CHICAGO—The Kinzie Hotel 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 feature a new look and image that pays tribute to John Kinzie, an untamed man who made a historical stamp on Chicago throughout the 19th century.
The renovation features updates to guestrooms, corridors, common areas, the lobby, lounge, and meeting spaces.
“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.”
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.
The Kinzie Hotel hosts a total of 210 renovated standard guestrooms, five suites, and over 1500 square feet of meeting space featuring décor and artwork that speaks to the local Chicago landscape. 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.
Wi-Fi, a 42-inch HDTV television with an extensive cable selection, honor bar, plush robe, a variety of Aveda 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. Each guestroom is outfitted with a large work station and complimentary, 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.
