MAYOR EMANUEL AND CHOOSE CHICAGO ANNOUNCE RECORD TOURISM

      The total number of visitors to Chicago in 2016 reached 54.1 million — a new record for the city, thanks in part to its robust meetings and conventions business.

      Read Mayor Emanuel's full statement.

       

      2017 PREVIEW: 10 MOST ANTICIPATED CHICAGO VENUES FOR MEETINGS AND EVENTS

      An exciting crop of new and renovated meeting and event spaces are popping up all over Chicago this year, designed with both large and small groups in mind. Revel Motor Row opening around the corner from McCormick Place, the 3-story Larkin Hall from Blue Plate Catering, and a West Loop location of Punch Bowl Social top the list.

      Get the full list.

       

      HOTEL BURNHAM HAS A NEW OWNER AND A NEW NAME

      The Alise Chicago, a Staypineapple Hotel

      At the end of 2016 the historic Hotel Burnham in the Loop was sold and renamed The Alise Chicago by its new owners, Pineapple Hospitality. Guests may now enjoy newly upgraded and signature amenities found only at STAYPINEAPPPLE hotels including The Naked ExperienceTM, Dash's dog-friendly accommodations, and daily pineapple cupcake service. The newest of eight properties owned and managed by Pacific Northwest-based Pineapple Hospitality, The Alise Chicago is the first of the company's hotels to open in the Midwest.

      Located in the Reliance Building on State Street, a National Historic Landmark and the city's first "skyscraper," The Alise Chicago provides 122 rooms with  new 50" flat screen TVs, all new mattresses and signature bedding, comfy robes and slippers, Tommy Bahama bath products, and Dash — the stuffed dog mascot that conjures an instant smile. Newly commissioned artwork adds a touch of whimsical character to cozy common areas. 

      Catering to both leisure and business travelers alike, The Alise Chicago offers 440 square feet of meeting space that overlooks Atwood restaurant. Perfect for intimate gatherings, small rehearsal dinners and corporate functions accommodating up to 30 seated guests, The Burnham Room is located on the mezzanine level of The Alise Chicago overlooking Atwood and Washington Street.

      Visit The Alise Chicago

       

       

      CHICAGO'S THE GWEN LAUNCHES GUEST ROOM REDESIGN

      The Gwen Chicago

      The Gwen Chicago

      The Gwen on Chicago’s Magnificent Mile is sprucing up its Art Deco-style guest rooms with jewel-toned accents and luxurious upholstery, with an expected completion date in April. With inspiration drawn from the hotel's namesake, famed sculptress Gwen Lux, The Gwen's new guest rooms are rooted in an approachable elegance. Conceptualized and designed by award-winning Simeone Deary Design Group, each of the hotel's 311 rooms and suites will boast the newly-debuted layout, designs and Art Deco, 1930s-inspired aesthetic.

      The newest member of Starwood Hotels and Resorts' prestigious group The Luxury Collection, The Gwen opened its doors in September 2015 (taking over the original Conrad Chicago hotel) and debuted its newly remodeled lobby, rooftop terrace, lounge, and restaurant in May 2016.

      Learn more about The Gwen.

       

       

      CHICAGO'S WINDY CITY ATTRACTIONS: NEW VENUES INFUSED WITH HISTORY REMIND PLANNERS WHAT MAKES THIS CITY SPECIAL

      Hotels and event spaces housed in historic Chicago landmarks meld the best of yesterday with today’s modern demands. Spotlighted are Kimpton Gray Hotel and LondonHouse Chicago.

      Get the full list of Chicago venues here.

       

       

      TIME OUT CHICAGO PICKS THE BEST NEW RESTAURANTS OF 2016

      El Che Bar
       
      Time Out ranks the 14 best new restaurants that opened in Chicago last year, from fine dining to bountiful brunch spots.

      Find Chicago's best new restaurants.

       

       

      THE 2016 LYFTIE AWARDS NAMES NAVY PIER AS TOP TOURIST DESTINATION IN THE U.S.

      Chicago’s Navy Pier was named by Lyft as the top tourist drop-off destination in the country during 2016.

      See Lyft's Top Accolades.

       

       

      THREE DOTS AND A DASH NAMED MOST INSTAGRAMMED RESTAURANT IN ILLINOIS

      The lavish tropical Tiki drinks at Three Dots and a Dash have inspired enough posts to win the title of Most Instagrammed Restaurant in Illinois.

      Read more about the recognition.