Sage Opens The Blackstone
A Renaissance Hotel
MARCH 7, 2008 A prominent national landmark, Chicago's "Hotel of Presidents," has opened as The Blackstone, a 332-room luxury Renaissance brand hotel. The Blackstone provided regal lodging for many of the 20th century's most famous figures--from a dozen U.S. presidents, including Franklin Roosevelt, Woodrow Wilson, Harry Truman and John Kennedy, to Hollywood stars. Today, the hotel has been recreated, blending the legacy of its architectural heritage with the exceptional experience of a world-class hotel.
The Blackstone renovation preserved the classic elegance of the hotel while transforming it to meet the needs of today's most sophisticated travelers, noted Walter Isenberg, president and chief executive of Sage Hospitality Resources, the Denver, Colorado based hospitality company that developed this benchmark preservation project and is managing the hotel "The Blackstone's ambiance is a dynamic mix of historic architecture and savvy design combined with luxury amenities and thoughtful guest services that set the stage for an inspired, distinctly Chicago experience," Mr. Isenberg said. "We are honored to have played a part in leading the rebirth for this magnificent Beaux Arts treasure and in creating a hotel that even exceeds the properties rich history."
The $128 million showcase renovation of the long dormant, 23-story, Beaux-Arts building represents yet another significant development milestone in the renaissance of Chicago's South Loop downtown. The Blackstone, located at 636 South Michigan Avenue, is in the heart of the city's arts and theater district and adjacent to the world class Millennium Park.
In discussing the significance of The Blackstone to the Chicago market, Fletcher C. Mayes, the hotel's general manager observed "The Blackstone enjoys a celebrated legacy among the grand American hotels--for almost a century it was a favorite retreat for U.S. Presidents, royalty, Hollywood stars and sports legends," said Mr. Mayes. "Now, The Blackstone is back in all its historic glory and more-contemporary Chicago art, exciting design, luxurious amenities--all in the epicenter of our city, poised to give our guests from around the world an exceptional guest experience."
The Blackstone features 332 stylish guest rooms and suites (among them the fabled Presidential Suite and the Smoke-filled Room), 19,670 square feet of meeting space, a health club, and a business center. The Blackstone also offers a "hotel within a hotel" concept, Hubbard Place, designed to pamper guests with exclusive benefits. A street-level Starbucks Caf'e with outdoor seating serves hotel guests, the local business community and neighborhood residents. The Sage Restaurant Group is opening and will operate an independent destination restaurant at the Michigan Avenue location, Mercat a la Planxa, offering modern Catalan cuisine.
Designer furniture, exciting custom-designed textiles, contemporary art and special Chicago touchstones compliment the classical character of the hotel. In homage to Chicago, The Blackstone's meeting rooms commemorate the "city" with names such as "L", Metra, The Mayor's Office and Marshall & Fox (the original architects). An innovative collection of over 1600 original artworks, primarily by Chicago artists, is on permanent display throughout The Blackstone, lending a decidedly contemporary twist to the ambiance of the hotel.
The Blackstone is an exceptional fit for the Renaissance brand remarked Rita Cuddihy, senior vice president of Renaissance Hotels and Resorts:
"The Renaissance brand is a showcase for expressive design, classic service and one-of-a-kind guest experiences," said Ms. Cuddihy. "The Blackstone is a perfect match with its savvy style, singular atmosphere and rich history."
The Blackstone's guest rooms are elegantly designed with an eclectic selection of furniture, contemporary art, rich fabrics and a mixture of wood finishes from cream-colored lacquer to deep espresso walnut. All rooms are equipped with a flat screen television, two-line telephone with data port, voice mail, mini bar, fine Chaz Stevens linens, complimentary in-room coffee, hairdryer and bathrobe as well as high-speed internet access. The Blackstone offers Wired for Business, which includes unlimited local and long distance calls within the U.S. and high-speed Internet access for $12.95 per day.
Marriott International, Inc. (NASDAQ: MAR) is a global leading lodging company based in Bethesda,Maryland, USA, with more than 4,200 properties in 80 countries and territories. Marriott International reported revenues of nearly $14 billion in fiscal year 2014. The company operates and franchises hotels and licenses vacation ownership resorts under 19 brands, including: The Ritz-Carlton®, BVlgari®, EDITION®, JW Marriott®, Autograph Collection® Hotels, Renaissance® Hotels, Marriott Hotels®, Delta Hotels and Resorts®, Marriott Executive Apartments®, Marriott Vacation Club®, Gaylord Hotels®, AC Hotels by Marriott®, Courtyard®, Residence Inn®, SpringHill Suites®, Fairfield Inn & Suites®, TownePlace Suites®, Protea Hotels® and MoxyHotels®. Marriott has been consistently recognized as a top employer and for its superior business ethics. The company also manages the award-winning guest loyalty program, Marriott Rewards® and The Ritz-Carlton Rewards® program, which together surpass 50 million members. For more information or reservations, please visit our website at 
