Swissotel Chicago Completes $10 Million Renovation

150 150 Daniel Fountain
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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.

Daniel Fountain / 25.04.2012

Editor, Hotel Designs

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Work highlights: Sienna joined Forum Events & Media Group while studying Communications and Media, starting in the sales team where she managed and helped launch the first the PA Life Leading Venues of London SHOWCASE, where she built relationships with luxury venues across the capital. Drawn to the stories behind these spaces, she naturally transitioned into the editorial team, creating social media and editorial content. Upon graduating in June 2026, she is excited to be joining as Assistant Editor for Hotel Designs and SPACE.

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Alongside her role at SPACE, Jess has built a creative career spanning the arts, culture, design and travel sectors. Prior to joining the magazine, she spent more than a decade in the commercial art industry, in artist liaison, gallery management, and curating collections for the hospitality sector across hotels and cruise ships. During this time, she also worked on freelance projects as a writer, photographer, and creative content producer.
 
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