It's the moment we've all been waiting for. Langham Hotels arrives on the Chicago scene in mid July with its first purpose-built hotel in North America. And it promises to be a beauty. We got our hands on some early photos, even though the official debut is still a few weeks away. Located at 330 Wabash with gorgeous river views, The Langham Hotel Chicago recruited some world-renowned architects (like Dirk Lohan, who worked with his grandfather Mies van der Rohe on the IBM building in the 1960s) to work their magic on the property. The signature restaurant, Travelle, was designed by David Rockwell and the Rockwell Group with a nod to the corporate culture of the 1960s (think rolling drink trolley for cocktails), while Goettsch Partners and interior designers Richmond International pulled off some impressive stunts (like adding the fourth floor swimming pool, and removing floors to make double-height spaces).
Note that the restaurant will be helmed by Tim Graham, who scored all kinds of awards at Tru. The 316 guest rooms including 48 suites have floor-to-ceiling windows, free internet, and spacious bathrooms with La Bottega Dell Albergo toiletries, a rain shower and separate soaking tub. Book a Club Level room and you'll get butler service, access to a conference room, plus all kinds of treats served in the lounge-- from buffet breakfast to evening cocktails.
Other Langham enticements include traditional Afternoon Tea; the 22,000-square-foot Chuan Spa; private cinema suite; and an impressive art collection displayed throughout the property with works from noted contemporary artists like Anish Kapoor. For more information, visit chicago.langhamhotels.com.