Chicago's Newest Hotel, Aloft Chicago Mag Mile, Opens on Museum of Contemporary Art's Original Site with Art-Infused Design

CHICAGO, Oct. 16, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Aloft Hotels, along with Tishman Hotel Corporation and MetLife Investment Management, today announces the opening of Chicago's newest hotel, Aloft Chicago Mag Mile. The newly-built hotel from Marriott International's tech-savvy and design-forward brand Aloft, features 337 urban-inspired guestrooms and just over 5,600 square feet of creative, art-inspired meeting spaces, making this the largest Aloft property in North America. Guests will enjoy amenities such as Splash, the indoor pool perched atop the hotel on the 19^th floor; Aloft's signature W XYZ^® Bar with an extensive cocktail menu and regular live music programming; Re:fuel by Aloft℠, serving up delicious gourmet-grab-and-go options around the clock; and the state-of-the-art Re:charge fitness center. This property is the first urban example of the updated brand design vision, reflecting Aloft's history and evolution as a future-focused brand for how tech-savvy, global travelers want hotels to be.  

The hotel's 337 guestrooms feature 65-inch LED televisions, plush platform beds, in-room mini refrigerators, custom Aloft bath amenities by Bliss® Spa, and walk-in showers with rainfall showerheads.  Accommodation choices range from king and double queen rooms to one-bedroom and two-bedroom suites, all with complimentary, fast internet access.

Since the property occupies the site of the original location of the Museum of Contemporary Art (MCA), the hotel's atmosphere is infused with art – recalling the acclaimed gallery shows the museum once hosted there. A photo of the original MCA will welcome guests in the lobby with the background on how the art program was approached for Aloft Chicago Mag Mile.  This theme is most notably displayed in Aloft Chicago Mag Mile's meeting and event spaces, which are named after contemporary artists who had exhibited at MCA in the past: Warhol, Escher, Mondrian and Lichtenstein. The various reproduced works from the artists are now on display in each of their namesake meeting rooms. The Warhol room, for example, has poppy flowers as the focal point, displayed as an expansive wall covering. At that time, the museum's on-staff photographer captured all the shows' works, mostly in black and white. Fast forward nearly 50 years: the design team has recreated large-scale reproductions of this archival footage with mono-color enhancements.  These works can be seen throughout the corridors on floors three through 19.

Other nods to artist history weaving the theme throughout the hotel include:  Reproductions of a Chuck Close show in the Presidential Suite and a rooftop-level event space named after Jan van der Marck, who was the first director of the MCA. The 19^th floor showcases a "Party People" exhibit that features patrons of the gallery shows at MCA donning tiaras and ballgowns at the sought-after events during that time. Art plaques accompany each piece to tell a bit about the artist and the show that this particular work was featured in.

"We knew we had something special with the history of this site, and it was important for us to capture that history and keep it alive in the story of Aloft Chicago Mag Mile," said Robert Snyder, president of Tishman Hotel Corporation, which owns and manages the property. "Tishman is committed to supporting our local neighborhood and creating unique art and music-inspired experiences as the company deepens its presence in Chicago."

Just as art is a part of the hotel's DNA, so is music – something that is reflected in the new design on display at Aloft Chicago Mag Mile, with features such as built-in outlets for amps and microphones. Aloft Hotels offers exceptional global music programming and an unmatched commitment to the world's hottest emerging talent, which Aloft Chicago Mag Mile will infuse into its programming with Aloft's signature live music series, Live at Aloft Hotels. As a further commitment to rising musicians, Aloft's annual Project: Aloft Star global talent competition is aimed at discovering the world's hottest new music acts. This year's winner – who will win the chance to record a single with Universal Music Group at Capitol Records – will be playing at the hotel's grand opening event on November 7. On November 8, the hotel will play host to an event on the Future of Music in partnership with The Verge, where attendees can find out about the latest technology transforming the music industry and enjoy a performance from Chicago electronic music trio Autograf.

"Aloft Hotels are designed with the next generation of travelers in mind, and we're excited to be unveiling the Aloft Hotel of the future at Chicago Mag Mile – the first urban location to feature the new design vision," said Bridget Higgins, Senior Global Brand Director, Aloft Hotels. "From the latest tech, to savvy new design, to great live music programming, locals and guests checking into Aloft Chicago Mag Mile can expect a hotel experience that is different from anything they've seen before."

In honor of the grand opening of Aloft Chicago Mag Mile there is a special offer of 20% off accommodations through December 30, 2018. Rates start from $149 nightly^* and can be booked here or by calling 888-627-8121 and referencing the grand opening rates.

Photos available upon request

About Aloft Chicago Mag Mile
Located at 243 East Ontario Street, Aloft Chicago Mag Mile offers easy breezy access to the entire area, yet is light-years from tradition. Abuzz with the energy of discovery and interaction, this bold new lodging alternative will surely inspire guests to explore its namesake thoroughfare. Just steps from Navy Pier and Chicago's famous Magnificent Mile, the shopping, cultural and professional hub of Chicago, Aloft Chicago Mag Mile is a vibrant new hotel that moves to the beat of its guests. Enjoy Chicago's architectural heritage, world-class shopping, spectacular nightlife and entertainment—all part of the Aloft Chicago Mag Mile experience.

About Aloft Hotels
With over 150 hotels now open in over 20 countries and territories around the world, Aloft Hotels, part of Marriott International, Inc., delivers a fresh approach to the traditional staid hotel landscape. For the 'always on' next generation of traveler, the Aloft brand offers a tech-forward, vibrant experience and a modern style that is different by design. For more information, please visit www.alofthotels.com and follow along on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Aloft is proud to participate in the company's award-winning loyalty programs – Marriott Rewards®, The Ritz-Carlton Rewards®, and Starwood Preferred Guest® (SPG). The programs, operating under one set of unparalleled benefits, enable members to earn points toward free hotel stays, achieve Elite status faster than ever, and seamlessly book or redeem points for stays throughout our loyalty portfolio of 29 brands and more than 6,700 participating hotels in 130 countries & territories. To enroll for free or for more information about the programs, visit members.marriott.com.

^*Based upon availability; taxes not included. Pricing varies based on dates selected.

SOURCE Marriott International, Inc.

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