NEW YORK – May 11, 2015 – Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. (NYSE:HOT) today announced it will introduce The Luxury Collection brand to Chicago, following the conversion of the hotel now known as Conrad Chicago. Owned by DiamondRock Hospitality, the hotel will offer unparalleled luxury and personalized service in a prime downtown Chicago location with direct access to the upscale boutiques along the Magnificent Mile shopping district. To be maintained with a new as of yet, undisclosed name under The Luxury Collection brand flag this Fall, following a conversion and renovation, the hotel marks another milestone for the brand, which continues to debut marquee conversion hotels and invest in landmark renovations around the world.
Adam Aron, CEO of Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. contributed “Starwood is keenly focused on accelerating the pace of our growth. Conversion opportunities, where we can bring existing hotel properties into the Starwood system, are a particularly compelling part of our strategy to expand the potential of our world-class brands.”
“We are delighted to debut The Luxury Collection in Chicago in this ideal location downtown location, as we continue to seek out opportunities to grow the brand in premium markets around the world,” said Hoyt H. Harper II, Global Brand Leader, The Luxury Collection Hotels & Resorts. “This hotel will deliver impeccable service and modern sophistication to the new generation of luxury travelers near the Windy City’s best shopping, dining and attractions.”
Located at 521 North Rush Street, the hotel boasts a second entrance on the Magnificent Mile shopping district on Michigan Avenue and offer direct access to The Shops at North Bridge. The hotel is within close proximity of the Chicago Loop, Navy Pier, Millennium Park and variety of world-class restaurants, night clubs and bars. Guests are also within easy reach of the city’s top-rated attractions including Field Museum, Shedd Aquarium, Art Institute of Chicago and Wrigley Field – home of the legendary Chicago Cubs baseball team.
“The Luxury Collection continues to gain momentum in North America through strategic conversions and landmark renovations in top-tier cities like this one,” said Allison Reid, Senior Vice President, North America Development for Starwood Hotels & Resorts. “Owners and developers are increasingly seeking out The Luxury Collection brand to reposition existing assets and quickly benefit from Starwood’s powerful systems and loyalty program.”
With a fast-growing 95 hotels and resorts throughout the world, including 16 in North America, The Luxury Collection brand continues to convert hotels including the recent addition of Sunset Key, 30 luxury cottages nestled off the coast of Key West, as well as invest in renovations, including the iconic Palace Hotel in San Francisco and the St. Anthony Hotel in San Antonio.
