W Hotels Unveils Multi-Million Dollar Reimagining of W Chicago - Lakeshore

W Hotels Worldwide and Chesapeake Lodging Trust today unveiled the full-scale, $38 million renovation of W Chicago – Lakeshore, which combines the energy of the ‘Windy City' with the glittering waters of Lake Michigan. The only hotel located on iconic Lake Shore Drive in the heart of the city, W Chicago – Lakeshore has transformed all 520 guestrooms and its signature Living Room experience; expanded its 14,000 square feet of meeting and event space to include three new outdoor spaces; and introduced a new signature restaurant, CURRENT, with Executive Chef Gregory Elliott at the helm.

The transformation of W Chicago – Lakeshore is a key project in the second wave of renovation projects, part of the W brand's plan to reinvigorate its iconic North American portfolio. The aggressive strategy includes a significant investment by the W brand and its ownership groups with cutting-edge updates to public spaces, new signature bar and restaurant concepts, and stylish guestroom refreshes in key markets, including New York, Los Angeles, Seattle, Mexico City and Washington DC.

Cutting-edge Designs Combine with Premier Lake Views

New York-based interior design and architecture firm Meyer Davis Design and Starwood's award-winning design team collaborated to redesign W Chicago – Lakeshore to reflect the incredible views of the hotel, combining the shimmering beauty of Lake Michigan with the urban environment of the city. The guestrooms draw the eye to the lake's reflections and the illumination of Chicago with each window featuring a seamless window frame. The color palate is a blend of soft tones, which allow for the views to pop and serve as the focal point of the room. Additionally, the light fixtures were changed to chandeliers to reflect and amplify the light and views, and mirrors were added to the walls for yet another reflective design element.

The décor in the public spaces reflect the W brand's urban New York City roots, merged with the vibrancy of Chicago. The Living Room has undergone a bold transformation, including a completely revamped layout to increase the space flow and energy. A spray can mural acts as an accent behind the Welcome Desk, a historical nod to the aerosol can, which originated in Chicago and is now used in modern day street art. The Living Room was broken into smaller circular lounges that have the opportunity to create social gathering spaces. A central point to the lounge is a circular DJ booth, that creates a dynamic energy to the space as guests enjoy activities of the restaurant, bar and Living Room.

The hotel also expanded its 14,000 square feet of meeting space to include an additional venue on the two top floor spaces; Altitude and Skyline. Altitude offers 360 degree views of the lake and city with floor to ceiling windows, and Skyline, a new adjacent space for even more flexibility with meetings and social events.

CURRENT – A Social, Italian-Inspired Restaurant

As part of the renovation, W Chicago - Lakeshore has debuted CURRENT (also designed by Meyer Davis), a fresh, modern take on seasonal Italian cuisine showcasing Chef Gregory Elliott's simple and soulful ingredient-driven dishes.

For more information about W Chicago – Lakeshore or to make reservations, please visit www.whotels.com/chicagolakeshore or call 888.627.8260. Guests are invited to discover the new W Chicago – Lakeshore by booking the property's Reveal Package (from $259 per night), which includes a 1-night stay in a redesigned Wonderful guest room, complimentary valet parking and a $50 dining credit.

Become a fan on Facebook at www.facebook.com/WChicagoLakeshore and follow on Twitter @WLakeshore.