Chicago’s Waldorf Astoria debuts with multi-million-dollar makeover
The premier Gold Coast hotel is introducing new dining concepts along with suites, lobby and spa updates. Share
Just before the holiday season, Waldorf Astoria Chicago unveiled the completion of its renovation across the grand chateau-style Gold Coast hotel. The refurbishment includes fully updated guest rooms and suites, the lobby, and spa, as well as debuts a redesigned Presidential Suite and introduces a new, spacious Astoria Suite. Guests are also welcome to enjoy all new food and beverage experiences including the lobby-level Peacock Lounge, the newly opened Brass Tack and the re-introduced, beloved Bernard’s cocktail lounge.
As part of the renovation, Waldorf Astoria Chicago introduces a new 1,800-square-foot Astoria Suite and redesigned 2,400-square-foot Presidential Suite, which both evoke the charm of a Parisian pied-à-terre, designed in beautiful modernity with polished wood flooring, gorgeous curves, and bright metals.
The Presidential Suite dazzles with custom pinstriped drapery and dark, moody upholstered headboards with leather side panels, as well as architectural stone and crystal side tables, and a custom sofa upholstered in light semi plan chenille with a subtle sheen. The suite offers two bedrooms, each with private bath and dressing areas, a sleek living room and dining room, two terraces and a fireplace, as well as an exclusive fitness room with a Peloton bike, Echelon Mirror, hydro rower, treadmill, and free weights.
The lobby, which draws guests in with its beautiful chandelier, received a refresh, adding comfortable new seating options with side tables that invite a seamless flow of guests checking-in and Chicagoans to enjoy a quiet respite. The space flows into a new lobby parlor and Peacock Lounge, which pays tribute to the original Peacock Alley at the brand flagship, Waldorf Astoria New York. A subtle nod to its illustrious history can be found in the real feather wall panels lining the back walls of the bookcases.
Lounge seating upholstered in sumptuous velvets and woven fabrics weave into the space to allow for intimate conversation and beautiful viewing vistas. Further inspiration was drawn from Chicago businesswoman and socialite Bertha Palmer, with the design team studying her home and parlor to bring that essence into the setting. Now open, Brass Tack showcases an American Brasserie with a Chicago twist. Helmed by Executive Chef Nicholas Marino, the restaurant features a strong focus on an approachable touch to Midwest-sourced American cuisine, highlighting the best of regional cookery and ingredients.
From lively dinners and power lunches to weekend brunch with bottomless Rosé, Brass Tack serves as a dining destination for guests and locals alike who can feast on signature dishes including a breakfast Lobster Toast, butter poached lobster with truffle scramble on Ciabatta with hollandaise; Chicken Confit with shaved vegetable slaw in a beet gastrique for lunch; and dinner standouts of PorterHouse Steak for two with marrow butter and Whole Roasted Walleye with pea tendrils, sea salt and lemon oil, all straight out of the wood oven.
Complementing the cuisine is a robust cocktail program developed by cocktail and couture manager Miguel Sanchez Borrego, with a menu dedicated to signature martinis and classic cocktails with a sophisticated twist. Brass Tack also serves as an idyllic setting for group dining and shared plates with its well-appointed dining room, spacious bar and new private dining spaces. A highlight of the renovation is the return of the beloved neighborhood cocktail lounge, Bernard’s.
Alongside the renovation, the hotel unveils exciting updates to its award-winning Waldorf Astoria Spa & Health Club, introducing an additional couple’s treatment room to further showcase the spa’s romantic design aesthetics. The Spa is also delighted to debut a new partnership with renowned international brand Biologique Recherche with the dedicated spa therapists being meticulously trained in providing The Custom BR Uplift Facial as part of the Spa’s menu of treatments. Chicagoans can also take advantage of enhanced membership programs, offering exclusive benefits and insider perks across the hotel.
For further information, visit waldorfastoriachicagohotel.com
