Fete Lifestyle Magazine January 2023 - Trends Issue | Page 71

and willing to spend more in 2023 to discover new experiences and share them with family and friends. Some of the travel trends we will see surround wellness, solo travel, art, glamping, and cultural experiences. However, traveling to big cities like, Chicago, New York, Miami, and LA will still be very popular, and more and more folks are eager to stay in the best hotel at their destination.

An elevated experience that encompasses accommodations, dining, shopping, and activities is what travelers are looking for and they expect that to be delivered during their stay. The competition is fierce, and 4- and 5-star hotels are eager to showcase why potential guests should choose them. The Langham Hotel Chicago reputation precedes itself. Annually it ranks as the best or one of the best luxury hotels in the world. It’s centrally located along the Chicago River and boasts spectacular views of the city. The 5-star hotel is the perfect blend of convenience and style, but what makes The Langham special is its people. Specifically, Philippe Gills, one their elite concierges. Not only can he eloquently explain the history and reveal the not so obvious gems about the Langham, but he is a connoisseur of Chicago knowledge and has helped a countless number of guests enjoy the sights, sounds, and tastes of the Windy City over the years. Now more than ever we have the ability to Google, research and plan our itinerary prior to arriving to our destination, but we often still rely on local experts to direct us to where we want to go and want to do. It’s professionals like Philippe who aim to exceed our expectations. Born and raised on Chicago’s South Side, Philippe brings 25 years of award-winning hotel experience to The Langham Chicago. He is a member of the prestigious organization Les Clefs d’Or, the only international association of professional hotel concierges; and was in 2014 inducted into the Chicago Concierge Hall of Fame by his peers. After spending the day touring the Langham with him, I learned why he is one of a select few concierges around the world that has earned the coveted golden keys.