A week back, I took a short business trip to Chicago for a conference. This was my first visit to Chicago in over 10 years. I’ve been in and out of O’Hare Airport countless times, and it was weird to actually leave the airport to go to the city.

One of the highlights of the conference was an event at 360 Chicago. This venue is near the top (94th of 100 stories) of the John Hancock building and provides views in every direction (hence, 360 Chicago). The observation room is 1,000 feet (305 meters) above the ground.

The views are fantastic. Here is a panorama of the view looking southwest over downtown Chicago. The Willis Tower (formerly known as the Sears Tower) is on the far right of the picture and was the tallest building in the world from 1973 to 1998. It is now 16th tallest in the world and second-tallest in the United States.

Downtown Chicago looking sourheast from 360 Chicago

The view north is also quite nice. Mid-April is a little early for beach activity in Chicago, but I would imagine the beaches below will be quite crowded in August. It had snowed just a week earlier even though the temperature was in the mid-50s Fahrenheit (~12° Celsius) during my trip.

Looking north from 360 Chicago

360 Chicago has a thrill ride called “Tilt.” Tilt is a hydraulically driven set of glass stalls that tip you out over the edge of the building so you can look down. And I mean straight down. I admit that I chickened out and jumped back when it got way out, but did get this picture before I stepped back. As you can see, you are looking straight down.

TILTing out and looking down from the top of the John Hancock Building

One of the highlights of the event was an interview with Arnold Donald, the CEO of Carnival Corporation. Carnival is the largest cruise company and “has a combined fleet of over 100 vessels across 10 cruise line brands.” [Wikipedia] While he was providing great insights, there was a beautiful sunset right behind him.

Sunset from 360 Chicago

I was staying right next door to the Hancock Building at the Four Seasons Hotel. Located in the 900 North Michigan Avenue building, the hotel is sandwiched in between a mall and condominiums. Here is a view of the 900 North Michigan Avenue building from 360 Chicago.

The 900 North Michigan Avenue building, home to the Four Seasons Hotel

The hotel was very nice as one would expect from the Four Seasons brand. I was very impressed with their service, with one incident really showing their ability to deliver. The power outlets near the desk area had been damaged so that plugs would not make contact. I reported the problem to the front desk when I came down to dinner on Sunday night. By the time I returned to my room after dinner, it had been fixed. On a Sunday. I was impressed.

Apparently, the famous winds of Chicago can make rooms uncomfortably noisy. The hotel left these earplugs with this explanatory note next to my bed each night. Very thoughtful.

Nighttime courtesy from the Four Seasons