W Chicago Lakeshore – the only hotel located on the iconic Lake Shore Drive in the heart of Chicago – is just moments away from top attractions such as Navy Pier, the Magnificent Mile and the Museum of Contemporary Art. Its recent transformation means even more perks for guests.
City view from one of W Chicago Lakeshore's Fabulous King rooms — Photo courtesy of W Chicago Lakeshore
Same Location, New Offerings
This summer, the hotel unveiled the new look of all 520 of its guest rooms, the Living Room (W’s take on the traditional hotel lobby) and 14,000 square feet of meeting space, including three outdoor event spaces.
Executive Chef Gregory Elliott is at the helm of the hotel’s newest signature restaurant, CURRENT, which features a modern take on seasonal Italian cuisine and showcases simple and soulful, ingredient-driven dishes.
“Pair our made-in-house pastas, pizzas and salami with our hand-crafted Italian cocktails, boutique wine list and array of local micro brews, and you can’t go wrong,” recommends Elliott.
Room Redesign
Meyer Davis Design, an interior design and architecture firm based in New York City, redesigned the W Chicago Lakeshore to take advantage of the hotel’s incredible views. The design was inspired by the beauty of Lake Michigan and the urban environment of the city, with the goal to bring reflective elements of water throughout the property.
The guest room re-design draws the eye to the reflections of Lake Michigan and the illumination of the city, with each window featuring a seamless window frame to enhance the natural beauty of Chicago’s lakefront.
As is typical of many W Hotel properties, the color palette is a blend of neutral colors. In the case of this property, the neutral colors let the views pop and serve as the focal point of the room.
The lighting fixtures were changed to chandeliers to reflect and amplify the light and views, while the mirrors on the walls add yet another reflective design element.
More Transformations
The public spaces on-site are inspired by the hotel’s urban roots, merged with the energy of Chicago.
The Living Room has undergone a bold transformation, including a completely revamped layout to increase the space flow and energy. The Living Room lends itself to impromptu social gatherings, as its smaller, circular lounges are more intimate than the former layout.
A spray can mural greets guests as they make their way to the Welcome Desk. For those unfamiliar, the mural serves as a historical nod to the aerosol can, which originated in Chicago; it's now used in modern-day street art.
Finally, for those who seek some rest and relaxation or a good workout, W Chicago Lakeshore features a 9,600-square-foot signature Bliss Spa and FIT gym overlooking Lake Michigan.
For more information, visit W Chicago Lakeshore's website.
