The Peninsula Chicago has completed a comprehensive guestroom redesign. The renovation introduces the brand’s advanced guestroom technology to the United States, along with two new service initiatives: 24-hour check-in for web bookings and “Keys to the City,” providing guests with special access to Chicago’s best destinations. Encompassing 331 guestrooms and suites, the project showcases The Peninsula’s evolution of luxury design.
“Our renovation re-launches The Peninsula Chicago as the heart 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 a core attribute of The Peninsula Hotels, and the personalized technologies elevate the new guestrooms to a previously undefined level of experiential luxury. These developments combined with our new ‘Keys to the City’ experience firmly distinguish the hotel’s commitment to welcome the world to Chicago.”
Designer Bill Rooney of Bill Rooney Studio, Inc., conceived contemporary interiors with cosmopolitan attitude in keeping with The Peninsula’s prime location in the heart of Chicago. Rooney took design cues from luxury yachts: fine wood finishes, lush fabrics, rich leathers, and a sense of purpose where everything has its place. Built-in desks and vanities in rich wood grains create a functional and interactive experience. An intimate dining table positioned at the window provides unrestrained views of the Chicago skyline.
A hand-crafted floral art piece by artist David Qian anchors each guestroom and features the chrysanthemum, the official flower of Chicago and one of the four “noble flowers” of Asia, marrying the brand’s Asian heritage with its Chicago influence. Bespoke chinaware featuring the chrysanthemum has been designed by Bernadaud exclusively for the hotel.
With nods to Chicago’s connection to Lake Michigan and the Chicago River, deep-blue textiles and custom-designed Pratesi linens with a signature blue and wave pattern complement the furnishings of rich wood and cream leather. Chicago-based artist Jean-Jacques Porret created abstract bronze sculptures for each guestroom.
The 74 newly redesigned suites at The Peninsula Chicago showcase custom artwork influenced by Chicago’s rich artistic culture. Each suite features a hand-embroidered silk chrysanthemum art wall, along with hand-painted artisan glass elements by artist Michael Glickman that provide a residential feel. A nutrition center and Nespresso coffee amenities are housed in a hand-painted Chinoiserie cabinet designed by David Qian.
Introducing Peninsula’s signature technology to the United States for the first time, the new rooms feature fully customized interactive digital bedside and desk tablets preset in one of 11 languages. Full control of all in-room functions is a touch away, enabling control of all guestroom lighting, room temperature controls, restaurant menus, hotel services, city information, attractions, and TV channels. LED touch-screen wall panels offer weather details, language, and privacy options.
The hotel provides complimentary long distance, VOIP calls at the touch of a button, complimentary 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.
