The term ‘presidential suite’ was named after the European tradition of suites that housed royalty. Since the US doesn’t have a royal family, we chose to call the best room in the house the Presidential Suite or suitable for the first family. And believe you me, these accommodations rival the Oval Office in luxury. From stunning views to private chefs and pools, this is haute living at it’s finest.

The Fairmont’s Obama-themed Presidential Suite

The 1,850 square foot suite features an illustrative montage of President Obama’s life and 43 previous presidents, displayed in chronological sequence throughout rooms, along with various Obama memorabilia, including campaign buttons, newspaper headlines, and seals of the various offices he has held throughout his political life. The suite overlooks Grant Park, where Obama made his historic acceptance speech on the eve of his election as the 44th President of the United States. An original painting by Chicago-based artist CRO also adorns the suite. The hotel also offers a two-night “Presidential Suite and Hometown Tour Package,” offering guests an intimate, chauffeur-driven tour of Barack Obama and his family’s favorite places in Chicago in the hotel’s private Bentley Continental Flying Spur.

The Fairmont, 200 N. Columbus Dr., Chicago.

The Four Seasons Chicago

The gracious 2,315 square foot Presidential Suite occupies a corner position on the 46th floor, offering the ultimate in luxury accommodation. The suite features a magnificent master bathroom, and each room boasts a sweeping view of Lake Michigan. The living room offers comfortable seating for nine guests, while the separate dining room seats eight; the suite also includes two private bars. The master bedroom features a four-poster bed, a sofa and a separate dressing area. There are two full marble bathrooms, plus one guest powder room. The oversized master bathroom includes a deep soaking tub in pink marble and a separate glass-enclosed shower.

The Palmer House Hilton

The Penthouse of the Palmer House Hilton ranks among the top 101 hotel suites in the world by Elite Traveler Magazine. The 3,700 square foot Penthouse was designed by Forrest Perkins, Inc., of Washington D.C. The spectacular 11 room suite boasts unusual exotic woods, custom furniture, sumptuous fabrics, a conference room and spa inspired marble bath with a studio quality make-up room.  Adorning the walls are a collection of French Impressionist reproductions by Monet, Renoir, Cézanne and Cassatt. The originals were brought to America by Bertha Palmer, wife of the founder of the hotel and hung in her home throughout most of the 19th century. They are now part of the permanent collection at the Art Institute of Chicago. In addition there are rare photographs of the World’s Fair in Chicago of 1893, an historic happening with which the Palmers were intimately involved.

The Palmer House Hilton, 17 E. Monroe St., Chicago.

The Intercontinental Chicago

Rated one of the top 10 in the country by MSNBC, The Intercontinental Presidential Suite, located on the 35th floor of the Historic Tower, overlooks both the Magnificent Mile and Lake Michigan. It features two levels of floor to ceiling windows, a beautiful staircase leading to the master bedroom, gabled fireplace, luxuriant pink draperies and four full baths.

The Intercontinental, 505 N. Michigan Ave., Chicago.

The Drake

On the 5th floor of The Drake Hotel is the six-room 1,500 square foot Presidential Suite. With specially designed carpets, crystal chandeliers, mirrors, a large entranceway leads to a marble foyer with a separate living and dining areas with spectacular lake views. The Presidential Suite has been graced by dignitaries from around the world including the Prime Minister of Australia, the Prime Minister of Tunisia, the Queen of Thailand, the Italian President, former First Lady Nancy Reagan, Princess Diana, and Queen Beatrix of the Netherlands.

The Drake, 140 E. Walton Place, Chicago.