Four Seasons Hotel Chicago to debut bold transformation

by | 05 Sep 2020 | Projects, Refurbishments

The iconic Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts property in Chicago is set to reveal its multimillion-dollar renovation this autumn.

Following an extensive programme of works, this Four Seasons hotel promises to boldly capture the essence of Chicago when it finally reappears later this year. We take an in-depth look at what’s changed.

A hotel-wide transformation

Last year, Four Seasons Hotel Chicago marked its 30th year with the commencement of a multimillion-dollar renovation. Now, the 347-room property, which is within moments of the Magnificent Mile and Michigan Avenue shopping district, is set to reveal the results of this hotel-wide transformation with the promise of reflecting Chicago’s rich history and vibrant culture through newly designed interiors and guest experiences.

“We are creating a destination where guests can revel in cultural immersion with locally inspired food, drink, art and music that delivers the quintessential Chicago experience,” said Stephen Wancha, general manager of Four Seasons Hotel Chicago.

Enhancing its standing as a hotel with Forbes Five-Star status, the property has seen the revitalisation of its lobby and social lounge, the creation of a restaurant and bar in partnership with James Beard Award-winning chef Jonathan Sawyer, newly enhanced event space and newly designed apartments and speciality suites.

Chicago-inspired experiences and design

International architecture and design firm Rottet Studio was enlisted to bring new-fashioned luxury and style with wit and contemporary embellishments to the interiors of this iconic hotel.

Distinguished by a light colour palette and open floor plan, the redesigned lobby will invite guests to socialise, indulge in food and drink and catch live entertainment. From the lobby to each of the guest rooms, artwork curated by Chicago-based art consultant Shashi Caudill will be a recurring feature.

In addition, the hotel is collaborating with Bellosound to curate Chicago-inspired music programming that creates a multisensory experience for guests, while also providing an even greater connection to the city. This soundtrack can be enjoyed in the new restaurant and bar offering, which is designed to enrich guests’ experience and draw them back time after time. Chef Sawyer is behind the new signature restaurant and bar, which is set to offer a menu drawing on his global culinary experience.

“It is a momentous time to join the team as the hotel is going through a true renaissance,” said the chef. “The restaurant will be a key part of this new era for the hotel and I’m excited to have the opportunity to do something spectacularly surprising with the ultimate food city as my muse.”

On top of all this, San Francisco-based design firm Bamo has returned to the hotel to redesign its one- and two-bedroom suites and two- and three-bedroom apartments. This second phase of renovations fuses residential-inspired colours and decor with Chicago-inspired sophistication, highlighting the views they command of the city and Lake Michigan. Rottet Studio has meanwhile redesigned the 240 sq m, two-bedroom Presidential Suite, which looks out over the lake from its corner of the 46th floor, with a refined neutral colour palette and blue-and-gold accents.

Spectacular event space in the centre of Chicago

Completing the transformation, the hotel is reinvigorating 2,100 sq m of event space spanning the 7th and 8th floors. The new design will pair original postmodern detail with contemporary touches.

“Over the past 30 years, we’ve been so fortunate to host many exceptional events from social celebrations to charity galas and corporate events,” said Jamie Breslin, director of catering at Four Seasons Hotel Chicago. “I am excited for the forthcoming awe-inspiring enhancements to pair with our dedicated service, which is always aimed at exceeding our guests’ expectations.”

ABOUT THE CHAIN

Four Seasons is a Canadian-based company that manages an international portfolio of luxury five-star hotels and resorts.