It’s no secret that Chicago is a pretty magical place. After all, we have countless spots in the city that resemble the Wizarding World™—and we can back it up with some major bragging rights.
The Second City was chosen as the first destination in the world to get the spellbinding Harry Potter™: Magic at Play experience located on the Magnificent Mile, taking over 30,000 square feet at The Water Tower Place.
To celebrate this outstanding honor of this limited-time experience on Michigan Avenue, Loews Chicago Hotel has tapped Joshua Jones and Christopher Junkerman, the creative duo behind Cavalier Company, to give a magical nod to the occasion. They have fully transformed the 9th-floor’s Lake View Suite, playfully dubbed Wizards and Wands with stunning gothic-themed decor that enchants wizards, witches, and yes, even muggles!
Creative Director Joshua Jones of Cavalier Company exclusively told Secret Chicago, “It was pure joy transforming the Lake View Suite into a magical destination for wizards of all walks. Our team of designers and fabricators conjured our own childhood fantasies as we dreamed up special moments for the suite.”
Jones added, “As experiential designers, we approach design through the lens of each guest, whether a curious child or a giddy grownup. Finding the “in-between” is where the magic and imagination lies.”
As for their favorite part of the suite? Jones shared that it’s definitely the area they lovingly call the mixers and elixirs vignette.
“From the handcrafted magic plantings, the curated collection of potion bottles, and the whimsical flock of letters taking flight from the mailbox, there are lots of details for guests to explore,” said Jones.
You won’t miss the entrance to the suite, as it’s all decked out with a pushcart and a snowy owl, so you’ll know you’re in the right place to start your magical journey! The Wizards and Wands room at number 926 nods to the famed Platform 9 ¾™, so the suite will be playfully referred to as “Platform 9 & 2/6”.
Stay in the Wizarding World™ for the night! Book it here!
This one-bedroom suite has a separate living room with one bathroom, although booking an adjoining room with two beds is possible for an extra fee.
Cavalier Company fully transformed the nearly 800-square-foot suite with everything Harry Potter™ fans will love, including enchanting designs inspired by the Wizarding World™. Guests will be surrounded by the themed decor, including Pottery Barn Teen’s Harry Potter ™ Collection items.
Everyone loved being welcomed with magical treats upon arrival, indulging in delicious popcorn, treats with golden Snitch Wings, chocolate frogs, and Polyjuice Potion to wash it all down. Plus, the kids won’t get enough of playing the suite’s PS5—and the new Hogwarts Legacy game that was recently released. If they can step away from the game, they’ll love to spend hours inside the Wizard’s pop-up tent in the back bedroom.
If you think it’s just a night for the kids, think again! This overnight adventure is one that parents can enjoy too. Don’t miss out on visiting the elevated tavern-style ETA Restaurant + Bar, which serves up rustic American dishes like the Everything Spice Organic Half Chicken and the Bulgogi Ribeye (Korean Style Steak).
They now have a special Elixirs and Potions menu with mocktails for the kids. Parents will want to partake in the magical cocktail menu, which features favorites like Pumpkin Juice (Hennessy, lemon, simple syrup, and pumpkin), our personal favorite, The Dementor’s Kiss (Mezcal, bitters, Demerara, and smoke). In the mood for something sparkly? Try the purple-hued Unicorn Blood cocktail with butterfly pea flower-infused vodka, triple sec, lemon, simple syrup, and of course, plenty of sparkles!
The spellbinding suite is the perfect place to enjoy before venturing to the magical world at Harry Potter: Magic at Play, perhaps even during spring break! Only in town until May 14th, you’ll get to explore, interact, and climb your way through Harry’s mesmerizing world, starting at the Dursley residence on Privet Drive before heading to Platform 9 ¾™, marveling at the Hogwarts Express™ and finally venturing to Hogwarts™, the iconic school of witchcraft and wizardry.
Go on a magical adventure to Hogwarts™ with a sweet deal for spring break! Book now to enjoy 15% off standard tickets to Harry Potter™: Magic at Play from 4/3 to 4/9 with code: SPRINGMAGIC. Plus, guests can enjoy an in-store scavenger hunt from March 30th to April 9th!
This experience has received rave reviews, with one guest sharing, “Magic at Play had the best parts of the London studio tour brought to Chicago. It’s not just for children; it’s for the kid inside of everyone.”
🛏️ 🏰 Ready to enter this magical suite life? This mesmerizing room with views of Navy Pier and Lake Michigan at the Loews Chicago Hotel, 455 N. Park Dr, Chicago, IL 60611, is available starting now until May 15th!