PARSIPPANY, N.J.—Wyndham Hotel Group rebranded the former Hotel 71 in downtown Chicago as the 334-room Wyndham Grand Chicago Riverfront, expanding the Wyndham Hotels and Resorts brand footprint in the city.
The 39-story property is owned by Hospitality Properties Trust and will continue to be managed by Wyndham Hotel Group’s management company, which began operating the hotel in November 2012 as a Wyndham-affiliated property. Its addition supports Wyndham Hotel Group’s strategy to strengthen the presence of its flagship Wyndham brand in major U.S. cities, as well as grow the company’s portfolio of managed hotels.
“Wyndham Grand Chicago Riverfront is an exciting addition to our Wyndham family of hotels in the U.S.,” said Jeff Wagoner, president of Wyndham Hotel Group Management. “This sophisticated, city-center property is a shining example of our commitment to provide best-in-class management services and bring the Wyndham brand to the key markets where people want to travel. We’re confident Chicago visitors will find the high-quality accommodations and hospitality they’ve come to expect from Wyndham.”
The property is in the midst of completing a multi-million dollar renovation project. The first phase, scheduled to be completed this summer, includes redesigned guestrooms, remodeled guest bathrooms, and improved elevators. The second phase, scheduled for completion by the end of 2013, enhances the hotel’s meeting and event space by adding a newly constructed, 4,700-square-foot Grand Ballroom and a 1,660-square-foot outdoor terrace connected to the existing 39th Floor Penthouse Ballroom.
The renovation also includes the development of 47 timeshare units in partnership with Wyndham Hotel Group’s sister company, Wyndham Vacation Ownership. The units, which will be operated under the Club Wyndham brand, are expected to be completed and available to timeshare owners in the fourth quarter of 2013.
Each guestroom and suite features free wireless internet, desks with ergonomic chairs, and flat-screen televisions. Guests have access to complimentary wireless internet access throughout the hotel, spa services, a fitness center, a 24-hour business center, and the on-site restaurant Hoyt’s Chicago.
