The Hampton Inn & Suites in downtown Chicago underwent a transformational renovation to both reflect 25 years of growth and broaden its appeal with integrated restaurant offerings and a welcoming, pedestrian-oriented arrival experience.
Challenge
Originally designed by NORR in 1997, the design needed to modernize an established hospitality property while maintaining its connection to the neighborhood and improving its commercial performance. Operating in a highly competitive market, the redesign had to enhance the guest experience and create a stronger sense of place.
Solution
The drive-through drop-off was relocated closer to the street, increasing retail and restaurant space. Inside, the lobby was modernized into a welcoming collection of lounge seating centered around a library nook and fireplace. An “Instagrammable” backlit art installation inspired by Chicago’s landscape establishes a focal point, while refreshed guest rooms extend the hotel’s locally inspired identity throughout the property.
Outcome
In collaboration with Hampton Inn & Suites by Hilton, owner Friedman Properties, and hotel operator First Hospitality Group, the transformation for the 12-story, 230-room hotel provides a hyper-local and memorable guest experience that reflects the city’s character. New hospitality, restaurant, and social spaces enhance the guest journey while strengthening the property’s long-term value.
Backlit wood and acrylic panels recreate an aerial nighttime view of Chicago and its lakefront.
A custom glass and metal chandelier connects the space
A locally-inspired design transformed the Hampton Inn & Suites in downtown Chicago, IL into a modern urban destination. Originally designed by NORR in 1997, this generational renovation reflects the changes in the River North neighborhood over the past 25 years. The redesign vision for the unique 12-story, 230-guestroom hotel was to appeal to a broader audience, recapture valuable real estate in the lobby with integrated restaurants and reimagine a pedestrian-friendly entrance with a welcoming urban vibe.
The arrival experience was strikingly improved when the original drive-thru drop off was redesigned and relocated closer to the streetscape. This transformation added vibrancy while maximizing usable retail and restaurant square footage, energizing the journey to reception. The lobby was modernized from the original, formal layout to a friendly, welcoming collection of lounge and communal furnishings. The diverse gathering of seating options is centered around a library nook, a warming fireplace and a unique sectional. An iconic 3-dimensional backlit art installation, using a stylized map of the city’s street grid and lakefront, spans the entire 25-foot end wall, producing a theatrical back drop for the entire lounge area, creating a dramatic first impression whilst enriching the ambience during both day and night. Through the creative use of the laser-cut wood and acrylic perforated panels, backlit with a series of LED lights, the design team mimicked the nighttime view of Chicago as seen from an airplane window, highlighting boats on the lake – a perspective that guests, many of whom are tourists and business travelers, can recognize and relate to. With the rising popularity of social media, the designers felt this focal wall would quickly become a popular “Instagrammable” moment for visitors. A substantially proportioned custom glass and metal chandelier seamlessly blends the light installation with the rest of the space. The lounge area was finished in a combination of wood panels and large-format, stone-like tile for a timeless look, highlighting the custom backlit art installation as its focal point.
The locally-inspired theme was connected through the hallways of the guest room floors and a complete refresh of finishes, furniture, lighting, soft goods and case goods was completed in the guest rooms and common areas. In collaboration with the brand, Hampton Inn & Suites by Hilton, the owner, Friedman Properties, and the hotel operator, First Hospitality Group, the transformation is a one-of-a-kind design that provides a hyper-local and memorable guest experience.
