Around Chicago: Camp Hello Lovely {Part 1}
July 02, 2012
Over the weekend, three friends and I escaped
to Camp Hello Lovely.
If you know me, you probably guessed there
was no need to stop on the way for bait.
Sure, you could call it glam-ping, but everybody
and their grandma is doing that...
we prefer "urban chic camping"
and highly recommend choosing the
Waldorf Astoria Chicago
in a fabulous area known as
the Gold Coast.
The Waldorf (formerly the Elysian)
boasts the loveliest classic details everywhere
(I previously shared with you images of
the Chanel inspired brooch chandelier above,
but it is worth revisiting along with the
enormously exquisite sculptures in the lobby
who greet guests with peanutbutterfudge-tastic glory).
These beautiful ladies and I soaked up
every square inch of lovely during our getaway.
While our suite was being readied,
we stepped across
the street to BHLDN, a shop
all four of us creative souls adore.
Inspiration and romantic gowns were in abundance,
and what a treat to see a bride modeling
a fabulous and festive ensemble!
Back to the campgrounds.
This was part of the view from our balcony
on the 26th floor...absolutely incredible
sight lines of sailboats on the lake, skyscrapers,
and urban rooftop gardens.
The peace and serenity in the bedroom
with its creams and greys soothed away
stress as a truly tranquil retreat.
We cozied up in camp gear provided by the hotel
(ahem. luxe robes and slippers).
And after a swim and sauna, this spa felt incredible.
Before heading out to dinner.
What is a camping trip without a fire?
In the spa's reception area: gorgeous chandelier and water feature wall.
I will share more pics this week of
Chicago loveliness and frolicking,
and I encourage you to consider an
urban camping experience of your own
(a night or two will recharge the batteries!).
Are you keen to the idea of urban chic camping?
Peace to you right where you are.
31 comments
Blogger ate my comment....ARGH!!!!!!!
ReplyDeleteOMG This looks AMAZING! What a fun weekend, does it get any better than great friends (and pretty girls at that), amazing food, beautiful hotel, a spa and suite? NOT! Looks like a perfect weekend.......I could so hang with your girls, this kind of "glamping" I think I could manage:)
I like your idea of camping. I have the same idea when it comes to camping, Can anyone say,"Room service please?!" Missed being on line the last few weeks. Have a wonderful trip with your friends, looks like a great trip so far, xo Kathysue
ReplyDeleteYES, ma'am, this will
ReplyDeletedo nicely!!
Looks like a fab time
was had by all in the
Windy City campgrounds.
I will have to explore that
little shop next time I
blow into town!!
Happy Monday,
xo Suzanne
Wowsers!
ReplyDeleteCan I come 'urban chic camping' with you next time?
It looks fab-u-lous, darlink!
The only way to re-charge the batteries.
I was hoping to be doing that this week in Granada, but it was not to be. (Cue lots of tears!!).
So good to check in with your lovely site again...sorry to be away so long.
Z xx
I am sooooo jealous.
ReplyDeleteBest...Victoria
who knows? 'camp hello lovely' is really growing on me and i just may invite you all along on the next trip.
ReplyDeletereality check: i ate wayyy too much and am still worn out from the shopping so next time it is strictly spa (we did a little bit o' that too).
:)
Take me back! I am missing my gorgeous robe and man slippers ensemble! What a fabulous weekend in such an enchanting place. I will be thinking of you and sending love from miles away! =)
ReplyDeleteLooks like my kind of camping trip! You are most certainly a girl after my own heart. Glad you ladies had such a lovely time! XO
ReplyDeleteNext time I want to come!!!! Looks like you pretty ladies had a wonderful time. Not envious at all...
ReplyDeleteHappy 4th to you sis (yes, you can always need more!). I will call you before the week is over. Lots to chat about.
oxox, Mon
Looks just wonderful! :-)
ReplyDeleteWOW the dress is amazing!!! NIKA
ReplyDeleteP.S.: Watch also my blog:
http://nikasinspirations80slifeandbeauty.blogspot.com/
or my youtube page: http://www.youtube.com/user/NIKA80sLife/videos
I am going camping the hello lovely style next time. Have never seen photos of the hotel in Chicago-wonderful. On my trip wish list!!
ReplyDeleteGod I love your style of camping!!!! What you have fire so where are the s'mores?
ReplyDeleteEnjoy your Fourth!
XX
Debra~
I guess I missed my invitation, lol! Fabulous hotel, Michele. Appears everyone was having a fun and relaxing time. It certainly is the setting for it.
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing, and have a happy 4th!
Teresa
xoxo
Now that's my kind of camping Michele...beautiful suite, great food, shopping and wonderful friends...what a stylish and beautiful group!!
ReplyDeleteYa'll are so cute... what A fabulous place to "camp", now THAT's my idea of roughing it!
ReplyDeleteCindy
we almost made s'mores, debra! and you know you have an open invitation, sister monika.
ReplyDelete@casey
you know i'll take you back. MAN SLIPPERS! we should have taken a good pic of those peep toed beauties. you are probably on your way to the holy place, and i know it will be life changing and miraculous. kisses to jordan, nancy, and marilyn and the cute boys too.
:)
Have certainly seen this from the outside but never been in. Thanks for the lovely tour.
ReplyDeleteStopping by from The Polohouse Favorites on the First.
Such a fabulous place - definitely my sort of camping! Who needs dirt under your nails and biting creepy crawlies? This is camping in style! Looks like you girlies had a wonderful time - jealous! ;) xxx
ReplyDeleteThis is all news to me!
ReplyDeleteI am so excited to know about this and cannot wait to try it out for myself someday SOON, Michele!
You are all so gorgeous and looks like a yaya sisterhood kind of a getaway!
Love the pics.
Wish I was in that spa soaking tub right NOW!!!
xoxoxox
A
Where do I sign up? This sounds like my kind of camping. Love the idea! I think this may need to be an upcoming trip. Thanks for the idea!
ReplyDeleteHappy 4th of July ~sarah
Camping, ha, you are such a hoot! It's a fabulous gorgeous place. A spa break would do me just fine right now too, I'd never have guessed I could ache in so many different places, and I'm only still in the 2nd trimester! But it's all in a happy countdown to meeting baby soon :)
ReplyDeleteHappy 4th of July to you, my lovely!
Meera xx
Right now...right very now, I jealous you. But apart from this time, I heart you.
ReplyDeleteSuch a lovely time you had!!! Loved tottering along with you.
Happy 4th of July friend :)
Dear Michele oh yes this is my only idea of camping!! An elegant spot to stay!
ReplyDeleteHappy 4th!
xoxo
Karena
Art by Karena
Wow! Looks amazing! So beautiful!!!!!!!
ReplyDeleteLove Lisanne
Looks like you had an ahhhmmmaaazing girls trip! I'm curious to hear if you guys felt the same with it now owned by Waldorf Astoria? We are booked for July 20-22 and are a bit nervous since we LOVED Elysian!!
ReplyDeleteelissa! same exceptional treatment as the elysian. the Elysian spa has kept its name btw. the robes say waldorf astoria so that changed! no tipping policy still intact. i am so thrilled you guys are going back. we stayed for our anniversary and it's such a romantic location for love!
ReplyDeletecan't wait to see you on saturday.
:)
oh how i miss chi-town! i grew up inthe burbs and moved to tennesse 31 years ago. i love to visit chicago and my best friend who still lives there....love your idea of urban chic camping too.
ReplyDeleteerin
xxoo
let's have a blogger camping trip next time!
ReplyDeletehad no idea the elysian became the waldorf, still stunning as are you and your friends, can't wait for
part 2
xo debra
yesssssss, a blogger camping trip in chicago is a must.
ReplyDeletepart 2 is up!
:)
Oh how I love Chicago! I attended the University of Chicago and loved every minute of my time there. Luckily, my sister lives there so I can go often.
ReplyDeleteWhat a fabulous trip! Every girl needs a vacation with her friends! Thanks for sharing
Your comments add to the beauty...thanks in advance for your kindness.