Peninsula Chicago debuts renovated rooms and 24h check-in

Encompassing 331 of the 339 guest rooms and suites, the renovation project launched by Peninsula Chicago showcases The Peninsula’s evolution of design of luxury and enhances every guest’s stay with ease, elegance and the ultimate in personalization, with guestrooms and suites able to transform into any one of 11 languages at the touch of a button, complimentary long-distance and international VOIP calls and WiFi.

The first redesigned rooms are available at rates starting from US$ 530 and premier suites start at US$ 880.  The renovation will be completed by April 2016.

“Our renovation re-launches The Peninsula Chicago as the heart—literally and metaphorically—of Chicago and will cement the hotel’s place firmly for the future,” said Maria Razumich-Zec, The Peninsula Chicago’s General Manager and Regional Vice President.

“Innovation is an attribute of The Peninsula Hotels, and the new guest rooms feature personalized technologies that elevate guest stays to a previously undefined level of bespoke and experiential luxury. These technological developments combined with our new ‘Keys to the City’ service experience firmly distinguish the hotel’s commitment to welcome travellers to Chicago.” she added.

Designed with the luxury traveller in mind, the new guest rooms are the most technologically advanced in the world. Designer Bill Rooney of Bill Rooney Studio, Inc., conceived contemporary interiors with a cosmopolitan attitude that syncs perfectly with The Peninsula’s vibrant setting in the heart of Chicago. Drawing influence from the French Deco style of the hotel’s public spaces, the new room is intentionally suited for both the business and leisure traveller. Mr. Rooney approached the design taking cues from luxury yachts, with fine wood finishes, lush fabrics, rich leathers, and a sense of purpose where everything has its place. From coffee supplies and condiments in a nutrition center to power outlets and a wireless printer, everything has a spot designed specifically for their use that is both convenient and intuitive. Built-in desks and vanities in rich Macassar wood create a luxuriously functional and interactive experience. The new environment reflects a spacious, residential feel.  An intimate dining table positioned at the window provides unrestrained, panoramic views of the Chicago skyline.

A hand-crafted floral art design element created by artist David Qian anchors each guest room, featuring the chrysanthemum, the official flower of Chicago and also one of the four “noble flowers” of Asia, further solidifying the marriage of the brand’s Asian heritage with Chicago influence. Bespoke chinaware featuring the chrysanthemum has been designed by French heritage company Bernadaud, who have previously created china for The Peninsula Paris and Gaddi’s at The Peninsula Hong Kong.

Deep-blue textiles and custom-designed Pratesi linens complement the furnishings of rich wood and cream leather. The signature blue and wave pattern on the linens are a nod to Chicago’s very important connection to Lake Michigan and the Chicago River – just steps from The Peninsula.  Another connection to the local community is the Chicago-based artist, Jean-Jacques Porret, who was commissioned to create bronze sculptures for the guest rooms displayed above the vanity.

The hotel has made every effort to incorporate sustainable aspects to the project, including production of all furniture within a 2,000 mile radius, more than 97% of all furniture from FFC or SFI-certified sources, all lighting is LED-certified and the upholstery company is green-certified. The current guest-room furniture is being donated to two local charities to be re-used.

The 74 newly redesigned suites at The Peninsula Chicago showcase unique art elements influenced by Chicago’s rich artistic culture.  Each suite features a hand-embroidered silk art wall in the chrysanthemum theme, along with hand-painted artisan glass elements (in junior suites) that provide a decidedly chic yet residential feel. The floral design for the glass wall, created by artist Michael Glickman, was inspired by the Orchid, which is also one of the four noble flowers of Asian Art.  The nutrition center and coffee amenities in the suites are housed in a hand-painted Chinoiserie cabinet designed by David Qian, the same artist that produced the wall murals.

Fully customized interactive digital bedside and desk tablets are preset in one of 11 languages (English, French, German, Spanish, Portuguese, Arabic, Russian, Korean, Japanese, Simplified Chinese and Traditional Chinese), and full control of all in-room functions is just a touch away, enabling control of all guest room lighting, room temperature controls, access to restaurant menus, hotel services, city information and attractions and TV channels, in addition to LED touch-screen

With the introduction of complimentary local and long distance Internet calls and Wi-Fi, tablets with 11 languages, 24-hour check in, PressReader (complimentary access to more than 2,000 international publications), as well as “PenCities,” (an up-to-the-moment online city guide), and LUXE printed city guides, all visitors can feel at home with the new room design, amenities and service initiatives created to appeal to international travelers.

With the introduction of the new guest room product, The Peninsula Chicago is implementing two exciting new service initiatives.

24-Hour Check In: Guests who book through peninsula.com have the opportunity for 24-hour check-in, guaranteeing them the ability to check in at any time on their arrival day, making this another appealing feature, especially for international guests.

“Keys to the City”:   For all guests, the hotel is introducing a unique, complimentary program that offers guests unprecedented access to the very best of Chicago with “Keys to the City”.  Not only will the hotel’s room key open the door to a new guest room product and experience, it also unlocks experiences exclusive to Peninsula guests.  A sampling of upcoming programs includes a private tour of the kitchen at the three-Michelin-star restaurant, Grace; guaranteed house seats and access to the VIP intermission lounge at Broadway in Chicago performances; discounted access to 360 Chicago (formerly John Hancock Observatory) for two visits in 48 hours for the Sun and Stars experience; and a Fast Pass express line at The Art Institute of Chicago with complimentary guide book, and more.

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