Chicago Hotels

Chicago's Convention Hotels Welcome Large Meetings and Events

Tuesday, November 3, 2009 by Mallory Szabo

Chicago is known as the city to accommodate most large meetings and events for associations and corporations. In fact, the meetings industry brings thousands of guests to Chicago for annual events and product launches every year. With McCormick Place listed as the nation's top facility for meetings and conventions, Chicago has built the resources to accommodate these groups with some of the best brands of hotels in the world.

These large hotels are now not only housing guests who attend these meetings, but also hosting them in their own top-notch Chicago meeting facilities. Check out some of the premier hotels in Chicago that have meeting space to welcome thousands of convention guests:

Hyatt Regency Chicago

In addition to being the on-site hotel brand stationed at Chicago's convention center, Hyatt Regency is no stranger to large meetings of its own. With 228,000 square feet of contemporary and flexible function space, Hyatt is equipped much like any other large convention center. The Hyatt is home to four ballrooms, 63 meeting rooms and 70,000 square feet of exhibition space.

This Chicago hotel's impeccable service is monitored by a Meeting Concierge. This friendly aide is by your side from start to finish, ensuring that everything runs flawlessly.

Sheraton Chicago Hotel & Towers

The Sheraton Chicago Hotel & Towers has over 120,000 square feet of meeting space. This property can host up to 4,600 people for an event or conference. With four above-ground levels of meeting space, 34 breakout meeting rooms, and a 40,000-square-foot ballroom—standing as the largest hotel ballroom in the Midwest—the Sheraton Chicago has all of the amenities to host large groups.

Situated the heart of downtown Chicago, the Sheraton is near the city's most popular attractions, making it easy for guests to venture out and explore the city. From their 35,000 square feet of exhibition space to their convention registration area, the Sheraton Chicago is sure to cater to your every need!

To find out more about Chicago convention hotels, please visit the Cvent Supplier Network.

Starwood Spreads Holiday Cheer with Seasonal Promotions

Monday, October 26, 2009 by Cvent Staff

Starwood Hotels & Resorts are getting in the holiday spirit by offering great rates, free nights and special packages to its guests at hotels across the United States, Canada and Latin America. For example, find New York hotel deals at The Westin New York at Times Square and the W New York-Union Square, both of which are offering a buy three nights, get the fourth night free offer.

Or, consider the exciting Chicago promotion at the Sheraton Chicago Hotel & Towers. Here, for stays between November 6, 2009, and February 21, 2010, guests can enjoy a $100 gift cards for each night you stay; a Macy's VIP coupon book; a complimentary photo with the Macy's Santa on State Street (November 24-December 24); and reduced rates starting at $175 per night for reservations booked before November 6. The Chicago luxury hotel is also offering a complimentary shuttle to and from the Macy's on State Street and Water Tower Place for stays Friday through Sunday from November 27 to December 20. Guests can book online or call 866-716-8103 and ask for hotel promo code MAP to enjoy this Chicago hotel deal.

Visit Starwood Promos to learn more about offers at properties across the globe and learn more about specific terms and conditions.

Chicago Venue Spotlight: Hotel Palomar Chicago Set to Open 2010

Thursday, October 22, 2009 by Mallory Szabo

Hotel Palomar Chicago, a Kimpton Hotel, is set to open in 2010 in the stylish River North neighborhood of Chicago. This luxury Chicago hotel correlates well with this effervescent neighborhood by celebrating the arts with chic complexity. Complete with 261 rooms and suites, an indoor heated pool, a sundeck and 5,800 square feet of meeting space, the Hotel Palomar is sure to open its doors to many interested guests.

The chic Chicago accommodations were styled with a contemporary urban design and art infused surroundings. Each room has floor-to-ceiling windows, an iHome docking station, L'Occitane bath amenities, a variety of pillow styles and plush terry cloth spa robes. Kimpton Hotels strives to meet a high level of customer satisfaction delivered with true luxury hospitality services and style. At the Hotel Palomar, the brand's attention to personalized room services and amenities combine to enhance a guests experience unlike any other brand.

Meetings and events at the Palomar can range from intimate Chicago meetings of 160 people to larger affairs of 300 guests. The hotel's distinctive catering services are provided by the adjacent restaurant, which features a wide variety of contemporary American cuisine.

Groups are invited to take advantage of Hotel Palomar's Grand Opening Special. This Chicago meeting promotion includes group room block rates of $99, weekends and weekdays through 2010, amenities from their "pick your perks" menu, and 10 percent off a master account.

View more information about Hotel Palomar Chicago on the Cvent Supplier Network

Chicago Venue Spotlight: The Palmer House Hilton Charms Travelers and Planners

Monday, October 19, 2009 by Mallory Szabo

Centrally located in the heart of Chicago's loop, the Palmer House Hilton offers modern conveniences combined with over one hundred years of elegance. An all-in-one destination, the Chicago hotel has two on-site restaurants, an enclosed shopping arcade, and a fitness center complete with a steam room, sauna and indoor pool. Plus, a central location in Chicago's business and entertainment district places it just a few steps away from an abundance of shopping activities along world-famous State Street and North Michigan Avenue.

In 2005, The Palmer House was bought by Joe Sitt. Over the next few years he began a renovation project of about $170 million to restore the hotel, while keeping it open the entire time. Although the renovation was much needed, Sitt had to be careful to preserve the hotel as an attraction. As one of the most frequently visited places in the city, The Palmer House is home to a beautiful mural painted by French muralist Louis Pierre Rigal in the 1920s. This scene was derived from Greek mythology and brought the entire lobby to life for both guests in the hotel and guests passing through to enjoy.

The Chicago luxury hotel's long list of special amenities is well-suited for meetings and events. The self-contained conference floor includes 38 function rooms and its own business center, which can satisfy virtually every business need. With 27,081 square feet of Chicago exhibit space, this 1,639-guest room property can accommodate large overnight groups while allowing the convenience for them to have meetings on-site. With fine service and Chicago's most popular attractions outside the door, The Palmer House Hilton is ready to charm you and your business guests.

View more information about The Palmer House Hilton on the Cvent Supplier Network

Aloft Chicago Millennium Park Sets Opening Date

Tuesday, October 13, 2009 by Mallory Szabo

Starwood Hotels is announcing yet another hotel opening in downtown Chicago: Aloft Chicago Millennium Park is set to open on September 6, 2012. The new Chicago development will include 13 floors of hotel space, five floors of offices, and 5,000 square feet of ground-floor retail space. Located on the corner of Balbo and Wabash in Chicago's south loop, Aloft Millennium Park is just three blocks from Chicago's central business district and one block from Chicago attractions Grant Park, Millennium Park and Museum Campus.

The bold-loft inspired design is one of the few newly stylized Chicago hotels. The Aloft rooms feature the brand's signature style bed, an over-sized spa shower, amenities by Bliss Spa and some electronic enhancements to mix work and play on the 42-inch LCD televisions. This brand of hotel is modeled after sister brand W Hotels. Aloft combines the ambiance of the W, at a more affordable price point for business or short weekend travelers.

Aloft Chicago's meeting space is outfitted with state-of-the-art audio-visual equipment including 50-inch flat-screen televisions. This 165-guest room facility will house one Chicago meeting space of 700 square feet.

Starwood seems to be taking a step in the right direction. They are slowing turning over their branded hotels and giving them their own identity and style. Aloft Millennium Park will be a great fit in the downtown Chicago accommodations scene!

To view more Starwood hotel properties in Chicago, make sure to visit Cvent's Chicago venue directory.

Hard Rock Hotel Rocks a Pinktober Package

Friday, October 9, 2009 by Mallory Szabo

Located on Michigan Avenue in the historic landmark Carbide & Carbon building, the four diamond Hard Rock Hotel Chicago is part of the distinguished Preferred Hotels & Resorts portfolio. Located steps away from the Chicago theater district, museum campus, Millennium Park and the endless array of Chicago restaurants and entertainment hot spots, the Hard Rock Hotel offers unique and upscale accommodations sure to please any guest.

At 40 floors high, the building is a product of Daniel and Hubert Burnham, the sons of famed Chicago architect and city planner Daniel H. Burnham. Popular legend connects the design of the building to a champagne bottle, with its terra cotta exterior corresponding to the green glass bottle and the gold tower alluding to the shiny foil top. It's no surprise that this Chicago hotel is frequently visited by musicians, celebrities and fans wanting to stay in the stylish, contemporary surroundings.

Service at the Hard Rock is top notch. The team of hospitality professionals at this Chicago boutique hotel bled four-star quality and practicality to show guests they appreciate their business. This hotel is great for groups who are interested in architecture as well as music. In fact, the hotel happily offers private hotel tours that highlight the unique architecture of the building. Staff event allows the renting of Gibson guitars to keep their guests inspired.

This month, meeting planners looking for a Chicago hotel promotion can enjoy the Hard Rock Hotel Chicago's Pinktober Package. For the entire month of October, the hotel will be donating 25 percent of room revenue from the package to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation.

This Chicago hotel deal includes a tower guest room with pink sheets, a collectible 2009 Hard Rock Breast Cancer Awareness pin, two splits of pink POP champagne, pink ribbon temporary tattoo, and a package of pink M&M's. This Pinktober Package Chicago promotion saves the guest about $35 and goes to a great cause!

View more information about the Hard Rock Hotel Chicago on the Cvent Supplier Network

Chicago Venue Spotlight: The Sutton Place Chicago is a Four Diamond Experience

Monday, September 28, 2009 by Mallory Szabo

The Sutton Place Hotel in Chicago's Gold Coast neighborhood offers eight distinctive event spaces for groups of 10 to 200 people. This traditionally-styled hotel provides an impressive backdrop for meetings and social occasions in rooms that boast walls of windows and beautiful natural light.

This Chicago hotel's international culinary team is made up of true catering professionals. They provide great attention to detail while customizing a memorable menu for all guests to sample.

The hotel is complete with 246 guest rooms and suites for overnight accommodations. Fitting right in with the luxurious style of Chicago's Gold Coast, Sutton Place's rooms include plush bath robes and slippers, over-sized pillow top mattresses, and an early bird coffee and tea bar. Easily accessible, the hotel is surrounded by Chicago's top attractions and both of its airports.

The Sutton Place Hotel also offers many packages that highlight its impeccable quality in customer service for all types of guests traveling with different interests. The Gold Coast shopping package includes exclusive discounts for hotel guests, a $50 gift certificate to local shopping as well as samples from the Mario Tricoci Spa and Salon. The Family Affair package includes fresh baked cookies and milk, a plush Sutton Place teddy bear, movies and popcorn, and an elegant breakfast to start your family's day off right. The Sutton Place hotel services has not gone unnoticed, as they were recently awarded the AAA Four Diamond Award.

View more information about The Sutton Place Hotel on the Cvent Supplier Network

Chicago Venue Spotlight: Meeting Planners Anticipate the Elysian Chicago

Wednesday, September 23, 2009 by Mallory Szabo

Much to the excitement of Chicago meeting planners and visitors, the brand new Elysian Chicago hotel is approaching opening day! This new luxury hotel is the first in a new series of properties under the management of Elysian Hotels & Resorts. Set in the glamorous Chicago Gold Coast, the Elysian will be located near the posh Chicago restaurant Spiaggia as well as many high-end stores and boutiques such as Barney's, Gucci and Prada.

This 60-story, 188 guest suite hotel (part of a mixed-use development) has combined a sophisticated and timeless setting for its guests to experience. The suites average 890 square feet with only 10 suites per floor. Each guest room is equipped with elegant modern furnishings, both indoors and on the private terraces; white marble soaking tubs; dual vanities; fireplaces; and exclusive Italian linens. As if those amenities weren't enough, the hotel has two on-site restaurants as well as 24-hour room service run by the famous Charlie Trotter.

Additional perks include luxury automobiles for local transportation around the city and airport transfers. Guests are also treated to access to the Elysian Spa & Health Club, home to a mosaic-tiled pool, saunas, steam rooms and, of course, whirlpools.

The Elysian has over 4,500 square feet of function space for Chicago meetings and private events. Its world-class cuisine and intricate decor provides a versatile setting for any type of event, from a business meeting in the Fitzgerald Boardroom, which seats 12 people, to a black-tie affair in the Sinclair Ballroom, which can accommodate up to 270 people. Each event is sure to run smoothly thanks to the Elysian's special attention to top-of-the-line service.

The Elysian Chicago makes it a mission to mimic the "Golden Age of travel" in the early 20th century when a hotel stay was synonymous with luxury. It seems to be right on track!

View more information about the Elysian Chicago on the Cvent Supplier Network

Chicago Hospitality Industry Rallies to Support Olympic Bid

Monday, September 14, 2009 by Mallory Szabo

To show their support of the 2016 Olympics, Chicago hospitality professionals came together to express the industry interests in the global event. An organization made up of industry professionals including tour operators, doormen, destination management professionals, hoteliers, and more were in attendance to show their interest in the Olympic bid on Thursday, September 3.

Over 500 attendees gathered in the Hyatt Regency Grand Ballroom Downtown Chicago hotel to express Chicago's Hospitality Industry's need to host the 2016 Olympics. A committee made up of various city sponsors came together to plan this rally in order to show the IOC committee their dedication to the Olympics' future in the Windy City. The significant media coverage at the Chicago event shed some positive light on the topic, after several publications around Chicago slammed the city's plan to budget for the event.

Tim O'Malley, President of co-sponsor Concierge Preferred, spoke to the room of tourism specialists to relay everyone's excitement and commitment in securing the bid. Unlike most speakers up to this point, O'Malley touched on the plans by the competing cities (Tokyo, Madrid and Rio De Janiero) from the tourism industries point of view and how they compared. All seemed to fall short in the geographic subject after Tim pointed out that several of their plans include athletes, volunteers, and officials having to drive hours to a venue that can support such a large crowd of citizens and media. Chicago is built to facilitate major events, with evidence of some of the largest conventions in the world hosted right here& at McCormick Place, Chicago's convention center.

Chicago event professionals have the experience, dedication, and camaraderie for the Olympics, according to its hospitality professionals. The countdown to the bid decision is in only 17 days, and industry professionals are on the edge of their seats!

Chicago Venue Spotlight: Remodeled W Chicago Hotel Brings Style and Class to Events

Thursday, September 10, 2009 by Mallory Szabo

As the first W Hotel in Chicago, opened in 2001, the W Chicago-City Center hotel became an iconic addition for the brand. The recent renovation of the Chicago hotel, which were part of W's global expansion efforts, set new standards for W Hotels around the globe. Brand ambassadors dug deep into this renovation, designing a hotel that can capture the architecture of the surrounding landmark buildings while at the same time supplying a fresh and contemporary design for which their brand is well-known.

Chicago event planners can now take advantage of 235 remodeled guest rooms and 14,000 square feet of updated event space at the W. With flat-screen televisions mounted on adjustable arms, oversized furniture and glowing lights from underneath the bed, newly designed guest rooms are meant to serve as an escape for guests to relax in a place you wish you could call home.

Perfect for accommodating large-scale Chicago events, the W Chicago's "ultra-modern" meeting spaces include a 4,000-square-foot Great Room, which is meant to reflect as a new-age ballroom. This large and highly functional Chicago banquet space is supported by a team of event professionals who are sure to assist you with all of your guests needs.

View more information about W Hotel Chicago City Center on the Cvent Supplier Network

The James Chicago Offers Unique Weekend Packages to Chicago Guests

Tuesday, September 8, 2009 by Mallory Szabo

The James is one of the newer additions to the downtown Chicago hotel scene. Located just a few steps off of Michigan Avenue, or as shop-a-holics know it, the Magnificent Mile, this stylish, luxury boutique hotel offers some of the best weekend packages around. The James has taken it one step further and decided to not only highlight its beautifully modern property with its promotions, but to also highlight its destination city, Chicago.

The Chicago hotel's weekend exclusive packages target guests who come to the city to experience what it is famous for: sightseeing, shopping, and a unique culinary experience. The Magnificent Weekend package shows guests how to shop Chicago-style with complimentary car service to and from your shopping destination, a gift bag of shop items and special offers, as well as a $50 gift card to the famous 900 Shops.

The James Hotel's Weekend Adventurer package includes Chicago city pass tickets to visit major Chicago attractions the John Hancock Observatory, Field Museum, Shedd Aquarium and Museum of Science and Industry. Also included is a hearty in-room breakfast to start off your day.

Other weekend packages available include dining at the exclusive David Burke's Prime Steakhouse. Guests will receive a private tour of the Chicago restaurant's Himalayan salt-tiled dry aging room or access to the Art Institute of Chicago's "A Case for Wine" Exhibit, with a carefully selected bottle of wine, of course.

Although The James Chicago is part of a new line of hotels set to hit the niche between the luxury brand hotel with the personalized comfort of a boutique hotel, it certainly seems to have a way of bringing in every type of guest with these reasonably priced new promotions. For your Chicago incentives or intimate events, a stay at the The James Hotel may be just what your attendees need.

Read more about The James Chicago and check out the Cvent Supplier Network for other Chicago hotel promotions.

Chicago Venue Spotlight: theWit Redefines Hotels in the Loop

Thursday, September 3, 2009 by Mallory Szabo

theWit, a Doubletree Hotel, opened in the downtown Chicago Loop in May, and since then no one can stop buzzing about it! This new Chicago boutique hotel is located on State Street in the heart of the business and theater districts. A new modern style of hotel, the property features 238 rooms as well as 60 guest suites. It is the first of its kind when compared to other traditional downtown hotels and has set the tone to mirror this effervescent and exciting city.

Not only is the style of this Chicago hotel making headlines, but the unique in-house attractions are bringing in a crowd as well. theWit has three restaurants ranging from dressy to casual. One of the eateries, ROOF, is located on the 27th floor. This 7,000-square-foot Chicago restaurant is a striking indoor/outdoor lounge with large fire pits, live music, telescopes to capture the panoramic views of the city, and, of course, great food!

Other attractions at the hotel include the SCREEN, a high-definition, luxurious multimedia theater. This Chicago special event facility is geared toward corporate groups looking to host product launches and film screenings and Chicago event planners who are planning major broadcasts of athletic events and film premieres. theWit is a new breed of modern hotels in Chicago that has set the standard high!

View more information on theWit on the Cvent Supplier Network

Chicago Venue Spotlight: Intercontinental Chicago O’Hare Leading the Way in Eco-Friendliness

Thursday, August 27, 2009 by Katie Hollar

Sarah recently wrote a post about the trend for big hotel chains going green, and properties like the Intercontinental Chicago O’Hare are following suit. Hotels in Chicago and nationwide are focusing more and more on the environmental impact of their facilities and increasingly offering Green meetings options.

Open for business since last September, the Intercontinental Chicago O’Hare is approaching its one-year anniversary as an eco-savvy, luxury hotel in Chicago. The property utilizes 100% renewable energy credits from wind, features a green roof, recycles all materials used throughout its hotel and convention area, and helps businesses and organizations support sustainability with its “Green Meetings” program.

As part of the “Green Meetings” program, meeting planners have the ability to choose from a selection of organic and sustainable local meals, recycled paper and pencils, LCD projectors and screens, biodegradable water bottles, biodegradable centerpieces, and other amenities. In a previous post on the Cvent blog, we outlined the benefits of using Green Meetings programs like the one at this Chicago event venue. For one, these programs help reduce overall costs of your meetings; they give you increased reputational effects for being environmentally conscious; and, finally, they are more likely to boost attendance and employee retention at your company. You can learn more tips on “greening” your meeting space, as well, on the Cvent Meetings & Events blog.

If environmental-friendliness is a hot-button issue for your next event, consider the Intercontinental Chicago O’Hare. This Chicago Airport Hotel is less than 5 minutes from the O'Hare International Airport, making it easy for guests to get to and from your event; and, with over 53,000 square feet of flexible meeting space, the hotel has a meeting room for any occasion.

View more information about the Intercontinental Chicago O’Hare on the Cvent Supplier Network

Chicago Venue Spotlight: Marriott Downtown Magnificent Mile is the Premier Destination for Conventions

Wednesday, August 26, 2009 by Katie Hollar

After a 2008 renovation, the Chicago Marriott Downtown Magnificent Mile is now an even more ideal choice for hosting conferences and conventions. Centrally located in the heart of downtown, this Chicago hotel is perfect for corporate meetings and events. The $36 million renovation last year transformed the 46-level Marriott into a lavish, contemporary hotel. Its meeting rooms are now equipped with state-of-the-art, 21st century technology. New features at the property include an updated lobby with permanent kiosks for easy check-in and check-out, as well as a full-service Starbucks off the lobby. Renovations also included the addition of a 4,000 square foot ballroom, as well as upgrades to the existing meeting rooms and ballrooms, bringing the total meeting space to over 65,000 square feet. The largest ballroom, the Grand Ballroom, can comfortably seat up to 1800 guests.

Not only does the Chicago Marriott have ample space for your next convention, it also has permanent registration booths in the larger meeting facilities to ease the registration process. Dedicated event managers and AV professionals are also offered at this Chicago meeting venue to take care of all the details of your event.

View more information about the Chicago Marriott Downtown Magnificent Mile on the Cvent Supplier Network

Chicago Venue Spotlight: the Palmer House Hilton provides elegant event space

Sunday, August 23, 2009 by Katherine Johnston

Located in the heart of Chicago, within walking distance from the Art Institute of Chicago, Grant Park, and the Magnificent Mile, the Palmer House Hilton provides superior Chicago meeting space with pizzazz. The Palmer House Hilton, a luxury Chicago hotel, has over 80 meeting rooms, ranging from a grand ballroom that seats 1,500 people, to small, intimate meeting rooms that seat 20.

The famous Empire Room inside the Palmer House dates back to 1933 as a venue for cabaret acts. Now, this historic room provides visitors with a completely unique experience. The room features gold leaf molding and a grand chandelier, which creates an elegant atmosphere perfect for a variety of events.

The Palmer House Hilton also features Lockwood, a “Luxe-dining” restaurant, as well as Potter’s Lounge, which is a perfect location to grab a cocktail. Another fabulous amenity is Spa Chakra, an exclusive spa and fitness location that creates a stress-free, relaxing environment.

View more information about the Palmer House Hilton on the Cvent Supplier Network.

Boston Mayor Proposes Tax Increase for Lodging and Meals

Thursday, August 6, 2009 by Sarah Larkins

Boston Mayor Thomas M. Menino is calling for increased lodging and meal taxes in the city. The mayor's spokesperson Dot Joyce said the tax package is needed as an alternative source of venue during a tough financial time, beyond relying on property owners and state funding, according to The Boston Globe.

Menino's local-option tax package would raise the Boston hotel tax from 12.45 percent to 14.45 percent. The meal tax would be increased from 6.25 percent to 7 percent. This tax increase would come on top of the recent sales tax rate increase in the state of Massachusetts of 5 percent to 6.25 percent, which went into effect August 1.

"None of us like new taxes—we have kept property taxes steady—but as I see it, these local-option tax increases would primarily impact visitors to our City, and travel, tourism and convention business remains strong," Mayor Menino said in a statement. "Even with the proposed increase, Boston’s meals and hotel tax rates would remain lower than many other comparable cities like New York, Washington, DC, San Francisco, and Chicago."

President of Boston's City Council Michael Ross thinks the tax will be worthwhile.

"I think this is good public policy because it will align Boston’s vitality with that of its businesses," he told the Globe. "It’s the amenities that keep people attracted to the city...You’re not going to keep that if you’re losing $100 million to the state, as we did this year."

Those working in the Boston restaurant and hotel industries aren't as convinced.

"I don’t think it will shut any restaurants down, but I think it comes at a time when restaurants, like so many retail businesses, are having as difficult a time as I’ve seen in my 20-plus years here," commented Peter Christie, head of the Massachusetts Restaurant Association.

What do you think? Would you take your Boston events elsewhere because of the tax increases? Or is event planning in Boston worthwhile when you considering alternative cities, such as Chicago hotels with 15.4 percent hotel taxes or Washington, DC restaurants with 10 percent meal taxes?

Chicago Venue Spotlight: Swissotel Chicago Expands Event Centre

Friday, June 26, 2009 by Cvent Staff

The long-awaited meeting space at Swissotel Chicago is now open! The 661-room hotel's Event Centre expansion brings adds 38,000 square feet of Chicago meeting space to its facilities, which now boast an impressive 65,000 square feet of flexible space.

Venue options include the new 14,000-square-foot ballroom, the 43rd floor Edelweiss penthouse and two elegant executive boardrooms. Designed with meeting and business professionals in mind, the entire Chicago venue is equipped with wireless Internet capabilities, 400 amp service and flexible lighting control.

Chicago event planners can enjoy the groundbreaking space at a great price when booked during the 2009 Hot Dates. This Chicago meeting promotion includes discounted room rates, complimentary access to the fitness center and pool, one upgrade per 25 rooms, one complimentary room per 40 rooms, complimentary room rental and more.

View more information about Chicago hotel deals and Swissotel Chicago on the Cvent Supplier Network

Chicago Venue Spotlight: Holiday Inn Chicago Mart Plaza Completes $20 Million Redesign

Thursday, June 25, 2009 by Cvent Staff

For business or pleasure, the Holiday Inn Chicago Mart Plaza is the place to be. Located adjacent to the Chicago Merchandise Mart, the hotel just completed a $20 million redesign, which updated guest rooms, meeting space, lobby areas and more.

"We feel that this redesign reflects our optimism for a better future," said Director of Sales and Marketing France Langan in a statement. "With our spectacular views of this great city and new and improved 'views' inside the hotel—we have a fresh outlook everywhere you turn."

Thanks to the hotel renovation, Chicago guests can enjoy a 32-inch LCD flat screen television, complimentary high-speed wireless Internet, and new Holiday Inn 200-thread count bedding linens in each of the 521 guest rooms. Bathrooms boast energy efficient shower heads and full bath amenities.

Planners can enjoy over 20,000 square feet of renovated Chicago meeting space at the Holiday Inn Chicago Mart Plaza, the 13th largest hotel in the city. Need a Chicago ballroom? The hotel has two, as well as 13 meeting rooms. Award-winning banquet service, a full array of audio-visual equipment, and a 24-hour business center make events large and small a breeze.

Outside the boardroom, guests can enjoy stunning views of Chicago at the Cityscape Bar, or sit down for a meal at Italiasia, which opened in May to rave reviews of its Italian and Asian fusion fare. A fitness center, also newly renovated, is on-site.

View more information about the Holiday Inn Chicago Mart Plaza and other Chicago hotels on the Cvent Supplier Network

theWit - A New Chicago Hotel

Sunday, June 21, 2009 by Eric Eden

Located just a few blocks north of what was considered the busiest intersection in the world in the early 20th century, theWit - A Doubletree Hotel has proudly opened to grace the Chicago skyline and reinvigorate the continuing rebirth of the city's Loop District.

This 27-story, new-build hotel represents an inspired sense of style that redefines the downtown Chicago hotel experience. Located at the corner of State and Lake, theWit offers travelers and residents alike impeccable service, outstanding dining options, sophisticated comfort and an array of unique event facilities. Just two blocks from Michigan Avenue and Millennium Park, hotel guests are a short walk away from the Ford Center, Chicago Theatre, Oriental Theatre, the Art Institute, the Chicago Cultural Center, the Civic Opera House and dozens of other legendary Chicago cultural and entertainment venues.

The developer of theWit, Scott Greenberg president of the ECD Company, took full advantage of the neighborhood's rich cultural offerings when laying the groundwork for his hotel concept. Starting with its playful name, theWit is a contemporary hotel with personality, its sense of humor in evidence at every turn. The hotel's forward-thinking structure was designed by breakout Chicago architect Jackie Koo, with interiors by world-renowned designer Cheryl Rowley.

"We are extremely proud to introduce theWit as part of the rebirth of Chicago's State Street during an incredible moment in the city's history," said Greenberg. "The nearby Block 37 mixed-use development is nearing completion, and the neighborhood recently celebrated the opening of The Joffrey Ballet's new Tower. New retail stores, residential towers, theatres and attractions abound nearby. Our iconic lightning bolt on the front of our hotel symbolizes how we've harnessed the energy and excitement of some of the best architects and designers in the country to create an incredible gathering place for leisure and business travelers in one of the most dynamic cities in the world."

Progressive edge mingles with contemporary flair throughout guest rooms and common areas at theWit. Chandeliers that appear held aloft by white angel wings hover near the soaring lobby ceiling, and mirrored elevator walls and hallway carpets are tattooed in bold floral cutout patterns. Edison-esque lightbulbs hang above boardroom tables, and pops of vibrant color throughout add surprise and whimsy to the dark color palette.

Floors three and four at theWit offer 7,000 square feet of meeting facilities, with a 2,523 square foot dividable ballroom and conference rooms named after notable wits Lincoln, Dickinson, Churchill and Wilde. Ideal for educational, business or social events, the rooms are fully wired and outfitted with state-of-the-art audiovisual equipment.

theWit's food and beverage partner, Concentrics Restaurants, has created three distinct dining experiences throughout the hotel. With striking interiors by Atlanta's Johnson Studio, each venue offers its own compelling argument for becoming Chicago's newest, hottest culinary destinations.

"theWit is truly a new landmark... for Chicago and hospitality," says Lou Carrier, Chief Brand Officer for theWit/ECD Company. "The location itself is hallowed ground in the greater urban American landscape. Creating something that respects both its location as well as its statement within the world of hospitality was done with generational forethought. It's smart, it's hip, it's fun and it's timeless. We say theWit is 'more experience than hotel' because we've focused so much attention on providing opportunities to engage our guests with unique, joyful experiences. We want the senses in full use when you're here with us!"

Operated by Chicago-based ECD-Great Street, LLC, under a franchise license agreement with a wholly owned subsidiary of Hilton Hotels Corporation, theWit becomes the 10th Doubletree hotel to open in the greater Chicagoland area and the brand's 10th city center hotel opening in the past year. The hotel is managed by locally headquartered First Hospitality Group, Inc.

Join Cvent for a Free Lunch in Chicago!

Tuesday, June 9, 2009 by Cvent Staff

Cvent will be in the Chicago area for four days next week, and we want to meet you!

Join us for a free lunch seminar to learn about how our event management tools can increase attendance and reduce costs of your meetings. During this Chicago event, we'll also talk about how you can use the Cvent Supplier Network to search over 75,000 suppliers and manage Requests for Proposals (RFPs).

Have lunch on us in Chicago on one of four days:

• Monday, June 15 from 12 PM to 1:30 PM at Wildfire in Chicago
• Tuesday, June 16 from 12 PM to 1:30 PM at Maggiano's Little Italy in Oak Brook, Illinois
• Wednesday, June 17 from 12 PM to 1:30 PM at the Omni Hotel in Chicago
• Thursday, June 18 from 12 PM to 1:30 PM at Wildfire in Glenview, Illinois

Register today for the complimentary luncheon that best suits your schedule. To see all dates and locations for Cvent's product seminars, visit our online calendar.