The Ritz-Carlton Chicago has reopened following an extensive US$100 million revamp that now has officially positioned as part of the Ritz-Carlton family.
Major renovation on the 434-room hotel, which first opened in 1975, started 18 months ago, following the hotel’s official induction into the Ritz-Carlton chain (the hotel had been a Four Seasons property up until 2015).
Gone is the famous fountain with two bronze herons that long served as the hotel’s lobby centerpiece. Replacing it is a more modern wave-like floating sculpture made from four types of hand-blown blue glass.
San Francisco-based design firm BAMO headed the refresh which also involved removing the hotel’s koi pond near the ballroom in a move to add space (the ballroom can now host events for up to 600).
The hotel’s 15th floor now also has a 2,600-square-foot Ritz-Carlton Club Lounge, a brand signature. Access into the lounge costs an extra US$200 a day and includes complimentary food and drinks.
In addition to new dining concepts like Torali Italian — Steak, an Italian steakhouse with Greg Elliott at the helm, the hotel added five treatment rooms and a new nail salon to it spa area.
