Sable Navy Pier

Hotel openings during the pandemic did not always receive the fanfare they would have before. Some real gems came in without the usual notice. Sable at Navy Pier, part of the Hilton Curio Collection, is one such hotel, but it’s made up for the lack of attention at the beginning—and it deserves the accolades it’s received.

Hotel openings during the pandemic did not always receive the fanfare they would have before. Some real gems came in without the usual notice. Sable at Navy Pier, part of the Hilton Curio Collection, is one such hotel, but it’s made up for the lack of attention at the beginning—and it deserves the accolades it’s received.

Location, Location

This property sits on the tip of Chicago’s Navy Pier and turns the popular attraction into a vacation destination unto itself. Whether you are looking for a place to bring the family for fun, have a romantic getaway, or spend a relaxing time with friends, Sable wears all the hats.

The hotel was designed to show off its location. Every room has floor to ceiling windows overlooking Lake Michigan. If you’ve never seen this Great Lake in the Windy City, you are in for a shock: its calm blue waters will rival the views of the Caribbean with the one of a kind chicago skyline in the background. You can see the boats doting the scenery, or better yet, take a cruise yourself right from the pier.

As hard as it is to tear yourself from the chaise lounge at the window in your room, a visit to Chicago is not complete without seeing what Navy Pier has to offer in every season. It’s home to the Chicago Children’s Museum, the Centennial Wheel (a favorite spot for proposals), Chicago’s Shakespeare Theater, Amazing Chicago’s Funhouse Maze and Atomic Rush, and Polk Brothers Park.

Navy Pier has food venues for every appetite. Don’t resist local favorites such as a sweet treat from Brown Sugar Bakery or lunch at the infamous Harry Caray’s Tavern but be sure to save your appetite for dinner back at the hotel.

Superb Dining

Lirica is the Latin-inspired restaurant at Sable Hotel and the best place to start is with their Mojitos. The Passionfruit Vanilla is incredible, but there’s also the classic and rotating specials, as well as Margaritas. The wine list is just as unusual and includes of Argentinian, Chilean, and Spanish selections.

Enjoy your drinks with the Chips & Dip. The salsa and guacamole are both house-made and delicious. Their unusual salads may sound odd but give one a try. The Warm Roasted Cauliflower Salad I had was delicious, with cauliflower, dates, hazelnut, celery, and raisins in an unforgettable balsamic dressing.

The main courses at Lirica vary from Latin dishes such as a chimichurri skirt steak to Spanish Fried Chicken. I was drawn to the Braised Beef Short Ribs, and it did not disappoint. If it’s available, choose it.

While you are enjoying your dinner, keep an eye on the sky through the window at Lirica because you don’t want to miss the sunset over Navy Pier. From Memorial Day to Labor Day, it’s a double treat on Wednesdays and Saturdays because sunsets are followed by fireworks displays.

Chicago’s Best Rooftop

The best place to see it all is at Offshore, the hotel’s rooftop club. Be sure to get reservations in advance as it can fill up despite the enormous space.

Forget everything you know about rooftops because Offshore goes way beyond those expectations as the largest rooftop venue in the nation (36,000 square feet). The views are spectacular and, with a covered and heated area through much of the venue, it is an all-season spot. Cocktails, small plates, and desserts are served at Offshore, but the location itself is the star with comfortable couches, firepits, and plenty of tables for two if you are looking for romance. At the same time, there is also a kid’s menu to let you know it’s open for family-friendly outings.

There’s no need to call a car service because you only need an elevator to get back down to your room at the Sable Hotel. There you can get cozy in your Hilton Serenity bed with all the amenities you need to work or relax before a good night’s sleep.

In the morning, take a stroll along the pier or hit the Peloton bikes in the Fitness Center if the weather isn’t agreeable. Don’t leave Sable Hotel at Navy Pier without first enjoying breakfast on the patio, the menu changes seasonally, but whatever you get at this property will be memorable.