IHG Hotels & Resorts has officially announced the U.S. market debut of its Ruby Hotels brand with a new property planned in the heart of downtown Chicago, marking a significant expansion milestone for the lifestyle-focused hotel concept.
The hotel will be developed and operated by Ruby Group under a 30-year franchise agreement with IHG, transforming the historic Inn of Chicago building into a modern Ruby Hotels property.
The late 1920s-era landmark sits one block east of the Magnificent Mile and will undergo a comprehensive renovation beginning in the second half of 2026, with a planned opening in 2027. The project introduces Ruby Hotels to the American market less than a year after IHG acquired the brand and only four months after development opportunities opened in the U.S.
Transforming a Chicago Landmark Into a Lifestyle Hotel
The redevelopment will reposition the 22-story building as a 412-room hotel, balancing soulful design with efficient use of space. Plans include a reimagined lobby and bar that will create a lively social atmosphere throughout the day and evening, appealing to both travelers and local residents. A rooftop terrace and bar will highlight sweeping views of the Chicago skyline, offering a new gathering space in the city’s downtown core.
Public areas will reflect Ruby’s signature urban aesthetic, combining character-rich interiors with functional layouts intended to optimize operational efficiency. Guestrooms will feature compact yet premium finishes, allowing the hotel to deliver an elevated guest experience while maintaining a lower cost per square foot. This operating model supports strong returns while keeping room pricing competitive for urban travelers seeking style and comfort.
Jolyon Bulley, Chief Executive Officer, Americas, IHG Hotels & Resorts, said the Chicago project underscores the company’s confidence in the Ruby Hotels concept and its scalability. “We’re incredibly excited to bring our first U.S. Ruby Hotel to Chicago, an iconic city with a deep architectural and cultural legacy. This flagship signing underscores the brand’s strong growth potential and momentum in key locations across the Americas and around the world.”
The renovation will aim to preserve elements of the building’s historic character while layering in Ruby’s contemporary sensibility. By blending heritage architecture with modern hospitality design, the property intends to reflect Chicago’s evolving urban identity while remaining rooted in its past.
Strategic Growth and Long-Term Expansion Plans
Ruby Group will lead development and daily operations, working closely with IHG to deliver the brand’s distinctive design philosophy and guest experience standards. The project is also being developed in partnership with Orange County-based Berk Properties, which brings more than 25 years of experience in residential and hospitality luxury real estate development across the U.S.
Michael Struck, Founder and CEO, Ruby Group, said the Chicago opening represents a major step in the company’s international strategy. “This project marks a significant milestone for Ruby Group and its international growth. In partnership with IHG and alongside experienced development partner Berk Properties, we are bringing Ruby’s design-led and efficient hotel concept to the U.S. market for the first time.”
Struck also highlighted the operational advantages of Ruby’s model, which emphasizes centralized systems and automation to improve efficiency and manage costs. “Ruby Group’s operating platform will also now be launching in North America, offering extraordinary operating efficiency to investors with a unique operating set-up that utilizes both centralization and automation to drive margins while lowering operating risks,” added Struck.
The Chicago launch follows IHG’s 2025 acquisition of Ruby Hotels and signals the company’s broader ambition to accelerate the brand’s global footprint. Ruby was founded in Germany in 2013 and currently has 35 open and pipeline hotels across major European cities, building a reputation for design-driven urban properties that combine affordability with a premium guest experience.
