IHG Hotels & Resorts announces the launch of voco Chicago Downtown and Holiday Inn Chicago Downtown – Wolf Point following the hotel’s grand opening celebration last week. Located in the city’s River North district, the property marks voco hotels’ first location in Chicago and sixth in the U.S. Previously a Holiday Inn, the newly opened hotel underwent a full transformation to become IHG’s first dual-branded voco hotel and Holiday Inn property.
One of 17 brands in the IHG Hotels & Resorts portfolio, voco hotels is IHG’s fastest-growing premium offering known for its authentic approach to hospitality, including its warm and welcoming invitation to “come on in,” while adding charming touches throughout a guest’s stay. The new dual-branded hotel reflects this commitment to delivering elevated comforts, occupying ten floors and 521 rooms of a historic building that has been a Chicago icon for over four decades—with Holiday Inn being one of the most recognized and trusted travel brands in the world, bringing people together for moments that matter and voco hotels’ distinct premier offerings and hosted service, the property offers an unmatched experience for leisure and business travellers.
The hotel’s significant renovations under developer Murphy Real Estate Services include the ground floor lobby and public spaces on the 15th, featuring a soaring atrium, modern event spaces, and a new signature restaurant, Waterview Kitchen + Bar, serving inspired global eclectic fare, as well as Chicago favourites. With floor-to-ceiling panoramic views of the Chicago River and skyline, the heart of the space includes an impressive bar that is perfect for social gatherings with family, friends or colleagues. There’s also a lively weekday Happy Hour.
Wayne Leming, General Manager, voco Chicago Downtown and Holiday Inn Chicago Downtown – Wolf Point, said: “It is an honor to introduce voco hotels’ individual spirit, charm, and thoughtful hospitality to one of Chicago’s historic properties and offer an elevated, premium hotel experience for guests. As the first voco hotels property in Chicago, we look forward to providing an unexpected yet reliable experience for travelers staying with us, whether for business or pleasure.”
Ginger Taggart, Vice President, voco hotels, IHG Hotels & Resorts, added: “With Chicago a perennially popular destination, we recognized an opportunity to cater to the increasing traveler demand for accommodations that offer reliability, comfort, convenience, and modern amenities. Blending the trusted hospitality that Holiday Inn is known for with voco hotels’ thoughtful, unstuffy, and charming style under one roof, the new property is an ideal destination for visitors to Chicago.”
With nearly 25,000 square feet of meeting space, voco Chicago Downtown debuts as the ultimate destination for weddings, corporate events, conferences and galas. Outfitted with the latest AV technology, the hotel’s flexible event spaces include two ballrooms offering stunning views of downtown Chicago from full-height windows and a Grand Ballroom on a private floor. Guest rooms with eco-friendly and plush bedding, luxury amenities including a Nespresso coffee maker, reusable glass bottles and an ergonomic workstation. The hotel also boasts a heated indoor pool and a 24-hour fitness centre equipped with a Peloton bike and sauna.
Directly attached to Chicago’s famous Merchandise Mart, the property offers easy access to some of the city’s top attractions, including Millennium Park, the Magnificent Mile, Fulton Market, Navy Pier and the West Loop, which holds some of Chicago’s best restaurants and most iconic sights.
voco hotels provide guests with a premium experience no matter where they visit. IHG Hotels & Resorts currently operates 41 open voco hotels properties in more than 25 countries worldwide, with an additional 34 in the global pipeline, including the upcoming voco Guadalajara Naruda, voco Dubai the Palm and voco Avignon – Le Bristol.
