CHICAGO—W Hotels Worldwide and Chesapeake Lodging Trust unveiled the full-scale, $38-million renovation of W Chicago – Lakeshore.
Located on Lake Shore Drive, W Chicago – Lakeshore has transformed all 520 guestrooms and its signature Living Room experience; expanded its 14,000 sq. ft. of meeting and event space to include three new outdoor spaces; and introduced a new signature restaurant, CURRENT, with Executive Chef Gregory Elliott at the helm.
“W Chicago – Lakeshore has been reimagined to reflect iconic architecture and vibrancy of Chicago, pulling inspiration from the 24/7 energy of the W brand DNA,” said Anthony Ingham, VP, North America global brand management, W Hotels. “With new cutting-edge designs and reinvigorated bar, restaurant and event spaces throughout, the reveal of W Chicago – Lakeshore is a true milestone in our strategy to ensure W Hotels around the country deliver a dynamic lifestyle experience for both guests and locals alike.”
The transformation of W Chicago – Lakeshore is a key project in the second wave of renovation projects, part of the W brand’s plan to reinvigorate its North American portfolio, according to the company. The strategy includes a significant investment by the W brand and its ownership groups with updates to public spaces, new signature bar and restaurant concepts, and stylish guestroom refreshes in key markets, including New York, Los Angeles, Seattle, Mexico City and Washington, DC.
The guestrooms draw the eye to the lake’s reflections and the illumination of Chicago with each window featuring a seamless window frame, according to the company. The color palette is a blend of soft tones, which allows for the views to pop and serve as the focal point of the room, said the brand. Additionally, the light fixtures were changed to chandeliers to reflect and amplify the light and views, and mirrors were added to the walls for yet another reflective design element.
New York-based interior design and architecture firm Meyer Davis Design and Starwood’s design team collaborated to redesign W Chicago-Lakeshore.
The decor in the public spaces reflect the W brand’s urban New York City roots, merged with the vibrancy of Chicago, according to the designers, The Living Room has undergone a transformation, including a completely revamped layout to increase the space flow and energy. A spray can mural acts as an accent behind the welcome desk, a historical nod to the aerosol can, which originated in Chicago and is now used in modern day street art. The Living Room was broken into smaller circular lounges that have the opportunity to create social gathering spaces. A central point to the lounge is a circular DJ booth.