The Kinzie Hotel (20 West Kinzie Street) recently announced details pertaining to their February 2014 opening in the space currently housing the Amalfi Hotel. The five story, 215-room, upscale boutique hotel’s multi-million dollar renovation will boast a timeless contemporary look and new image that pays tribute to John Kinzie, an untamed man who made a historical stamp on Chicago throughout the 19th century.
Kinzie Hotel Guest Room, Courtesy image.
Situated in the heart of River North, this freshly updated property is just steps away from the hustle and bustle of Michigan Avenue and the city’s top restaurants, theaters, and nightlife. The whimsical ambiance thoughtfully blends relaxation and personalization with adventure and an authenticity that can only be found at this Chicago-inspired hotel. Featuring a thoroughly renovated property including all guestrooms, corridors, common areas, lobby, lounge, and meeting spaces, the Kinzie Hotel invites both business and leisure travelers to experience the various ways in which “Chicago Starts Here.”
“Our focus was to create a concept that truly spoke to the history of Chicago and we found exactly that in John Kinzie,” says General Manager Dennis Igoe. “Incorporating elements of his story throughout the hotel’s design, amenities, packages, and promotions has established a platform on which to build a truly authentic Chicago experience for our guests.”
John Kinzie: A Man of Chicago Firsts
Those familiar with the distinctive statues embedded on each pillar of the Michigan Avenue bridge might already recognize the man behind the Kinzie Hotel’s namesake. Prominently recognized as “Chicago’s first civilian,” John Kinzie lived a provocative life as a silversmith, merchant trader, and banker to Fort Dearborn. After having fathered the city’s first child of European descent, born in 1805, Kinzie was involved in Chicago’s first controversial murder (later acquitted) and quickly fled the Battle at Fort Dearborn in 1813. Following his escape to Detroit, Kinzie’s son later returned to Chicago and established the city’s first hotel and restaurant. The new Kinzie Hotel sits just blocks from the site where John Kinzie’s original mansion once stood. Now, in its place, rests a plaque authenticated by the Chicago Historical Society in commemoration of his significant contributions to the city.
Renovation Navigation
The Kinzie Hotel hosts a total of 210 chic, renovated standard guestrooms, five suites, and over 1500 square feet of meeting space featuring décor and artwork that speaks to the local Chicago landscape, blended with a contemporary twist. Designed by Gettys Design Group Chicago, each guestroom pays homage to the hotel’s exploratory history with a wall treatment subtly displaying a street map of historic Chicago. Additionally, guestrooms and common areas display various painted interpretations of the local Chicago landscape, created exclusively for the Kinzie Hotel.
In addition to the contemporary design elements, each room features complimentary
Wi-Fi, a 42-inch HDTV television with an extensive cable selection, honor bar, plush robe, a variety of Aveda luxury spa products, lighted vanity mirror, and an in-room safety deposit box. Guests can also enjoy in-room spa services including massages, facials, and manicure and pedicure treatments provided by Windy City Massage. In providing business guests with a remote office, each guestroom is outfitted with a large work station and complimentary, lightning-fast WiFi delivered through the latest fiber optic technology at 100 megabits per second. For guests that didn’t pack their laptop, the hotel also features a 24-hour Business Center, recently enhanced to include PC workstations, a Mac computer, and printer.
Feeling ‘Double Crossed’
The Kinzie Hotel gives new meaning to the term “double crossed” with its new lounge, located on the sixth floor. Aptly named the Double Cross Lounge, its inspiration was derived from both a silver piece designed by John Kinzie in the shape of a double-barred cross, as well as his mercurial reputation. The newly updated libation locale, open from 5-8pm, provides guests with a generous assortment of complimentary small bites and a cocktail to kick-off the evening.
The new Kinzie Hotel also features one of the Amalfi Hotel’s most popular guest amenities. Each guestroom floor features an extended complimentary continental breakfast, allowing guests to walk just steps from their door to grab fresh fruit, pastries, cereal, juices, coffee and more each morning. This convenient selection of morning fare allows guests to enjoy a bite from the comfort of their bed, or take it on-the-go as they head out for business or to explore the Windy City.
Explore, Discover, and Experience
Perhaps the most distinctive element to the Kinzie Hotel is its dedication in taking guests on an urban exploration, discovering what makes the Windy City one of the most traveled destinations in the U.S. Whether seeking a furtive underground gathering, hidden restaurant gem, lively neighborhood festival, or locally renowned treat, the hotel’s knowledgeable staff will provide little known tidbits of information to make every visitor’s experience unique and memorable. Scheduled to be announced in the coming months, guest packages and promotions at Kinzie Hotel will reflect the property’s historical name and commitment to providing travelers with a genuine Chicago experience.
Visitors at the Kinzie Hotel will also have the opportunity to take advantage of the property’s new “We Get It®” customer service program. Designed to create a more tailored guest experience, the program invites those securing a reservation to make any type of demand that will enhance their stay – from a dozen roses to a personalized birthday cake or a jar of gummy worms. The hotel will happily accommodate each request upon check-in to ensure an unmatched hospitality experience.
