Chicago’s Newest Hotel Opens on Museum of Contemporary Arts Site

Marriott’s tech-savvy, design-forward Aloft brand has just opened its largest property in North America on a site that was once occupied by Chicago’s Museum of Contemporary Arts.

Acknowledging the property’s association with the legendary MCA, the new build hotel is infused with art and art references at every turn, beginning with a photo of the original contemporary art museum welcoming guests in the lobby of the new Aloft Chicago Mag Mile.

The nod to the Chicago property’s art museum roots continues throughout the 5,600-square-feet of hotel meeting space, where rooms are named after contemporary artists who had exhibited at MCA in the past: Warhol, Escher, Mondrian and Lichtenstein. Various reproduced works from each of these artists are now on display in each of their namesake meeting rooms.

Additional features at the 337-room hotel include a Splash indoor pool perched atop the hotel on the 19th floor and the brand’s signature WXYZ Bar featuring an extensive cocktail menu and live music. The property also includes Re:fuel by Aloft, which offers gourmet grab-and-go food around the clock, and a state-of-the-art Re:charge fitness center.

“This property is the first urban example of the updated brand design vision, reflecting Aloft’s history and evolution as a future-focused brand for how tech-savvy, global travelers want hotels to be,” the company said in a statement.

Guestrooms feature 65-inch LED televisions, plush platform beds, in-room mini refrigerators, custom Aloft bath amenities by Bliss Spa, and walk-in showers with rainfall showerheads.

Accommodation options range from king and double queen rooms to one-bedroom and two-bedroom suites, all with complimentary, fast internet access.

Other nods to artist history weaved throughout the hotel include reproductions of a Chuck Close show in the Presidential Suite and a rooftop-level event space named after Jan van der Marck, who was the first director of the MCA.

The 19th floor of the hotel showcases a “Party People” exhibit featuring patrons of the gallery shows at MCA donning tiaras and ballgowns during what were the most sought-after events of the time.

Art plaques accompany each piece, explaining a bit about the artist and the show that the particular work was part of.

“We knew we had something special with the history of this site, and it was important for us to capture that history and keep it alive in the story of Aloft Chicago Mag Mile,” Robert Snyder, president of Tishman Hotel Corporation, which owns and manages the property, said in a statement. “Tishman is committed to supporting our local neighborhood and creating unique art and music-inspired experiences as the company deepens its presence in Chicago.”

Just as art is a part of the hotel’s DNA, so is music – something that’s reflected in the new design on display at Aloft Chicago Mag Mile, with features such as built-in outlets for amps and microphones.

Aloft Hotels offer global music programming and also support emerging talent, which Aloft Chicago Mag Mile will infuse into its programming with Aloft’s signature live music series, Live at Aloft Hotels.

“Aloft Hotels are designed with the next generation of travelers in mind, and we’re excited to be unveiling the Aloft Hotel of the future at Chicago Mag Mile – the first urban location to feature the new design vision,” Bridget Higgins, senior global brand director, Aloft Hotels. “From the latest tech, to savvy new design, to great live music programming, locals and guests checking into Aloft Chicago Mag Mile can expect a hotel experience that is different from anything they’ve seen before.”

In honor of the grand opening of Aloft Chicago Mag Mile there is a special offer of 20 percent off accommodations through December 30. Rates start from $149 nightly.

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