For Immediate Release
Media Contacts:
Daphne Ortiz
k101 Agency
(312) 265-8373
daphne@k101agency.com

W HOTELS WORLDWIDE UNVEILS RENOVATION OF ITS TRANSCENDENT
W CHICAGO-CITY CENTER PROPERTY
W’s Award-Winning Design Team Creates the Perfect Balance of Sophisticated Comfort and Uptown Chic

Chicago, IL – W Hotels today announced the renovation of its W Chicago-City Center property.  Beginning in August, guests can experience the complete redesign of the property’s Living Room and guest rooms.  The transformation of W Chicago-City Center’s Living Room, including the Living Room Bar and Welcome Desk, is near completion while the unveiling of the guest rooms is scheduled for January 2009. 

W’s award-winning design team has created whimsical, sophisticated surroundings for W Chicago-City Center, integrating the signature style and warmth of W Hotels with its original beaux-arts style architecture. The Living Room has been transformed into a fresh new space for guests, creating a welcoming and social atmosphere that intermixes modular design and warm tones with lush fabrics and modern, eclectic details. The furniture and accessories play with the varying proportions of objects to accentuate the magnificent scale of the space.

A majestic white couch sits in the center of the room as an inviting centerpiece while two oversized lamps create a flirtatious glow. The furniture configuration emphasizes the day-to-night transition, accommodating both the business traveler working on his laptop and the person enjoying a light bite and signature cocktails. The overall palate was brightened and brought to life by using luminescent materials in new ways, most notably the carpet, which features thousands of LED pin lights designed to resemble stars in an inky sky.  Coffee table tops, made of liquid sealed between surfaces, add some amusement when pressed, allowing for addition fun and games after a few drinks.

In the Living Room Bar, round metallic tables marry form and function while adding an industrial touch to the sophisticated setting.  They provide the perfect focal point for small gatherings and can be combined for socializing with large groups.

The welcome area, which has been repositioned, introduces the W Brand idea of check in pods as opposed to the traditional hospitality desk.  Each pod is independently self-sufficient and allows agents to step around to personalize interaction.  While internally lit, the series of pods change color depending on the time of day or season.

To accompany its sleek interior and hip vibe, the Living Room will introduce interactive entertainment throughout the week. As the space transforms into a chic nightspot, a DJ will spin sounds every Thursday night, while the fashionable crowd gathers to attend local designer trunk shows and bask in luxurious Bliss Spa happy hours.

“W Chicago-City Center brings the W lifestyle to the heart of one of Chicago’s most diverse neighborhoods,” said Edwin Frizzell, General Manager of W Chicago–City Center. “Whether visiting on business or for fun, our talent invites W guests behind the velvet rope into a world of Wow. From shopping to dining, nightlife to outdoor adventure, W Chicago’s team is on hand to make every visit fun, flirty and fabulous.”
Ideally located in the middle of the famed Chicago Loop, W Chicago - City Center is within walking distance of the Sears Tower, the Chicago Art Institute, music at Millennium Park, and the renowned theater district.  With a variety of world-class amenities at their fingertips, guests can enjoy a quick workout in SWEAT followed by a power lunch in Ristorante WE, the Tuscan-inspired steakhouse, or simply chill out in the Living Room while enjoying signature martinis and delicious “small plates”.  At W Chicago-City Center, there’s something for everyone who is looking to embrace the Windy City in sophisticated style.

For more information on W Chicago-City Center, please visit: www.whotels.com  

About W Hotels Worldwide 

W Hotels is a global lifestyle brand with 23 properties in the most vibrant cities around the world. Inspiring and indulging its guests with thoughtful, refreshing and stylish experiences, signature restaurants, bars and destination spas, W has become the fastest growing luxury hotel brand in the world. Each hotel offers a unique mix of innovative design, comfort, and cultural influences from fashion and design to music and art and everything in between. W’s first residential property, W Dallas-Victory, opened in June of 2006, and soon thereafter was named a Forbes Magazine “Top Business Hotel.” In North America and Latin America, W Hotels have been announced in Austin, Buckhead Atlanta, Downtown Atlanta, Boston, Fort Lauderdale, Hoboken, Hollywood, Huntington Beach, Minneapolis, Downtown New York, Santiago, Scottsdale, South Beach, and Washington, D.C. In Europe, W Hotels have been announced in Athens, Barcelona, Milan and St. Petersburg. In Asia, W has announced properties in Bangkok, Guangzhou, Hong Kong, Macao-Studio City, Shanghai and Yokohama. In Africa and the Middle East, W has announced properties in Amman, Doha, Dubai-Festival City, Dubai-The Palm and Marrakech. W’s first Retreat & Spa, W Maldives, opened in September of 2006. In 2007, W Maldives received the prestigious Travel + Leisure Design Award for Best Resort.  W has plans to open Retreat & Spa hotels in Bali, Koh Samui, Vieques and Verbier, the latter of which will serve as W’s first ski retreat. For more information, visit www.whotels.com.

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