NATIONAL REPORT—Properties across the country have completed or in the process of undergoing transformations. Renovations include updated designs, added F&B options, and new amenities. Here’s a look at five:
Sofitel Chicago Adds In-Room Amenities
Sofitel Chicago Magnificent Mile has completed a renovation with design by French architect Jean-Paul Viguier.
All 415 guestrooms, including 63 suites, have been updated with in-room artwork that showcases photography of Chicago’s architectural icons and landmarks, with contributions from artists from across the country. In addition to WiFi, new additions include USB charging outlets and Bose Solo 5 TV sound system for suites. All rooms have a PressReader to digitally deliver a stream of publications.
The renovation of the hotel’s lounge, Le Bar, includes new interior design, floor plans, and a new door that has access to the outdoor patio. In addition, the SoFit Fitness Center doubled in size to 1,450 sq. ft. and features new training equipment.
Kimpton’s Nine Zero Transforms, Gets New F&B Options
Kimpton’s Nine Zero revealed its transformation in Boston’s Ladder District. Nine Zero has transformed its 190 guestrooms and suites, living room and 2,400 sq. ft. of private event and meeting space. Its current F&B experience, Highball Lounge, will undergo a makeover. By fall, the hotel will also open Better Sorts Social Club for cocktails.
Kimpton and ownership, Brookfield Properties, engaged interior design Hirsch Bedner Associates (HBA), along with Boston-based branding firm, Korn Design, to create a completely new aesthetic that blends history and contemporary design. Punch Architects will oversee Better Sorts Social Club’s design.
Additional amenities include an in-house historian, To The Nines beauty team for hair and makeup services, and a social media guide to Boston. There is also a 24-hour fitness center, complimentary yoga classes, Public bikes, and boot camps.
Milwaukee Hotel Gets Artistic Flare
InterContinental Milwaukee—focused on celebrating the arts—revealed that architecture and interior design firm Stonehill Taylor, based in New York City, and branding agency One Design Company, based in Chicago, will be reinventing the 221-room hotel. The property is owned and managed by Marcus Hotels & Resorts and is set to open in mid-2019.
Showcasing artists from around the region and the world, the hotel will showcase art in its many forms, including visual arts, music, theater, dance, and literature.
The redesigned property will include art installations, exhibits and programming focused on both known and up-and-coming artists, original furniture and amenities, locally procured products, and one or more working studios where guests can share in the evolution of each artist’s work.
Hilton Garden Inn Updates DC Property
The Hilton Garden Inn Washington DC Downtown has completed a $7.5-million renovation of all 300 guestrooms and suites. Atlanta-based designONE studio completed the work.
Each guestroom has Serta Perfect Sleeper mattresses, an HDTV, complimentary WiFi, and an in-room hospitality center with a mini fridge, microwave oven, and Keurig single cup brewing system. The property is proximate to local attractions such as the White House, the U.S. Capitol Building, and the Smithsonian.
California Resort Shares Amenities With Sister Property
The Sheraton Carlsbad Resort & Spa renovated and upgraded its 4,500-sq.-ft. lobby area, zero-entry pool, 169 guestrooms, including 48 suites. In addition, there’s a new restaurant, 7 Mile Kitchen, to open in early June. In addition, the resort will share amenities with the new Westin Carlsbad Resort & Spa, opening on the same campus in July.
The property also will have a rooftop terrace with views of the coastline and fitness programming. The hotel is proximate to local attractions such as LegoLand, the Carlsbad Flower Fields, and Tamarack Beach.
