New hotel from W brand will open in Chicago

New hotel from W brand set to open in Chicago

May 7, 2008 H&MM Week In Review

Opening this summer on July 17th, Continental Properties' aloft hotel, at 251 rooms, will be nearly twice the size of the typical aloft hotel. Following the design of world-renowned architect David Rockwell and the Rockwell Group, the new aloft hotel at 9700 Balmoral Avenue will feature urban influenced loft-style rooms, square in proportion and with nine-foot ceilings and double windows. Yet as with all aloft hotels, Continental Properties' project will also cast an appealing public aura through its open public spaces designed to draw guests from their rooms to socialize and make friends.

"Continental Properties was chosen as one of the preferred developers for Starwood's aloft brand because, like Starwood, we believe many business and pleasure travelers hunger for a fresher, more contemporary and design-aware lodging experience," stated Paul Seifert, Vice President for Continental Properties. "They also look for opportunities for social interaction, either deliberately or casually. aloft provides those settings-it has a chemistry and style that is totally unique."

Continental's aloft hotel experience begins at the lobby aloha desk, where guests enjoy touch and go check-in. re:mix, the communal lobby area, lets guests read, play a game of pool, have a drink or do work on their laptops, thanks to the hotel's top-to-bottom wireless Internet access.

Nearby, friends can socialize in w xyz, the W-inspired bar, or stroll into re:fuel by aloft, a one-stop food and beverage area offering sweet, savory and healthy food, snacks and beverages available to grab-and-go around the clock. For an invigorating workout, guests can also enjoy the re:charge fitness center or dive in at splash, the indoor/outdoor pool.

The crisp, forward-thinking aloft approach is most evident in each loft-style guest room. Guests can adjust from their hectic day in an ultra-comfortable signature bed or by accessing their oversized walk-in Shower Room Panel with amenities furnished by bliss spa. Each guest loft is also a combination high-tech office and entertainment center featuring wireless Internet access as well as plug & play, a one-stop connectivity center for multiple electronic gadgets including PDAs, cell phones, mp3 players and laptops. All plug & play-connected devices are linked to the loft's large, flat-panel and HDTV-ready television, the perfect way to adapt-and unwind-amidst the world of technology.