The Four Diamond Swissôtel Chicago has completed the $10 million renovation of its lobby/bar and classic meeting space. Construction began in December 2011. Inspired by the work of the building’s original architect, Harry Weese, Swissôtel Chicago’s renovated lobby has been transformed into a welcoming oasis for guests. The lobby now features a modern design with natural elements and an earth tone palette that reflect the hotel’s Swiss heritage. This natural feel is set off by attention grabbing splashes of colour, dramatic art, and lighting elements like the artistic rainstorm created by thousands of dangling glass bubble fixtures. Backlit glass panels, etched with Chicago’s skyline, sit just behind the check-in area. Projected just about the bar area, Swissôtel Chicago’s Swiss Circle, by award-winning artist Jork André Dieter, changes colour to reflect various moods throughout the day. This illuminated work features two rings of Chicago landmarks and historic elements like Solider Field and Cloud Gate, while the centre shows off Chicago’s skyline and Lake Michigan.
Located in the lobby, Amuse is the hotel’s latest food and beverage concept offering seasonal small and shareable plate options with signature cocktails and wine pairings for each. Amuse appeals to all five senses with its aromatic and flavourful menu, DJ-style music to fit the mood and seating in an artistic, eye-engaging setting.
Check-in pods replaced the traditional bulky hotel front desk, affording a more welcoming experience for the guest upon arrival. Front desk agents will now work from laptop computers, giving them the flexibility to interact with guests even when they are away from their pod. The concierge will be armed with tablets for quick access to all necessary information a guest may need to know, and a Nervana Ghost Wall will act as a digital concierge for guests to check weather, map local routes, and research area attractions.
Swissôtel Chicago will be the first property to provide meeting planners and attendees with Nervana’s Bonfire Events Management app. This application tracks schedules, flights, and presentations, connects guests via a social site and sends alerts for any changes in scheduling. Meeting planners can use this technology in the newly renovated classic meeting space that’s been transformed to mimic the modern, monochromatic feel of the hotel’s 38,000 square foot Event Centre that opened in 2009.
