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

Fairmont Chicago's New Suite Offers Grant Park Views and Obama's Favorite Snacks

Jenny Berg
January 20, 2009

The Fairmont Chicago chose Inauguration Day to unveil its newly renovated presidential suite, an 1,850-square-foot space that pays homage to Barack Obama with a painted portrait, a wall of photos, and a butler's pantry stocked with the 44th president's alleged favorite snacks. Open to all groups—not just those staying at the hotel—the space overlooks Grant Park from the property's 37th floor and can host receptions for 75 guests.

To the left of the suite's marble-paved foyer, a round table can seat six for a full-service dinner. Behind the dining area, a living room features a 42-inch flat-screen TV and plush couches that seat approximately 15. The living room opens into a presidential library, where shelves filled with thematic books—titles include Bill Clinton's My Life—surround a fireplace and chaises line the walls.

Hotel staff can cater in-suite film screenings with popcorn and other movie snacks; they can also create customized menus for sit-down dinners hosted within the space. For cocktail receptions, catering options include passed hors d'oeuvres or food stations.

The Presidential Suite
The Presidential Suite
Photo: BizBash
Local artist Ray Noland painted the Obama portrait that hangs in the suite's foyer.
Local artist Ray Noland painted the Obama portrait that hangs in the suite's foyer.
Photo: BizBash
In the library area, a wall of photos depicts moments from Obama's life.
In the library area, a wall of photos depicts moments from Obama's life.
Photo: BizBash
The library comes stocked with presidential books, such as Barack Obama's Dreams From My Father.
The library comes stocked with presidential books, such as Barack Obama's Dreams From My Father.
Photo: BizBash
The hotel can provide a pianist to play the suite's baby grand piano during receptions; planners can also bring in their own musicians.
The hotel can provide a pianist to play the suite's baby grand piano during receptions; planners can also bring in their own musicians.
Photo: BizBash
A round table seats six guests.
A round table seats six guests.
Photo: BizBash
An assortment of the Obama family's favorite snacks—including pistachios, iced tea, and tortilla chips—fills the butler's pantry.
An assortment of the Obama family's favorite snacks—including pistachios, iced tea, and tortilla chips—fills the butler's pantry.
Photo: BizBash
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