Chicago, the second most populated city in the United States is also the second most visited. ftnNEWS brings you the new hotel openings in Chicago in 2017 and 2018.
Because the city is located on the shores of Lake Michigan, offers visitors an excellent arts scene, unique architecture, and extensive shopping opportunities. Art lovers should not miss the Art Institute of Chicago, which houses well over 100,000 works of art. Some of the most famous art exhibits here include Monet, Renoir, and Seurat. For those interested in architecture, the John Hancock Center, the Tribune Tower, and the Wrigley Building are must-sees. For a shopping and unique dining experience, the Navy Pier is perfect.
There is an updated version of this article, presenting the newest hotels in Chicago.
Hotel EMC2, Autograph Collection – Opened May 2017
Immerse yourself in downtown Chicago’s creative culture at Hotel EMC2, Autograph Collection, located in Streeterville within walking distance of The Magnificent Mile – boasting a plethora of shops and eateries – the Theater District, Navy Pier and popular museums. Impeccable mid-century modern design meets artistic flair with a metallic, mirrored entrance, a collection of commissioned artwork throughout the hotel and 195 luxurious guest rooms. Amenities include global cuisine at The Albert restaurant, a fitness center and two event venues with 1,800 square feet of total event space.
Cambria Chicago Loop – Theatre District – Opened May 2017
Constructed above the historic Oriental Theatre at 32 W. Randolph Street, Cambria Chicago Loop – Theatre District, managed by Crescent Hotels & Resorts, is situated on the upper 19 floors of the 22 story building. Cambria Chicago Loop – Theatre District features 199 stylish guestrooms, two lavish suites- one of which boasts an enchanting 18 foot high cathedral window that is original to the building, a game room complete with pool tables, shuffleboard, foosball and TV’s for watching games, a fitness center, and 2,600 square feet of adaptable function space that can be separated into four state-of-the-art meeting rooms, allowing for ultimate flexibility. Amenities include AV capabilities, valet parking for all guests, and customizable menus to fit every budget.
Located within walking distance to many attractions the area offers, including the John Hancock Center, Skydeck Chicago and the Chicago Riverwalk, shopping and dining options are endless with the Cambria Chicago Loop – Theatre District’s proximity to State Street, the Magnificent Mile, Millennium Park and Block 37.
Ace Hotel – Opened July 2017
Fulton Market’s new 159-room Ace Hotel Chicago is opened in July as a discounted “preview period”. The new 159-room hotel’s rooftop bar and lounge became a trendy place to be last summer. Ace Hotel Chicago lives in a stoic, industrial concrete and glass building in the West Loop, once home to an Italian-American cheesemaking company and, before that, a pair of mysterious brothers. The room sizes are characterized as Small, Medium, Double, Large, Loft and Ace Suite.
Marriott Marquis Chicago – Opened September 2017
The Marriott Marquis Chicago is officially the largest North American property opened by the hotel chain in 2017. The hotel brings 1,205 guest rooms, including 44 suites, to the burgeoning entertainment and convention district of McCormick Square. Marriott Marquis Chicago is directly connected to the country’s largest convention center, McCormick Place, and is adjacent to the new 10,000-seat Wintrust Arena. The hotel instantly earned a high profile after Barack Obama visited and enjoyed a night in one of its luxurious suites. Marriott’s Chicago property offers guests 93,000 square feet of high-tech, connected meeting space.
Viceroy Hotel – Opened September 2017
Viceroy Chicago, located in the exclusive Gold Coast neighborhood, marks Viceroy’s first destination in the Windy City. Located at the site of the 1920s-era Cedar Hotel, among historic mansions and just steps to the Magnificent Mile and Lake Michigan, Viceroy Chicago offers a locally-inspired luxury experience with 180 guestrooms and suites. Explore modern, Midwest flavors at the hotel’s restaurant or head up to the rooftop bar, pool and lounge, perched 18 stories high for a sweeping panorama of Great Lake views and Chicago’s iconic, soaring skyline. The hotel also offers 3,600 square feet of meeting and event space.
The Hotel at Midtown – Opened November 2017
The Hotel at Midtown has officially opened, and the 55-room boutique hotel is located inside the Midtown Athletic Club Chicago. Located at the intersection of the city’s Bucktown, Lincoln Park and Logan Square neighborhoods, the hotel’s guestrooms feature views of either the Chicago skyline or the outdoor pool, and they are fitted with hardwood floors and large windows. The Hotel at Midtown also has two specialty rooms: a two-story, 2,100-sq.-ft. penthouse suite, featuring a private terrace with city views; and the V Suite, designed by V Starr Interiors, tennis legend Venus Williams’ design firm. Created to invoke a sense of relaxation and rejuvenation, the V Suite has a private bedroom, calming textures, floor-to-ceiling windows with blackout curtains and marble bathrooms.
Chicago Marriott Lincolnshire Resort – Re-opened November 2017
Following $25 million transformation, Chicago Marriott Lincolnshire Resort, managed by The Bricton Group, announced its grand re-opening in November 2017. Its $25 million renovation that has transformed nearly every aspect of the resort – from introducing two new restaurants to the Chicagoland dining scene – Three Embers and Wrights Brew & Bistro – adding a full-service Starbucks Café, new day Spa – Xhale Spa – and renovating all the resort guest rooms with comfort and modern technology in mind.
Hotel Zachary – Opened March 2018
Hotel Zachary, a 173-room boutique hotel located in iconic Wrigleyville, the heart of Chicago’s Lakeview neighborhood, opened March 30, 2018. Inspired by the designs of world-renowned Wrigley Field architect and Chicagoan Zachary Taylor Davis, Hotel Zachary is where history and style come together. From thoughtful amenities and artistic touches in every guestroom to locally infused dining and signature cocktails, Hotel Zachary delivers a genuine Chicago neighborhood experience. The hotel has a wide range of inspired cuisine for all, from five-star dining to street tacos and tequila.
Four Points by Sheraton Mount Prospect O’Hare – Opened March 2018
Four Points by Sheraton Mount Prospect O’Hare opened its doors on March 28, 2018. Four Points Mount Prospect O’Hare offers approachable design, stylish comfort and all the brand’s popular extras including a 24-hour fitness center, a heated indoor swimming pool, fast and free Wi-Fi throughout the hotel. The property, previously under the name Country Inn, underwent a multi-million dollar renovation including all 93 spacious guest rooms.
The hotel is just a short drive from Randhurst Village, the Fashion Outlets of Chicago and Woodfield Mall. It is also within driving distance of LEGOLAND and Arlington International Racecourse and roughly seven miles from Chicago O’Hare International Airport for a convenient trip.
St. Jane Chicago – Opening June 2018
Formerly known as Hard Rock Hotel on the Michigan Avenue, the hotel will open as the St. Jane Chicago by late spring 2018 under the new name and concept. Changes will include replacing the Hard Rock memorabilia shop with a grab-and-go coffee shop and restaurant that opens into a seating area in the lobby, as well as a new restaurant-bar to take the place of Chuck’s: A Kerry Simon Kitchen just south of the hotel at street level. The yet-to-be-named replacement for Chuck’s is expected to include a microbrewery. Changes to the hotel will include a reduction to 363 rooms, from 381, and upgraded rooms. Event space on lower floors totaling 11,000 square feet, and including a large outdoor space, will be redesigned and used for weddings and other events.
Moxy Chicago Downtown – Opening Spring 2018
The playful and experiential Moxy Hotels will debut its first property in Chicago, IL—and the first in the Midwest—in Spring 2018. Opening in the city known for its location on Lake Michigan, foodie mentality and epic nightlife, Moxy Chicago Downtown will welcome guests with its locally inspired contemporary design, industrial chic style and buzzing social scene. Its 156 bedrooms will be comfortable, and tech savvy with plush platform beds, peg walls instead of closets for flexibility, motion sensor lighting, 49-inch LED TVs, abundant power and USB outlets, along with furiously fast and free Wi-Fi for connectivity. Moxy Chicago Downtown has been welcoming Booking.com guests since Mar 22, 2018
Hilton Garden Inn Chicago McCormick Center
Hampton Inn by Hilton Chicago McCormick Center
Home2 Suites by Hilton Chicago McCormick Center – Opening Q3 2018
Hilton’s first triple-brand hotel, consisting of a Hilton Garden Inn, Hampton Inn by Hilton and Home2 Suites by Hilton, are coming to North America’s largest convention center, McCormick Place. Located at 123 E. Cermak Road with a skybridge to the convention center, the Hilton Garden Inn, Hampton Inn by Hilton and Home2 Suites by Hilton McCormick Center will offer travelers accommodations with value-added amenities that emphasize comfort, convenience and productivity. Upon completion, the hotel will encompass approximately 379,500 square feet, including 23 floors and a collective 466 guest rooms and suites.
Aloft Chicago Mag Mile – Opened October, 2018
The newly-built hotel Aloft Chicago Mag Mile features 337 urban-inspired guestrooms and just over 5,600 square feet of creative, art-inspired meeting spaces, making this the largest Aloft property in North America. Guests will enjoy amenities such as Splash, the indoor pool perched atop the hotel on the 19th floor.
Sophy Hyde Park – Opened: October 2018
The Sophy Hotel, a 98-room luxury boutique hotel, opens in Chicago’s Hyde Park neighborhood. Sophisticated and eclectic, SOPHY® Hotel embodies the crafts and passions of art, science, literature, and music that are the inspiration of today’s Hyde Park.
The design of the guestrooms, which include standard rooms and larger suites, was inspired by the fine arts legacy of Hyde Park. Each room is anchored by an eight foot abstract painting by local artist Joey Korom.
The hotel offers 24/7 fitness center, complimentary business center, valet parking, and complimentary shuttle service within Hyde Park, daily from 7AM – 7PM.
Hotel Julian – Opened: Late 2018
Situated diagonally across from Millennium Park on North Michigan Avenue on the eastern side of the central business district, Hotel Julian has 218 rooms.
Housed in the century-old Atlantic Bank Building just north of Millennium Park, the hotel’s 218 spacious and contemporary guestrooms offer stunning views of Millennium Park, the lake, and the city. The hotel offers a state-of-the-art, 24-hour fitness center with a Peloton Bike, TRX System, Star Trac Recumbent Bike, and Nautilus Strength Circuit Training Equipment, in addition to About Last Knife, Oxford’s latest chef-driven food and beverage concept/venue. Offering indoor and outdoor seating, About Last Knife features a modern take on the classic steakhouse alongside a progressive beverage program.
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