It's been a while since Chicago, known for its close links with architectural history, added a new jewel to its skyline: a 365 m tower made up of three columns of increasing size raising their lanky forms and crystalline facades into the Windy City sky. However, this new complex, designed by architect Jeanne Gang, had remained something of an empty shell until the hotel housed in its 101 floors, the St. Regis Chicago, officially opened its doors.
The debut of this new luxury hotel, announced by Marriott, marks the end of a long development story. Because of covid, of course, but also because the tower was originally to be called the Vista Towerand the Vista Hotel. Financed by the Chinese group Dalian Wanda and local developer Magellan, the project came under fire from the Chinese authorities for Wanda's strategy of investing in every direction outside its home country. Pressed to reduce its debt and focus on domestic investment, the Wanda group sold its shares to Magellan in 2020.
Hence the name change to the St. Regis Tower, with the first hotel guests expected in July 2021. They will therefore have had to wait a little longer. Without losing out, no doubt. " We are inaugurating a new icon for the cityby sharing with our guests and local personalities an architectural masterpiece that also represents the pinnacle of luxury hospitality today." said George Fleck, vice-president and global head of the St. Regis brand.
Located at the confluence of the Chicago River and Lake Michigan, just a stone's throw from the Magnificent Mile and Millennium Park, the city's third-highest building is an oasis of luxury. With an indoor swimming pool, a spa covering almost 1,200 m² and intimate lounges where you can take part in St. Regis brand rituals such as tea time or champagne sabrage in the evening, butler service for the 159 rooms and 33 suites with a luxurious, uncluttered decor: nothing is missing from the hotel's menu.
To accompany all this, the St. Regis Chicago offers sophisticated gastronomy with a Japanese table, Miru, where chef Hisanobu Osaka composes a menu featuring sushi and sashimi, as well as a selection of steaks and seafood. An open-air restaurant with two terraces offering spectacular views. In the autumn, the restaurant offer will be completed by an Italian-style steakhouse, Tre Dita, run by chef Evan Funke, which will offer not only fresh pasta but also specialities such as bistecca Fiorentina, cooked on an open wood-fired grill.
For business events, the St. Regis provides a prestigious setting, including theAstor BallroomThe hotel also boasts a 440-square-metre auditorium, which can accommodate receptions for up to 500 people and conferences for up to 350 people in theatre format. The hotel also has four executive meeting rooms and a number of event spaces, including the Drawing Room, the Library and even the East Terrace. With a view, of course.
