the property will reveal thoughtful touchpoints for lounging: a great room for mingling with other guests, a patio for sipping wine or cocktails, and a rooftop hot tub in case you desire a short break from your spacious suite.
Even if you don’t book the Grand Tuscan Suite — which includes an oversized jacuzzi tub, steam shower, and private terrace — you can expect comfortable Euro-inspired rooms staged with a designer’s eye.
Some couples love boutique hotels off the beaten path, while others prefer the comfort of familiar brands. At the Comfort Inn & Suites in Geneva, you’ll get time-tested service and amenities with a side of small-town charm.
True to most Comfort Inn & Suites, at this property, you can pick between standard rooms, suites, or whirlpool suites adorned with plush bedding and dark wooden furniture. The king bedroom with a two-person whirlpool tub includes a cozy bedside nook where you can bliss out in the bubbles before turning in for the night. Every room includes complimentary wireless internet, a small refrigerator for remnants from dining out in Geneva (I suggest reserving a table at Preservation!), and a tea or coffee maker.
Do you and your partner enjoy the elegance of restored estates? Try Beall Mansion, an ornate turn-of-the-century B&B situated on a tree- lined street in Alton, Illinois.
Upon arrival, check into the luxury king whirlpool suite or deluxe queen whirlpool room. The second-floor king room includes a gas fireplace, feather bed, and bathroom complete with a chandelier and traditional Palladian window.
For lovers of architecture, the mansion is a real treat. Outside your room are lovingly restored features and furnishings that reflect the innkeepers’ keen attention to detail.
Dim the overhead lights, sprinkle lavender bath salts into the water, then turn on the jets. All you need to do is slip out of your clothes, join your sweetheart in the bath, and relax until you’re ready for supper. After your soak, tuck into a hearty meal at Castelli’s, a fourth-generation Italian eatery in Alton. Come morning, you might choose between a gourmet breakfast of poached eggs or Belgian waffles in your suite or the Beall’s formal dining room.
When you book a stay at Eastland Suites in Urbana, you know you’ll be taken care of from beginning to end.
Grab your bags and check in to one of the whirlpool suites, where a bedroom accented in muted grays and a spa-like bathroom with a tiled shower and glass sink basin await. But before turning on the jacuzzi jets, head back to the lobby for a pizza pie to quell your hunger or a complimentary happy hour drink from 5-7 PM.
Cravings assuaged, it’s time to turn on the gas fireplace, pop the cork on the bottle of champagne you stored in the full-sized refrigerator, and get cozy in the spacious jetted tub. If you decide you need a snack or cocktail later in the evening, just bounce down to the full-service bar to socialize with other guests or catch up on the big game.
If you’re a fan of aquatic-themed properties like Sybaris in Indiana or The American Club in Wisconsin, Champagne Lodge & Luxury Suites is a Chicago hotel with in-room jacuzzis that belongs on your must-stay list.
Located in the Chicago suburb of Willowbrook, Champagne Lodge is close enough to the city to book a lavish urban supper, but far enough away to lose the jangle of traffic. In short, Champagne Lodge is a Goldilocks-style balance of convenience and privacy.
Depending on your budget and preferences, you can splurge for an expansive private swimming pool suite or select a standard champagne suite, which still includes a 110-gallon jacuzzi tub, electric fireplace, and walk-in shower. No matter which of the four tiers you choose, the Champagne Lodge promises discreet indulgence.