The purple awnings and courtyard entrance are familiar to anyone who spends time in the Gold Coast. At 11 E. Walton, the Waldorf Astoria combines one of Chicago’s recognizable hotel addresses with a small collection of private homes above it. The architecture is formal, the homes are substantial, and the location puts Oak Street, Rush Street, and the lakefront within walking distance.
I think the Waldorf deserves its place among Chicago’s best luxury buildings. The hotel is a meaningful part of the appeal, especially for someone who values service and uses it regularly. So is the ability to live in the middle of the Gold Coast with enough space to make this a permanent home.