CHICAGO—The Kinzie Hotel will open in the space currently housing the Amalfi Hotel in February 2014.
Managed by Portfolio Hotels & Resorts, the hotel is located in River North, close to Michigan Avenue.
The five-story, 215-room, upscale boutique hotel’s multimillion-dollar renovation will pay homage to John Kinzie, a famous historic figure in Chicago. Known as the city’s first civilian, Kinzie worked as a silversmith, merchant trader and banker to Fort Dearborn. He fathered the first child of European descent in the city and committed Chicago’s first murder, for which he was acquitted. Kinzie’s son later established Chicago’s first hotel and restaurant.
According to the hotel, the concept incorporated elements of Kinzie’s story throughout the hotel’s design, amenities, packages and promotions to build an authentic Chicago experience. Gettys Design Group Chicago was tapped to complete the renovation, which included 210 guestrooms, five suites and over 1500 sq. ft. of meeting space. Each guestroom pays homage to the hotel’s exploratory history with a wall treatment subtly displaying a street map of historic Chicago. Additionally, guestrooms and common areas display various painted interpretations of the local Chicago landscape, created exclusively for the Kinzie Hotel. Guestrooms also feature complimentary WiFi, a 42-in. HDTV television, honor bar, work station, plush robe, a variety of Aveda spa products, lighted vanity mirror and an in-room safety deposit box. Windy City Massage can also provide in-room spa services.
The hotel also features a 24-hour business center, recently enhanced to include PC workstations, a Mac computer and printer.
In addition, the hotel’s new lounge, the Double Cross Lounge located on the sixth floor, was inspired by a silver piece designed by John Kinzie in the shape of a double-barred cross, as well as his mercurial reputation.
The new hotel retained one of Amalfi Hotel’s amenities: each guestroom floor features an extended complimentary continental breakfast.
