(CHICAGO; May 30, 2018)—Oxford Hotels & Resorts, LLC, the Chicago-based hotel management and branding affiliate of Oxford Capital Group, LLC, proudly announces the opening of Claridge House Chicago, the latest lifestyle property in Chicago’s Gold Coast. Claridge House Chicago’s service and atmosphere encourage a sense of welcoming and belonging at the hotel, reflected in its mantra, “Our House… Your Home.” Formerly known as Hotel Indigo, the hotel commenced a $9 million transformation, resulting in the renovated, boutique hotel featuring 165 guestrooms and the upcoming on-property restaurant, Juniper Spirits & Oysters.
“Claridge House truly reflects the atmosphere of the Gold Coast neighborhood,” says John W. Rutledge, founder, president, and chief executive officer of Oxford Hotels & Resorts, LLC and its parent company, Oxford Capital Group, LLC. “We wanted to create a place where both locals and those new to Chicago would be welcome, in one of the city’s most historic areas.”
Oxford’s on-site management team and corporate staff worked closely with investor Interwest Capital to implement the strategic rebranding of Hotel Indigo into Claridge House Chicago, which allowed the hotel to remain open for guests and reservations throughout the property’s renovation.
Claridge House Chicago’s multi-million-dollar renovation included the transformation of all spaces, turning the classical building constructed in 1923 by native Chicago architect Walter Ahlschlager into a fresh and modern oasis. Exemplifying a “full circle” motif, the design utilizes rings, spheres, and other circular imagery to represent Claridge House Chicago coming full circle – returning to its roots as a residential hotel, as it was when the property was known as Claridge Hotel until 2005.
Everything from the wall artwork to the lighting to the original sculptures draws on the “full circle” design inspiration. The round, inviting imagery creates an environment that feels less like a hotel and more like home.
In the ground-floor lobby, this circle motif is seen in the lighting above a communal table for relaxing, working, and gathering. Hanging above the space and adjacent to a long, marble fireplace is a custom chandelier comprised of silk-wrapped rings. The lobby bar and lounge are lit by globe pendants ornamented with brass and copper accent rings. Circular mélange sconces contribute to the residential, home-like atmosphere.
Similar to a living room at home, one lobby wall is decorated with real travel photos. The photos, most of which were taken on smart phones, include personal memories from trips taken by those connected with the hotel, from designers to the hotel’s on-property team, offering a personal touch for guests to peruse and enjoy.
“If the lobby of the hotel is the living room of the house, then the guestrooms at Claridge House are true bedrooms, allowing visitors to work, relax, or get a good night’s sleep in an airy, calm space,” says Bacon.
The guestrooms, inspired by a pied-à-terre, offer a city apartment feel, each being unique to the next, adorned with urban, yet homey artwork. Above the work station is a black-and-white photo of Chicago’s John Hancock Center skyscraper, while above the bed and in the bathroom hangs images of quaint rowhouses and vintage cars in London – calling back to the origins of the name Claridge.
GUEST AMENITIES
Throughout a stay at Claridge House Chicago, guests are invited to make the hotel home, whether staying for one night or one week. The hotel provides a serene escape from the anonymity, scale, and frantic pace of the city, so guests can be at ease during their stay. Each of the 165 guestrooms includes a work station, Samsung HDTV, complimentary Wi-Fi, mini bar, Keurig coffee maker, mini refrigerator, and bed-side tablet―from which guests may set alarms, make a request of the front desk, order room service, and more.
Guestrooms at Claridge House Chicago overlook the Gold Coast’s picturesque architecture or Lake Michigan.The Deluxe King Suite offers guests an open living area with sweeping views of the city and lake, two televisions, two bathrooms, wet bar, and sofa bed. One of the hotel’s Deluxe King rooms also houses an electric fireplace.
When guests are not occupying the communal lobby or guestrooms, they may enjoy an on-property fitness center, located on the second floor and open from 6 a.m. to to 10 p.m. daily. The fitness center offers state-of-the-art cardio equipment and free weights. Also on the second floor is a boutique spa with a menu of facials, skin treatments, manicures, and pedicures.
One PC computer in the business center on the hotel’s lower level provides guests with internet, copying, fax, and printing services 24 hours a day.
Those travelling on business, or locals looking to host an event or meeting, can make use of Claridge House Chicago’s DaVinci Room. The bright, sun-lit room on the second-floor can host up to 60 guests in its 672 square feet of space for a social or business gatehring with optional catering from Juniper Spirits & Oysters.
The hotel welcomes pets, provided that furry friends are leashed when outside of the guestroom. Other guest amenities include a Claridge House Chicago concierge, dry clenaing services, and valet parking.
JUNIPER SPIRITS & OYSTERS
Claridge House Chicago’s ground-floor restaurant Juniper Spirits & Oysters, set to open May 31, 2018, will provide guests with a sophisticated, yet approachable menu of seafood-centric fare. A place to sip, savor, and relax, either at the lobby bar and lounge, main dining room, or on the patio, Juniper will act as a neighborhood spot for both locals and travelers, greeting guests with a mantra inspired by Ernest Hemingway: Be Happy, Make Plans.
With a focus on seafood, Chef Felipe Patron will craft modern American cuisine. The restaurant and bar will offer a menu of craft cocktails made in the kitchen, two of which will be available on tap.
To learn more about Claridge House Chicago call 312-787-4980 or visit claridgehousechicago.com.
