Sleeping in a Cadillac
I love the feeling of a Cadillac. Is so American, all the trappings and antiquated symbols of elegance that woo the older generations. Off course, a Cadillac is great to drive, once in a while, but not too much fun to own. The Ritz-Carlton chain, and in particular some of its hotels are like the Cadillac of hospitality: heavy, dark, old fashion, elegant but decadent. Just last week I had the opportunity of sleeping in one of those Cadillac hotels, the Ritz at downtown Chicago. Let me tell you from the beginning, it was great value. It met the minimum standards at an amazingly low rate for a junior suite with a great view of the lake. Don´t get me wrong. I would go back but as often as I get the itch of driving a Cadillac. It would not be my first choice. Antiquated mini-bar, with only one diet coke and a single Perrier. The shower has a curtain with the unmistakable and unavoidable stench of mold. And the usual trick of trying to make you feel like an eco-assassin if you want to change the sheets or the towels. The bright spot is the service at breakfast and the simple lunch menu. To move around you have to navigate three different sets of elevator. The pool is dark blue. The Ritz has the same challenge as Cadillac. Or it turns into an Audi, soon, or they will be stuck with the increasingly nostalgic and thrifty baby boomers. Not the crowd you want to hang around.