The Langham, Chicago Opens

CHICAGO—Langham Hospitality Group has opened The Langham, Chicago, its fourth U.S. property. This is the company’s first purpose-built hotel in the U.S.

Located on 13 floors of a 52-story building designed by Ludwig Mies van der Rohe, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the 316-room hotel is situated minutes from the loop business district and Michigan Avenue.

Six architects and designers worked on the renovation, including Chicago based architect Dirk Lohan of Lohan Anderson, grandson of Mies can der Rohe. In the lobby, Lohan left the original travertine walls and granite floors. The sofa featured in this space is patterned after an original piece that Mies van er Rohe designed for his daughter in the 1940s. Audio speakers hidden within lampshades provide lobby music, while fine art used includes works from David Klamen, Enoc Perez, Jaume Plensa and Virgino Ferrari.

The main reception features 22-ft. floor-to-ceiling windows, two fireplaces and an art installation featuring more than 500 glass-blown pebbles suspended from the ceiling and lit from above with LED lights. Chicago Architect of Record Goettsch Partners and London-based interior designer Richmond International, who previously worked on The Langham, London, created a space designed to marry the traditional aesthetics of the Langham brand within a Mies van der Rohe designed building. The team focused on clean lines and precise detailing.

Lauren Rottet, principal, Rottet Studio, selected the majority of the hotel's art. Inspired by Mies van der Rohe, Rottet selected American artists of Bauhaus descent. More than 140 artists are showcased including Judy Ledgerwood, Anish Kapoor, Monique Prieto and emerging artists Michele Grabner, Jan Ticy and Molly Zuckeran-Hartung.

The emphasis on art continues to the fifth-floor level, where the guestrooms begin. Guestrooms feature floor-to-ceiling windows; 55-in. televisions; a deskside "jack pack" offering video/audio, HDMI/Iphone/I-Touch play back of audio/video content and Ethernet capability; a custom-designed midcentury-style "cellerette" that houses in-room tea and a Nespresso coffee machine, in addition to a selection of drinks and snacks. All rooms feature individual overhead reading lights and individually identified light switches. All rooms feature a separate dressing room with dressing table and mirror.

Design elements in the bathrooms include travertine stone, heated towel racks, double-sinks and a wet room with a separate bathtub and rain shower. The glass alternates between clear and frosted glass at the touch of a button. Other features include La Bottega Dell' Albergo custom designed bathroom toiletries, magnifying makeup mirror and in-room traveling kit with dental set, shaving kit, sewing kit and other necessities. 

Complimentary WiFi, morning newspaper, overnight shoeshine and use of the hotel's fitness facility and pool are also included. A Cinema Suite, seating up to 16, is available for rental. For families, the hotel offers a Kid's Suite, featuring books, games and video programming. The hotel's 28 one-bedroom suites feature a separate living room with a closet opening into a wet bar, a Mies-designed Knoll chaise lounge perched in the window and a marble bathroom with whirlpool tub, separate shower and dressing room. Two signature suites, the Infinity Suite and Regent Suite, overlook the Chicago River and feature a fireplace, two bedrooms, two baths, powder room and fine art.

Additional amenities include a 4,000-sq.-ft. Club Lounge; Travelle restaurant, designed by the Rockwell Group, featuring a Chef’s Table and a glass show-kitchen; Travelle Lounge and Bar, which features mid-century modern inspired design; Chuan Spa and Fitness Center, which offers seven treatment rooms, including three couple facilities; 11 meeting rooms, including the Devonshire Ballroom, and a business center; and Flavours of Langham, a gift shop.