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  1. Venues & Destinations
  2. United States
  3. Chicago

3 Hip Hotels

Courtney Thompson
April 1, 2008
New and improved properties are popping up in and around Chicago. Here's where to go ...

For a High-Tech Stay
Long a Chi-town favorite, the House of Blues Hotel got a $25 million makeover that culminated in July 2007 with the transformation of the property into Hotel Sax Chicago. In addition to providing upscale amenities in its 353 guest rooms (think flat-screen TVs and free Wi-Fi), the hotel also revamped the lobby, which now features mirrored white walls and oversize candelabra. Some 10,000 square feet of event space is also available, and the property has replaced Kaz Bar with Crimson, a regal-looking lounge with four private areas for cocktails or events. (See our event report covering the hotel's grand opening here.)For a Retro Retreat
The quirky 175-room Hotel Cass opened in a Beaux-Arts building on the Magnificent Mile in August 2007. The boutique property pairs Brady Bunch-esque patterns with clean lines and materials such as steel, limestone, and granite. Originally opened in 1927, Hotel Cass was rebranded by the Holiday Inn to fit into the company’s new urban portfolio.

For Some Culinary Power
Despite being in Wheeling, Illinois, 16 miles north of O’Hare Airport, the 412-room Westin Chicago North Shore got locals buzzing when it opened in December 2006, largely due to Tru alums Rick Tramonto and Gale Gand’s two restaurants: Osteria di Tramonto, a 200-seat rustic Italian spot, and Tramonto’s Steak & Seafood, a sleek dinner spot with a two-story waterfall—both of which have multiple private rooms. The 100-seat raw bar RT Lounge is also on site, and the hotel offers 35,000 square feet of event space.
Crimson at Hotel Sax
Crimson at Hotel Sax
Photo: Tim Turner
Crimson at Hotel Sax
Crimson at Hotel Sax
Photo: Tim Turner
Crimson at Hotel Sax
Crimson at Hotel Sax
Photo: Tim Turner
A guest room at Hotel Sax
A guest room at Hotel Sax
Photo: Tim Turner
Osteria di Tramonto at the Westin Chicago North Shore
Osteria di Tramonto at the Westin Chicago North Shore
Photo: Andrew Bordwin
RT Lounge at the Westin Chicago North Shore
RT Lounge at the Westin Chicago North Shore
Photo: Andrew Bordwin
The candle room in Tramonto's Steak & Seafood at the Westin Chicago North Shore
The candle room in Tramonto's Steak & Seafood at the Westin Chicago North Shore
Photo: Andrew Bordwin
A guest room at Hotel Cass
A guest room at Hotel Cass
Photo: Heidrich-Blessing
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