The project has rejuvenated major areas of the property including its lobby level which now comprises the 720 South Bar & Grill, a restaurant with a seat capacity of 238 and 208-seat lounge. The lobby level also features the SNAX marketplace with a technology lounge seating area, as well as additional meeting area following the makeover.
The restaurant and bar offers a modern twist to the Beaux-Arts style of the hotel. It has three eating areas and one 14-seat private dining room to serve guest functions. The expanded 208-seat bar features more luxurious lounge areas, and a tech lounge equipped with large video screens and plug-ins to power various electronic devices such as laptops. The technology lounge seating space in SNAX has been equipped with individual workstations and communal areas. The lobby level also provides Wi-Fi service throughout.
A total of 454 guest rooms of the hotel have been upgraded during the project’s first phase and now feature a design which draw inspiration from Urbs in Horto or City in a Garden. The refurbished guest rooms represent the landmarks of Chicago and the hotel’s proximity to Grant Park. Velvet, silk, lacquer, leather, bronze, rich wood and fine linen have been extensively used to adorn the renovated rooms and offer them an elegant look. All the rooms have incorporated several amenities like a 37″ flat-panel plasma TV, in room safe, desk with computer chair, and inroom touch-screen concierge, the HCN Navigator computer. The rooms also have provision of wired and wireless internet access.
Further, 11 out of 13 specialty suites of the hotel are undergoing an overhaul as part of the project to don three varied design schemes inspired by the city’s iconic landmarks, harbours, museums and monuments. The last phase of the project will lead to creation of 1,544 new guest rooms, elevator landings and corridors.
