Thompson Chicago Opens Its Doors in the City's Famed Gold Coast

CHICAGO, Oct. 2, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, Thompson Hotels announces the opening of Thompson Chicago, the latest property in its portfolio of leading luxury lifestyle hotels. Located in the heart of Chicago's famed Gold Coast, the 247-room hotel debuts with unobstructed, spectacular views of Lake Michigan and the Chicago skyline, and offers personalized service and attention to its savvy clientele of business and leisure travelers.

"Inspired by Chicago's striking architecture and rich cultural heritage, the alluring appeal of the Thompson brand will draw locals and visitors alike to Thompson Chicago," noted Niki Leondakis, chief executive officer of Commune Hotels & Resorts. "This distinct property, in its coveted location, offers both comfort and style with its bold and provocative vibe that charms and invites guests to feel at home and have a genuinely good time."

To celebrate the hotel's opening, Thompson Chicago is announcing a special introductory package – One Off Welcome – available now through November 29, 2013 and applicable for stays October 7- November 29, 2013. The package includes:

• Accommodations in a King Suite
• VIP dinner reservations at One Off Hospitality Group's Blackbird or The Publican restaurants with complimentary seasonal cocktails for two
• Luxury car service to and from dinner
• Rates starting at $309, based on double occupancy
• To book, visit http://www.thompsonhotels.com/special-offers/chicago

Thompson Chicago's guest rooms and public spaces – created by award-winning British designer, Tara Bernerd – are marked with intelligent planning, understated elegance, and a strong emphasis on texture and bold colors. Bernerd's compelling contemporary approach, which is renowned for creating warmth and atmosphere and adding character to every room, is complemented by the building's bold interior architecture.

All of the hotel's residential-style rooms and suites are thoughtfully appointed with Sferra Italian linens, bespoke furniture, modern art and a curated, fully stocked mini bar. The bathrooms are equipped with oversized terrycloth robes, modern rain shower heads and natural bath and spa products by REN. Robust technology is found throughout each guest room, with many practical tech-friendly amenities available, including bedside lighting controls, nightstands with built-in USB chargers and an in-room entertainment system by Tangerine, which offers more free-to-guest options and high definition channels. Each room has its own ISP address and functions as its own hotspot for the convenience of the tech-savvy guest. Additional amenities include 24-hour in-room dining, a 1,000-square-foot 24-hour fitness center, complimentary WiFi up to 1MG, fresh roasted coffee and tea by Intelligentsia in the lobby each morning, and complimentary car service to downtown Chicago.

To further enrich the Chicago experience within the hotel, Nico Osteria will bring authentically Italian seafood to the heart of Chicago's Gold Coast. Helmed by Chef Erling Wu-Bower under the direction of James Beard "Outstanding Chef" Award-winner Paul Kahan, Nico Osteria will offer house-made pastas, fresh seafood and crudos that are perfectly complemented by Pastry Chef Amanda Rockman's unconventionally creative and approachable style. Conceptualized by One Off Hospitality--the group behind Chicago's critically-acclaimed restaurants Blackbird, avec, The Publican, Big Star, The Violet Hour and Publican Quality Meats--Nico Osteria will open in December 2013, and seat 108 guests indoors, with additional outdoor seating on the sidewalk terrace.

Thompson Chicago is a premier venue for upscale events and functions with 12,225 square feet of flexible event space. With the ability to host up to 250 guests, the luxe property also offers a team of expert event and meeting planners who specialize in providing personalized service and creating tailored experiences with state-of-the-art AV technology and catering menus under the direction of Nico Osteria's Chef Wu-Bower. Private dining rooms with reception areas, as well as six two-level Thompson Loft Suites are also available to host special events, meetings and intimate cocktail receptions.  Three Thompson Loft Suites feature private outdoor terraces, offering stunning city and lake views.

Just a few steps from glamorous Michigan Avenue, Oak Street boutiques and downtown's finest dining and nightlife destinations, Thompson Chicago is located at 21 East Bellevue Place in Chicago, Illinois. For reservations, please visit www.thompsonhotels.com or call 312-266-2100.

About Thompson Hotels

Founded in 2001, Thompson Hotels is an international hospitality company that offers sophisticated luxury to its discerning clientele.  The Thompson portfolio of lifestyle hotels includes Gild Hall and Smyth Tribeca in New York City; the famed Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel in Los Angeles; Thompson Toronto and Belgraves in London.  Sutton Place in Chicago will re-launch as Thompson Chicago later this year following a multi-million dollar renovation.  Thompson Hotels also has multiple new projects in development, including Thompson Los Cabos. In October of 2011, Thompson Hotels and Joie de Vivre Hospitality merged to form Commune Hotels & Resorts, a multi-brand platform comprised of an international collection of lifestyle properties, including the newly launched Tommie brand. For more information please visit www.thompsonhotels.com.

About One Off Hospitality Group

One Off Hospitality Group is the proud parent of Blackbird, avec, The Violet Hour, The Publican, Big Star and Publican Quality Meats. ONE OFF implies that every project is unique, and operated in a spirit of complete and utter creativity. It suggests that each project might be our last, which is why each project is handled with the utmost attention to detail and character. ONE OFF is the opposite of big branding, knock 'em out and spread 'em out entrepreneurship. ONE OFF suggests that we always strive to bring something unique into the world, and when you get down right to it, our lives themselves are ONE OFFs. For more information, please visit www.oneoffhospitality.com. 

About Tara Bernerd & Partners

British designer, Tara Bernerd, is founder of the established interior architectural practice, Tara Bernerd & Partners. Headquartered in London, the practice's team of experienced architects and designers uphold Bernerd's focus on the relevance of intelligent spaces, creative direction and interior design.  Bernerd's business interests continue to grow, working increasingly on a global platform with projects in New York, Chicago, London, Hong Kong and Switzerland.   Key clients include Berkeley Homes, the LeFraks, Thompson Hotels, MARC Restaurants, Blackstone, Lend Lease, Heron, Grosvenor Asia, amongst a list of luxury brands and private clients. Tara Bernerd & Partners' designs reflect intelligent space planning and layouts, with a strong use of texture and colour. With a more edgy approach Bernerd's work is renowned for creating warmth and atmosphere in contemporary lifestyles. Increasingly focusing on the Hotel and Restaurant industries, the practice is committed to making a difference through design. 
www.tarabernerd.com

SOURCE Thompson Hotels