Illinois
- The Fairmont Chicago, which recently completed a $50 million transformation, celebrated President Obama’s inauguration with the debut of its top-floor presidential suite, offering views of Grant Park, Lake Michigan, Millennium Park and the Chicago skyline. The presidential suite features an illustrative montage of the president’s life and the 43 presidents prior, displayed in chronological sequence throughout the suite, along with various Obama memorabilia, including campaign buttons, newspaper headlines and seals of the offices Obama has held throughout his political life. Guests also can find a selection of books throughout the suite, including those penned by Obama himself. Suite guests receive fresh flowers and a special welcome amenity that includes some of Barack and Michelle Obama’s favorite snack foods. Boasting 1,850 square feet, the presidential suite includes an entry foyer, living room, dining room, library with fireplace and grand piano, open wet bar, butler’s pantry and a Jacuzzi bath. For more information, call 312.565.8000 or visit www.fairmont.com/chicago.
- Michigan City’s Blue Chip Casino, Hotel & Spa, a Boyd Gaming property, opened its $130 million expanded venue in January. The expansion’s centerpiece is the Spa Blu Tower, a 22-story, 302-room upscale hotel tower. Among the amenities are flat-screen televisions and high-speed Internet access. Two new restaurants were added to the three existing restaurants and all-night coffee station. Other new amenities include a 10,000-square-foot spa and the 20,000-square-foot Stardust Event Center. The event center can accommodate meetings, conventions and trade shows, as well as stage productions, concerts, and boat and vehicle exhibitions. The center features a 15,000-square-foot main ballroom capable of seating up to 1,300 people. The ballroom can be split into six breakout rooms, which, along with four other meeting rooms at the center, range in size from 850 to 2,750 square feet. For more information, call 219.879.7711 or visit www.bluechipcasino.com.
- The 118-room Crowne Plaza Bloomington, formerly a Radisson property, recently debuted following a $12 million conversion. Amenities include complimentary wireless Internet access throughout the hotel, a fitness center, outdoor pool, business center and a comprehensive meetings offering. The hotel contains 2,700 square feet of meeting space. For more information, call 812.334.3252 or visit www.crowneplaza.com.
- The 112-room Hilton Garden Inn Ames recently opened with 112 guest rooms that feature complimentary wired and Wi-Fi Internet access in guest rooms and public spaces, a complimentary 24-hour business center, a full-service restaurant and two meeting rooms offering 2,300 square feet of flexible space. For more information, call 515.233.8000 or visit http://hiltongardeninn.hilton.com.
- Greektown Casino Hotel opened in Detroit in February. The facility is Detroit’s third casino. The hotel features 400 rooms, including 29 suites, and 25,000 square feet of meeting space. The property also includes three restaurants and two nightclubs. The hotel is already booked for several events, including the NCAA Final Four when it comes to Detroit in April. For more information, call 877.424.5554 or visit www.greektowncasino.com.
- The 910-room Hyatt Regency St. Louis Riverfront, formerly the Adam’s Mark, has begun an extensive, $63 million renovation of its guest rooms, suites, public areas and restaurants, which is expected to be completed by middle of the year. The hotel is being completely transformed, and is upgrading its guest rooms as well as its meeting space, lobby, three dining outlets and building exteriors. Each guest room will offer an iPod docking station and high-speed Internet access. The hotel also will offer a 24-hour health club. For more information, call 314.655.1234 or visit http://stlouisriverfront.hyatt.com.
- The St. Louis Union Station Marriott, formerly a Hyatt Regency, recently opened in downtown St. Louis. The 539-room hotel offers views of downtown, the Gateway Arch and Union Station. Guest room and suite renovations are under way across the hotel, including more than $20 million in upgrades. The hotel offers 27 meeting rooms and 35,000 square feet of total meeting space. For more information, call 314.621.5262 or visit www.marriott.com.
- The 122-suite Homewood Suites by Hilton Madison West recently opened with studio, one- and two-bedroom suites. Additional guest amenities include an executive business center, indoor swimming pool with Jacuzzi, an outdoor putting green and 850 square feet of meeting space. In addition to an on-site exercise facility, there is also a health club within walking distance. For more information, call 608.271.0600 or visit www.hiltonworldwide.com.