The mid-century influence can be felt as soon as you enter the lobby, where a rich, 50s-inspired color palette of deep oranges and browns imparts a seductive feeling of sensuality and warmth. Finishes in leather, bronze and beech wood, plus artworks inspired by famed artists of the post-war era, such as Josef Albers, Ellsworth Kelly and Donald Judd, envelop visitors in an aura of Don-Draper-style cultured urbanity. It’s all very smart, and even kind of sexy; a design language that speaks soothingly of innate style, prosperity and of being ‘back home’.
Kelly Vohs, Conrad Chicago’s General Manager says, “The style of contemporary simplicity was drawn from architectural visionaries such as Warren Platner and Mies van der Rohe. The clean, purposeful design is present in every one of the 287 guest rooms and suites. Each blends rich leather wall accents with black-granite entryways and contemporary furniture. Sharp lines guide the eye directly to floor-to-ceiling windows. Minimalistic bathrooms with freestanding soaking tubs also feature views of the spectacular skyline. The ambience is glamorous and energetic. All the spaces are intuitively laid out to give guests a feeling of comfort—like being at home.”
Both locals and visitors are already flocking to the stylish drinking and dining options on offer, including the hotel’s signature restaurant Baptiste & Bottle. “It’s more than a ‘hotel restaurant’,” says Vohs. “The cuisine is American and we have a very strong cocktail menu: whiskey being front and center.”
The off-duty executives at Sterling Cooper wouldn’t have expected anything less.
conradhotels.com/chicago
