After nine months, the Royal Sonesta Chicago Downtown has unveiled a $50 million renovation led by the Gettys Group. A residential-style redesign positions the hotel to appeal for both business and leisure travel while also evoking a firm sense of place.
“We wanted guests to have a reprieve from the city and as if they walked into their living room on Wacker Drive,” says Sarah Harvey, project designer for the Gettys Group. “The clean and simple lines feel warm and relaxed and the variety of pieces in the space feels approachable yet very stylized and an urban oasis.”
The architectural legacy of Chicago as well as the midcentury structure that the hotel occupies informed the layered and balanced upgrade. Black rolled steel wraps the lobby, while more than 60 artworks from the property’s curated collection inject a vibrancy into the space. Artistic sconces punctuate the gallery wall as well. Reception pods are also newly installed and echo the forms of several Chicago bridges.
All 154 king rooms, 146 queen rooms, and 81 suites received updates with the modern traveler in mind. Overlooking riverfront or city views, each accommodation is appointed with new custom nightstands in addition to new technology like Peloton bikes in select rooms. A multipurpose dining area is also featured.
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