Illinois
The Talbott Hotel, a landmark hotel in Chicago’s Gold Coast neighborhood, is undergoing a major renovation which, upon its completion this month, will culminate in The Talbott’s rebranding as a member of Marriott Bonvoy’s Autograph Collection.
The Talbott’s renovation encompasses every facet of the property, including its 178 guest rooms, public areas and event spaces. Highlights of the project include a reimagined lobby and front desk area that draws inspiration from Chicago’s rich architectural history and vibrant cultural scene, refreshed meeting spaces and artistic touches throughout the hotel. The Mediterranean-inspired restaurant, LAUREL, debuted in May 2024 and continues to elevate The Talbott experience through culinary creations.
On the hotel’s first floor, the 869-square-foot Reed Room has been refreshed with a contemporary aesthetic and can comfortably host groups between 20-50 guests. The hotel’s second-floor meeting space was converted into a state-of-the-art fitness center overlooking Delaware Street.
[Related: Brand Debuts, A Historic Renovation and a New Sports Performance Center in MidAmerica]
Minnesota
The Sheraton Downtown Minneapolis Convention Center opened this month following a $40 million, five-month renovation and rebranding. Previously the Millennium Hotel, features of the property include 321 all-new guest rooms—including the spacious three-bedroom Penthouse Suite complete with office space and service elevator—plus 23,500 square feet of meetings space, a to-be-announced full-service restaurant, &More by Sheraton lobby lounge, onsite parking, a new fitness center, pool and more.
Located just steps from the Minneapolis Convention Center and connected via skyway, the hotel is a prime location for meetings and conventions. Features of its own meeting space include the Iconic Dome on the hotel’s 14th floor—an original fixture of the historic Capp Towers Motor Hotel that first opened in 1963. Extremely popular for corporate and special events, the Iconic Dome offers sweeping views of the Minneapolis skyline and is attached to the Nicollet Ballroom. In total, Sheraton Downtown Minneapolis Convention Center has 19 flexible meeting spaces spread across multiple ballrooms and breakouts.
In addition to the convention center, other points of interest within easy reach of the hotel include the bars, restaurants and attractions of pedestrian-friendly Nicollet Mall; U.S. Bank Stadium; Target Center; Target Field; the Minneapolis Sculpture Garden and Walker Art Center; and Foshay Museum and Observation Deck.
[Related: MidAmerica’s Newest Offsite Venues and Historic Hotel Renovations]
Missouri
Late last year, The Cordish Companies unveiled plans for a significant $10 million upgrade to Kansas City Live!, an entertainment destination in the Power & Light District. The transformative multi-venue project will include updates to existing spaces and the introduction of a new concept, Besos y Abrazos, a Latin-inspired venue offering a vibrant fusion of expertly crafted cocktails, innovating dining, dynamic DJs and a high-energy atmosphere set to open this spring.
One of the most-visited entertainment districts in the Midwest, Kansas City Live! is undergoing extensive upgrades designed to enhance the guest experience year-round, including a dramatic new exterior canopy, ceiling heaters and misters to make the open-air venue welcoming during all seasons; new high-definition ribbon boards and enhanced theatrical lighting; expanded group seating areas; fresh landscaping; additional bar access; and a patio refresh with new outdoor seating at Pizza Bar.
Also in the Kansas City Live! area, Kansas City’s premier nightclub, Mosaic, is undergoing a $2.5 million upgrade and expansion, nearly doubling in size and featuring a new state-of-the-art audio system, lighting, high-resolution LED wall behind a DJ booth, a refreshed patio and a new luxury lounge with an expansive bar and additional VIP seating ideal for hosting exclusive private events.
[Related: New Venues, Hotels and Accessibility Initiatives Across MidAmerica]
Ohio
New Waterloo, a community-centric independent hotel management company, opened Fidelity Hotel at the end of January. The property is the first independent lifestyle hotel in downtown Cleveland and serves as a “beacon of aspiration” for the re-emergence of Cleveland’s historic Short Vincent District, as Fidelity Hotel is an adaptive reuse of the 103-year-old Baker Building.
Fidelity Hotel features 97 guest rooms and suites. The boutique, residential-style stay also features a full-service restaurant offering all-day dining, a bar and more.
Fidelity Hotel offers 2,300 square feet of meeting and event space including The Hollenden, a 1,700-square-foot space ideal for inspired gatherings, milestone moments and corporate breakaways; a 380-square-foot custom-designed, state-of-the-art boardroom suitable for strategy sessions and executive meetings; and a 200-square-foot private dining room paired with curated menus and an event team.
