With Swissôtel Chicago, world class accommodations and award-winning hospitality are not just fluffy words in a catchy tagline. When it comes to exceeding standards, this Chicago hotel is among the best. Swissôtel Chicago continues to set itself even further apart from the crowded hospitality scene by becoming the only hotel in the nation with four ISO certifications.

So what is an ISO certification? ISO certifications are a set of guidelines put in place to ensure desirable characteristics in quality, environmental friendliness, safety, reliability, efficiency and interchangeability for products and services. (There are over 18,500 international standards, all highly specific to a particular product, material or process).

In addition to their first three ISO certifications, Swissôtel Chicago recently passed the ISO 22000 Food Safety Management audit, adding another certification to their already shining resume. Why is this good for hotel visitors? In passing the Food Safety Management audit, Swissôtel Chicago ensures that all food supplied at the hotel is produced, stored, handled and transported in accordance with relevant legislative requirements.

To receive this international honor, Swissôtel Chicago had to improve team members’ knowledge of issues relating to the production, safety and quality of food. Hotel staff also vowed to conduct inspections regularly to ensure the standards are being met and promised to take the appropriate measures if they are not.

On top of continuing to educate team members about food safety and quality, the certification also ensures that the hotel has proper management systems and controls in place, and that all the risks associated with food provision have been reduced to the lowest level possible. Since food safety hazards can occur at any stage in the food chain, it is essential that adequate control be in place and that standards be met. Swissôtel Chicago does not take these standards lightly. Would you stay somewhere that does?

The number of American businesses with formal green programs in place increased 54 percent last year according to research from Buck Consultants. In addition, 69 percent of companies said they took deliberate measures to improve their environmental and social impact in 2010.

While Swissôtel Chicago has made a solid environmental commitment in all facets of our operations, including facilitating green meetings, there are still a number of misconceptions about the feasibility of sustainable business practices in the event planning arena.

Myth: Green meetings are a hassle
Reality: At Swissôtel Chicago, we have the onsite resources including a catering and convention team committed to providing everything from edible centerpieces to recycled binders. Our planners can connect your organization with our green partners and off-site venues that are easily accessible via public transportation.

Myth: Green meetings are expensive
Reality: Green meetings are about increasing economic and environmental efficiency by minimizing the use of resources and reducing the amount of waste produced. Swissôtel Chicago offers high-speed internet, both wired and wireless in all meeting rooms, so business can save on expensive printing costs.

Myth: Green meetings reduce the quality of the meeting experience
Reality: Most green meeting activities go completely unnoticed by delegates. Attendees are not likely to notice your reuse of signage or preference for recycled paper. Many already sort their household waste for curbside pickup and are likely to make use of onsite recycling without a second thought. Furthermore, delegates who are becoming increasingly conscious of their diet respond positively. Over 80% of Swissôtel Chicago’s food products are from local sources.

As part of our overall sustainability efforts, Swissôtel Chicago is committed to finding new ways to help your company hold effortlessly executed and environmentally friendly events.

One of the oldest Chicago events, the Memorial Day Wreath Laying Ceremony and Parade has extra meaning this year and offers a great way to pay tribute to those who have served the United States.

The parade and wreath laying ceremony are scheduled for Saturday, May 28.. The Wreath Laying Ceremony will begin at 11a.m. at the Eternal Flame on Daley Plaza in Chicago (Dearborn and Washington Streets). The parade will step off at 12:00p.m, just a few blocks from the Swissôtel Chicago at the corner of State and Lake streets and will proceed south.

This year’s Grand Marshal will be General Raymond T. Odierno, United States Army, Commander, U.S. Joint Forces Command. During the parade, Odierno will swear in new recruits representing many branches of service. He oversees USJFCOM’s roles in joint concept development and experimentation, joint capability development, joint training, and force provision and management as outlined in the Department of Defense’s Unified Command Plan. Prior to this, Odierno commanded Multi-National Force –Iraq and then U.S. Forces –Iraq. H

Memorial Day observance in the United States began shortly after the Civil War ended when General John Logan proclaimed that the 30th day of May be designated for the purpose of decorating the graves of soldiers who died; the day was called Decoration Day. It was first observed on May 30, 1868. The modern day event is similar, but the original idea has been expanded and now honors all fallen soldiers.

The Chicago Memorial Day parade is now considered one of the largest in the nation

Spring reawakens our senses as we immerse ourselves in the sights, smells and of course sounds of the city. Music will be in the air this summer at Chicago’s Millennium Park .

The Swissôtel Chicago is a luxurious hotel with European amenities and service situated at the juncture of the Lake Michigan and the Chicago River, the perfect location to embrace the musical treasures of the city!

Downtown Sound.
May 23-July 25, Mondays

Now in its third year, Downtown Sound features an eclectic mix of music discoveries, including cutting-edge indie rock, pop bands and rock veterans. Some of the highlights for Summer 2011 include Iron and Wine, Blonde Redhead, Low, Bonnie “Prince” Billy, Ted Leo, the UK’s Seefeel, France’s Ben L’Oncle Soul and Niger’s Bombino, along with Chicago favorites Rachel Ries and Andre Williams.  6:30p.m., Jay Pritzker Pavilion, North Michigan Avenue and East Randolph Street. 312 742 1186.

Music Without Borders.
June 9-July 21, Thursdays.

Music Without Borders explores the world from cultures spanning fivecontinents:  Europe, Asia, Africa, North and South America will be represented in this global series. 6:30p.m. Jay Pritzker Pavilion.

World Class Jazz.
July 28-September 1, Thursdays.

Come hear jazz featuring Chicago’s leading artists with concerts that explore jazz connections to Africa, Latin America and the rhythm and roots of the South side of Chicago. The 2011 series includes tribute concerts and retrospectives, along with opening night of the 33rd Annual Chicago Jazz Festival.

Dusk Variations.
August 1-22, Mondays.

Discover a new wave of music, mixing pop and alternative genres with classical music. 6:30p.m. Jay Pritzker Pavilion.

Grant Park Music Festival.
June 15-August 20, Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays, 6:30p.m.
Jay Pritzker Pavilion.

Experience Grant Park Music Festival’s eclectic 77th Season under the leadership of Principal Conductor Carlos Kalmar. The Fairmont Chicago Millennium Park is the official hotel and American Airlines is the official airline of Grant Park Music Festival. The Festival opens its season with pianist Jean-Philippe Collard performing Ravel’s Piano Concerto in G major, on a program that also includes one of the most important pieces of the early Romantic period, Berlioz’s Symphonie fantastique

Experience a Chicago winter with the awe, wonder and whimsy of a child and enjoy the fun side of luxury at a first class downtown hotel.

Swissôtel Chicago provides the perfect winter base camp for families to tour the city with a fabulous array of child-friendly amenities, including specially designed Kids Suites, interactive VIK check-in, and children’s menus at onsite restaurants. Even if you never leave the hotel property, cooped up kids can spend hours splashing out their winter doldrums in the spacious indoor pool, located on the 42^nd floor.

Just looking out the windows at the Swissôtel Chicago can be a satisfying and educational adventure with spectacular views of the Chicago River, the only river in the world that flows backwards, and Lake Michigan, which never entirely freezes, no matter how cold it gets.

But when you want to venture outdoors, the Millennium Park Ice Skating rink provides the ultimate Chicago winter activity. An easy walk from the Swissôtel Chicago, the rink provides 15,910 square-feet of skating surface and draws 100,000 skaters annually. Plus, it’s free as long as you have your own skates (otherwise rentals are available onsite for $9).

Also just steps from the hotel, the Chicago Children’s Museum at Navy Pier provides the perfect indoor playground with hundreds of interactive exhibits and innovative educational programs. At CCM, visitors can build a dam, create a flying machine, build a skyscraper, or create collaborative artwork.

Once you’ve braved the cold, come back and recap your adventures with a delicious cup of hot cocoa. Our 24-Hour Room Service allows kids, and parents, to relax and replenish so you can plan your next Chicago winter adventure.

Meeting the highest standards of convenience, hospitality, and comfort, Swissôtel Chicago joins the list of other exclusive properties that travel and Travel + Leisure readers deemed the best business hotels in the world for 2010.

The Travel + Leisure readers, often dedicated business travelers who log dozens of hotel nights each year, picked properties with  top-notch service, hassle-free technology, comfortable rooms, and a central, accessible location.

Not surprisingly, Swissôtel Chicago delivers on all fronts. With the unique combination of American energy and Swiss Service, Swissôtel Chicago provides spacious, well-appointed guestrooms with first class amenities and an elegant European touch. From handsomely furnished executive boardrooms to seamless technological integration, Swissôtel Chicago works in conjunction with you, to be a business asset, not add to the inherent hassles of operating away from your home base.

Located just steps from The Magnificent Mile and a short walk to the city’s financial, business and entertainment district, Swissôtel Chicago expects the accolades to continue in 2011 and beyond.

There is no better place to experience the joy and magic of the holidays than Chicago!  Better yet, the city offers numerous wonderful ways to celebrate the season for free.

Christkindlmarket

Thursday, November 25, 2010 through December 24, 2010
Watch as Daley Plaza is transformed into a little piece of Germany, known as the Christkindlmarket Chicago. At the Plaza, visitors will find Chicago’s iconic Picasso sculpture surrounded by red and white crested huts glowing with warmth and overflowing with curios.

Millennium Park: Caroling at Cloud Gate
Fridays, November 26–December 17, 2010, 6 PM Chicago’s holiday tradition returns on Friday nights throughout the holiday season to hear the beautiful voices of different Chicago choral groups and participate in a holiday sing-along.

Navy Pier: Winter Wonderfest
Friday, December 3, 2010 through Sunday, January 2, 2011)
Navy Pier’s annual holiday extravaganza features more than 750,000 holiday ornaments, hundreds of decorated trees, an indoor Ferris wheel, Musical Carousel, North Pole E-Wish Center, Large-Scale Inflatable Games and Giant Slides, Winter WonderStage, Carolers, and more! While is Admission Free, wristbands are required to participate in rides and attractions

City Hall Concert Series: Young Voices Deck “The Hall”
Wednesday December 1st through Friday, December 17, 2010, 12-1 p.m.
These concerts take place in the lobby of City Hall (121 N. LaSalle) and feature the talented voices of children from all over Chicago

Mayor Daley’s Sports Festival – McCormick Place
December 18 and December 19, 2010, 10 am – 4 pm
Highlights of the annual Chicago Sports Festival include interactive zones featuring trampolines, golf, climbing walls, football, tot’s zone, a pitching zone, a 40-Yard dash, skateboarding area and open courts for volleyball and basketball.

Lincoln Park Zoo: Zoo Lights
Friday, Saturday & Sunday nights beginning November 26, 2009. Nightly December 17, 2010 – January 2, 2011 (closed Dec. 24 & 25), 5–9 p.m.
Lincoln Park Zoo transforms into a dazzling wonderland with a series of free seasonal festivities. Presented by ComEd and Charter One, the zoo is illuminated with more than two million lights. The animal exhibits stay open late plus visitors can take photos with Santa and prepare family crafts.

Chicago Cultural Center: Dance Along Nutcracker
Sunday, December 5, 2010
Performances at noon & 3 pm, Workshops at 11 am & 2 pm
Preston Bradley Hall, Chicago Cultural Center
Young and old alike are invited to hit the dance floor as sugar plum fairies and toy soldiers dance and sing along with music from the Lakeside Pride Symphonic Band, including selections from Tchaikovsky’s beloved Nutcracker Suite.

NEW YEAR’S PACAKAGES

Send off 2010 with sparkle and splendor and welcome 2011 with our New Year’s packages destined to make your experience memorable and magnificent.

Swissotel Chicago is offering two amazing ways to celebrate New Year’s Eve in sophisticated luxury. The New Year’s Eve package includes an unforgettable Surf and Turf dinner for two at the famous Palm Restaurant; luxurious accommodations in our well appointed rooms; breakfast for two at either the Geneva Restaurant or from room service; champagne and strawberries.  If your plans include a night on the town, the Bed & Breakfast package is a perfect match to enhance a celebration. Both packages include a late check-out at 3pm, so feel free to linger in the resplendent luxury. There’s also the option to stay an extra day with our New Year’s Day special rates.

The Palm’s Surf and Turf menu offers a classic meal that’s exceptionally prepared and pairs perfectly with champagne and celebration. The special New Year’s menu includes a choice of mixed greens or a Caesar salad, half of a 3 pound lobster and half of a 14 ounce Filet Mignon, sides of mashed potatoes and creamed spinach and for dessert key lime pie or New York cheesecake.

The Magnificent Mile Lights Festival, presented by Harris

November 20th

The Magnificent Mile

www.themagnificentmile.com

Christkindlmarket

November 24 – December 24

Daley Plaza

www.christkindlmarket.com/en/

Christmas Around the World

November 18 – January 9

Museum of Science and Industry

www.msichicago.org

19^th Annual Wreathing of the Lions

November 26^th

Art Institute of Chicago

www.artic.edu

Holiday Shopping

The Magnificent Mile and State Street