Renaissance Chicago Downtown Remodel Unveiled

One of my very first, "real adult" jobs was at a Renaissance/Marriott hotel in Northern Michigan, where I grew up.  I worked in the spa there as a concierge.  It was honestly some of the best years of my life.  I worked with amazing people, in a beautiful place, right on lake Michigan, and I loved my job. 

After making the decision to move to Chicago, I visited the city in search of an apartment.   During that time, I stayed at the Renaissance in downtown Chicago.  I will always remember the view from my hotel room, overlooking the Chicago River.  Somehow, in that moment, I knew I was right where I was suppose to be.  I had found my city.

Four years later, the Renaissance Chicago downtown has a whole new look, but is still so nostalgic to me. This past April, Renaissance unveiled the $27 million lobby and guest room transformation at this downtown location, 1 West Wacker Drive.  

With a focus on "discovery" and a goal of merging the business culture of The Loop and the excitement of State St., Renaissance has added new elements, such as a VIP Club Lounge, Artists Studio, library and coffee bar in the new space. 

Industrial lighting fixtures, neon artwork ,contemporary furniture; these new elements all add a unique vibe that shakes up the norm for the Renaissance brand.  It makes you stop when you first walk in the door, look around, and notice there is something wonderfully different about the space.  

I applaud Renaissance Chicago for taking the lead and breaking the mold for Renaissance and Marriott hotels everywhere.   Whether it's moving to a new city or redecorating to redefine and refresh your brand, change can be so good.