CORE MEMORIES: RENDEZVOUS IN CHICAGO - CHELSEY GLATZ

My boyfriend Milan and I have a long-distance relationship. I’m in Chicagoland, and he is in Australia. Due to travel restrictions, we were physically apart for the last two years. When Milan was finally able to come to America, it was just in time for our third anniversary.

I wanted to do something special since I’m a self-proclaimed “pineapple enthusiast.” A coworker saw a Staypineapple Chicago ad and sent it to me. I thought this is perfect; stay downtown for our anniversary.

I was so excited about the trip and to be in a pineapple-themed hotel! We traveled to the Staypineapple, An Iconic Hotel The Loop, and I was impressed with its Chicago location. When we checked in, I loved all the little details! I was giddy finding all the pineapples and special touches. The fact that we had real keys on a pineapple keychain to our room was so unique. I also loved the preserved historical features of the building. The view from the room was terrific. We could even see the famous Chicago theater sign and the river. We didn’t realize it was St. Patrick’s Day weekend, when the river is dyed green!

I thought it would be fun to wear our pineapple onesies and dine at Atwood which is located in the hotel lobby. We rolled out of the elevator decked out in head-to-toe pineapple. I mean head to toe as I even had my pineapple sneakers on. The host at Atwood remarked, “your outfits are amazing. I have to get a photo.” I said absolutely, then asked if we could have a table for two. He asked if we had a reservation, but we didn’t. He smiled and said, “Well, I can’t turn you away dressed like that; you have to dine with us!”

Of course, we ordered “The Naked Experience” cocktails. Dinner arrived and we loved all the wording on the plates. The host returned and said, “I showed the chef your photo. He wants to give you a dessert and would love another photo of you both at the table.” You might have seen that photo for the #PineappleDay2022 contest.

The staff was so lovely. We had fantastic service and hospitality. After dinner, we hung out in the lobby, talking with the Everything People at the front desk. Other guests coming through the hotel thought we were the welcoming committee dressed in our onesies. I mentioned I loved the keychain, and the staff gifted me one.

The next day we got to see the river change colors and decided to get breakfast at Atwood. We ended up seated again where we ate dinner. It felt like “our spot.” Milan could tell I was so happy at the hotel. I was in love with its features and couldn’t help but smile the whole time.

We went to dinner that evening and returned to the hotel. Milan proposed to me in the room! He said, “I was originally going to ask you at dinner, but it didn’t feel right. I knew you loved the hotel and decided to wait until we got back to ask you.” Of course I accepted. The engagement ring was simply beautiful! His dad cut the Australian sapphire center jewel and set the stones himself. Little did Milan know that I got us pineapple rings for our anniversary. His is a thick gold band with a pineapple cutout; mine has the same cutout on a thin gold band.

Staypineapple’s hospitality made the trip special. I wanted to remember this trip, so I bought the robe and the plush Dash dog. I keep Dash at my decked-out pineapple desk at work and use the robe often. We just got a house, so my keys are on the Staypineapple keychain. I am surrounded by Staypineapple items that remind me of our special anniversary and engagement trip.

Do you have a Staypineapple memory like Chelsey and Milan? If you would like to share, submit your story to us here.