Furry Fun at StayPineapple in Chicago

I've been to many Chicago hotels, but StayPineapple is one of my best discoveries in years.

I love pineapple and was very intrigued about a hotel built around the fruit. When I heard they were very dog friendly, I knew I had to go. I brought my friend Kim and my Yorkie Teddy along to enjoy the fun for a quick trip.

Even though Teddy is a service dog and is welcome everywhere, I try to take him to pet friendly places so he gets the dog perks. We received welcome drinks (Sauvignon Blanc for me and pineapple beer for Kim), pineapple shaped cookies, pineapple water, and, of course, dog biscuits for Teddy, as soon as we arrived at the hotel.

My corner suite was perfect, with a king bed in the large bedroom, and a couch, chair, and second television in the living room. Kim had the room next door to herself. We had a beautiful view from the window. 

Teddy had a bed set up for him and bowls for water and food next to it. In his goodie bag was also a yellow container with a clip, filled with poop bags (there are areas nearby where you can walk your dog).

 

Both rooms had the consistent pineapple theme throughout. Our robes were yellow with pineapples. Even the bathroom had toilet paper designed as a pineapple! I could detect the faint smell of pineapple in the air. 

I enjoyed my wine while I was spread out on the couch with my feet up. It was nice to chill in this environment. Teddy was happy he wasn't needed and ran around and explored the entire place. He finally settled in comfortably on my bed, between all the pillows with pineapple pictures.

 The hotel amenities are definitely more than you see in most Chicago hotels. In addition to what I’ve mentioned, all guests get complimentary internet, unlimited bottled water and coffee/tea in the room, and bikes for borrowing. The cookies and pineapple water are also always available free of charge in the lobby.

After the rest, we went downstairs to have dinner at the hotel’s Atwood Restaurant. We took full advantage of the pineapple filled menu, starting with a Naked Experience cocktail (brown sugar bourbon, pineapple, lemonade & Luxardo cherry) for Kim, served in a pineapple shaped container, and a tequila and pineapple juice for me.

We had shared the  Pineapple Teriyaki Wings, which had chunks of pineapple, and cheese-filled Nachos with a pineapple salsa for our appetizers. The kitchen also sent us the spicy wings to try. Kim had the steak and polenta special for a main course, and I did the BBQ Pork Sliders, which had a sweet and tangy pineapple Cole slaw.

 

Dessert was a dark chocolate skillet brownie with raspberry sauce and a Pineapple Whip, a soft serve that would definitely make Walt Disney jealous. Everything we had was delicious and obviously made with fresh ingredients.

 Teddy had plenty of bones – and a few morsels that might have fallen on the floor, where he sat during our dinner. After he went for a walk, he was content to go back to the room to rest, though he didn’t prefer my bed over his.

 

After a good night’s sleep, we were back at Atwood for brunch. Kim had the Loaded Breakfast Potatoes, with bacon, sausage, and sunny side eggs over crispy potatoes. I had a tomato and cheese omelet, with the potatoes. We were as pleased with breakfast as we have dinner.

As for accessibility, inside it was incredibly good, and the staff was very accommodating. The doors were too heavy for me to manage on my own, though. I am looking forward to seeing more Chicago establishments installing automatic doors.

 

StayPineapple is just a few blocks between Millennium Park and Grant Park. It is also a short walk to the Chicago Theater District so the location is a good one.

It’s rarely I get to relax, eat, and drink all in one place. It was a short getaway, but I really good one I would definitely do again