The Waldorf Astoria Chicago has completed a renovation of its accommodations, the lobby and spa. The hotel also opened a redesigned Presidential Suite and introduced a new Astoria Suite. Beyond the lobby-level Peacock Lounge, the hotel also has opened the new Brass Tack restaurant and reintroduced Bernard’s cocktail lounge.
The renovation of the guestrooms, suites, lobby, Peacock Lounge and Bernard’s was overseen by KTGY Simeone Deary Design Group, which also was responsible for the genesis of the hotel’s original concept and design in its entirety in 2009. The team drew inspiration from French design masters to bring a reimagined and refreshed modern approach to the property.
Refreshed Accommodations and Grand Suites
The design approach to the guestrooms and suites was inspired by recent French fashion. The rooms have a warm white palette with pinstripes throughout the furniture detailing in the room, highlighting the form of the monumental headboard with integral art.
As part of the renovation, Waldorf Astoria Chicago is launching the new 1,800-square-foot Astoria Suite and redesigned 2,400-square-foot Presidential Suite, which both evoke a Parisian pied-à-terre. The spaces have polished wood flooring and bright metals. The Presidential Suite has custom pinstriped drapery and dark upholstered headboards with leather side panels, architectural stone and crystal side tables and a custom sofa upholstered in light chenille with a subtle sheen. The suite has two bedrooms, each with private bath and dressing areas, a living room and dining room, two terraces and a fireplace, as well as an exclusive fitness room. The Presidential Suite can expand into a larger, 3,000-square-foot three-bedroom suite.
A New Lobby Experience
The lobby got new seating options with side tables. The space flows into a new lobby parlor and Peacock Lounge, which pays tribute to the original Peacock Alley at the brand flagship, Waldorf Astoria New York. A nod to this history can be seen in the real feather wall panels lining the back walls of the bookcases. Lounge seating upholstered in velvets and woven fabrics weave into the space. Further inspiration was drawn from Chicago businesswoman and socialite Bertha Palmer, with the design team studying her home and parlor.
Food & Beverage
Brass Tack is an American brasserie with a Chicago twist. The 140-seat restaurant dining room has both banquettes and café seating. Two private dining rooms are also available for receptions and sit-down dinners. A full-service bar completes the room, with Hollywood-esque banquettes and additional bar seating.
Bernard’s, the hotel’s cocktail lounge, has reopened, restored in its former space and reemerging as an intimate craft cocktail and champagne bar. KTGY Simeone Deary Design Group used dark colors, classic forms, tweeds from the Scottish Highlands and equestrian influences in the design. The interior showcases elements including millwork paneling with custom inserts, banquettes with leather detailing and plaid accents, a central tête-à-tête and a step-up bar that overlooks the hotel’s front courtyard drive. Located on the second floor, Bernard’s also has new rippled smoked glass windows that look down into the updated lobby.