Luxury Hotel, Loews Chicago, has yet to open and already Chicago is all abuzz about this newest travel destination for locals and tourists. So for a self-proclaimed Chicago aficionado, I’m beyond excited and honored to take on my new role as Loews Chicago’s very own First Lady. What does a First Lady do, you asked? As the Loews Chicago’s First Lady, I will be bringing you the first look, first behind-the-scenes, and maybe host a couple of activities so you can experience Chicago’s magnificent new resident for yourself.
Tucked in the heart of Streeterville and a skip and a hop away from Michigan Avenue and Chicago River, this 400 room hotel with 29,000 sq ft of meeting space is buzzing with excitement getting ready for its official opening on Monday. I came by to meet some of the Loews Chicago team members and their excitement with next week’s grand opening is infectious. There’s an incredible sense of pride in their eyes when they talk about seeing the hotel interior transform from empty to beauty.
Chicago beauty from the inside
The lobby is grandiose in size but welcoming. I instantly felt right at home. That’s probably because the lobby has a true Chicago feel. Inspirations from Mies Van Der Rohe and Louis Sullivan can be seen from the ceiling, to the wall, and flooring. I specially loved the iron wall art that were from an actual railway. Another interesting piece of wall art is the wood skyline reflection of actual charred wood signifying the Chicago’s Great Fire of 1871.
Besides the art works donning the lobby, the furnitures are warm with the softest leather sofas, and beautiful fabrics. There are plenty of spaces to sit, relax, and work! Table spaces with electric outlets are everywhere around the lobby and of course, with free wifi access. The lobby will also house the signature lobby bar, ETA, and a full service Starbucks.
New Argentine Steakhouse dining concept from a Chicago native
James Beard award winner and Iron Chef’s Chef Jose Garces came back to Chicago to bring us Rural Society, an Argentine steakhouse. A second one of its kind following the opening of their DC location. The restaurant’s name was inspired from an annual agricultural and livestock show called La Exposición Rural and organized by La Sociedad Rural Argentina. In English, The Argentine Rural Society. Fresh from Mercat ala Planxa’s Executive Chef, Chef Cory Morris, will now be taking helm at the Rural Society.
Walking into the restaurant from the Loews Chicago Hotel lobby felt a bit like I was instantly transported to the West. Imagine the rustic ambiance of cattle and gauchos but then add in the flair of Hollywood drama and luxury. Lucky me, I also had an exclusive opportunity to lunch at the Rural Society. Joined by Loews Chicago’s PR Director, Stephanie Chaney Casanova, we had the very first meal served at Rural Society even before it officially opens next week.
Casanova explained that the restaurant cooks with mostly the Argentine Parilla (grill). The menu boasts a rich and luxurious South American menu and wine list. Casanova is a vegetarian who you might think would be out of place in a steakhouse, but the menu is filled with options for her to enjoy.
This morning I joined the Loews Chicago team for a pep rally. We’ll be all counting down to the upcoming Ribbon-Cutting ceremony on Monday, March 2nd and I can’t wait to give you more of the first peeks of Loews Chicago. For now, please follow my Facebook: /mjtam, Twitter: @mjtam, and Instagram: @mjtam for some play by play postings and of course Loews Chicago Hotel’s Social Media channels, too:
•Facebook (local): Facebook.com/LoewsChicago
•Twitter (national): Twitter.com/loews_hotels
•Instagram (national): Instagram.com/loewshotels/
•YouTube (national): youtube.com/LoewsHotels
Disclosure: I am the official #LoewsChicago Hotel First Lady, assigned as the ambassador of the new build property. For more information on Loews Chicago, visit their website here.