Illinois
The Blackstone joined Autograph Collection Hotels in June. The historic Chicago hotel boasts 335 guest rooms, has hosted U.S. presidents and foreign dignitaries, scandalous political and mob exchanges, an array of actors and is featured in more than a dozen movie productions. The Blackstone also became known as the location of Chicago gangster Al Capone’s barbershop below street level in a “barbershop” lounge that still remains today. Uniquely curated art pieces by more than 1,600 local artists can be found throughout the hotel. The property offers 12,200 square feet of meeting space, including nine meeting rooms and a ballroom that can accommodate 325 guests.
The Cambria Chicago Loop–Theatre District debuted above the historic Oriental Theatre. The building was built in 1926 by famed Chicago architects Rapp and Rapp and was originally constructed as a theater and Masonic Temple. The theater, occupying the majority of the building’s first seven stories, was originally designed as a 3,250-seat theater and the upper floors were used as office space. The hotel is situated on the upper 19 floors of the 22-story building and features 199 guest rooms and 2,600 square feet of function space that can be separated into four meeting rooms. www.cambria
The Gwen, a Luxury Collection Hotel completed its full renovation, including newly designed guest rooms, suites and public spaces. The new rooms and public spaces pay homage to Chicago sculptor Gwen Lux, with Art Deco touches and decor. The hotel features 311 guest rooms and 34 suites, including the new Gwen Lux Suite that overlooks Michigan Avenue and has one of the city’s largest private outdoor terraces. The suite can be booked for business retreats and events. The hotel also debuted two dining concepts: the Upstairs at the Gwen, the fifth-floor outdoor terrace with fire features and views of the city; and the Gwen’s Circa Lounge, offering all-day dining and weekly musical programming. Overall, the hotel boasts more than 15,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor meeting spaces.
Iowa
The Hilton Des Moines Downtown is gearing up for its debut with the exterior finishes for the 330-room hotel now complete. The property is within two blocks of Wells Fargo Arena, Hy-Vee Hall and Community Choice Credit Union Convention Center, and will be connected to the downtown skywalk system. Amenities will include a 10,000-square-foot ballroom with prefunction and outdoor terraces; 4,000 square feet of breakout meeting rooms; a full-service kitchen; restaurant with outdoor seating; a lobby with a bar; a tech lounge; a pool; and a fitness center. The hotel is scheduled to open its doors in April 2018.
Michigan
Marshall Hotels & Resorts debuted the 162-room Grand River Hotel, an Ascend Hotel Collection Member in Grand Rapids. The opening marks the city’s first new full-service hotel in seven years. Located one mile from downtown, the seven-story hotel features an indoor pool, fitness space, a business center and 2,500 square feet of meeting space. On-site River Rock Dining & Lounge is a full-service restaurant and bar, and during the spring and summer seasons offers live music on its patio overlooking the Grand River.
Minnesota
Construction is underway on a new InterContinental Minneapolis-St. Paul Airport. The project broke ground in late 2016 and the concrete foundation was recently completed. The airport property is on track to open in summer 2018. The hotel will connect to Terminal 1-Lindbergh via a climate-controlled skybridge and will have its own TSA security checkpoint, offering direct access to flights. The 12-story building will feature 291 guest rooms, two restaurants, a penthouse-level observation bar, a InterContinental Club Lounge, a business center, a fitness center and a spa. The hotel will offer 20,000 square feet of meeting space with a 10,800-square-foot ballroom. Located in front of the hotel will be an Art Park visible by cars as they enter the airport.
Missouri
Davidson Hotels & Resorts announced the addition of The Fontaine–A Kansas City Hotel to its portfolio. The 132-room property is located in Country Club Plaza, the city’s upscale shopping district. The hotel boasts over 6,000 square feet of meeting space across six meeting rooms as well as event space in the rooftop restaurant, poolside terrace and artists’ foyer.
Wisconsin
Potawatomi Hotel & Casino is gearing up to add a second hotel tower at its Milwaukee property. Construction is scheduled to begin later this year. The second tower will house 119 additional guest rooms, bringing the hotel’s total room count to 500. The 180,000-square-foot addition will also feature a spa and more meeting space, and is expected to open in spring 2019.
The Westin Milwaukee opened, marking the brand’s debut in the state. The property is set downtown near the waterfront and almost half of the 220 guest rooms boast views of Lake Michigan. The design was inspired by the Native American meaning of Milwaukee: a gathering place by the water. The hotel offers nine meeting rooms with more than 9,600 square feet of space with a capacity for nearly 400 guests.