Omni Hotels Serves up Chicago's First All-Suites, All-Plasma TV Hotel

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. October 14, 2008

IRVING, TX, JULY 7, 2005. First in its class and first in the city, the Omni Chicago Hotel recently put the finishing touches on the first stage of an extensive $9.5 million renovation, including updating the hotel's 343 suites with 37" plasma TV screens. As the first all-suites, all-plasma TV hotel in Chicago, the interiors of the property situated on the famed 'Magnificent Mile' now boast a contemporary design, lighter interior color scheme, granite-topped wet bars and more luxurious bathrooms.

"The Omni Chicago Hotel's lush new interior design and plasma screen TVs in each suite set a new standard for business and leisure travelers alike," said Brian Kuckelman, Omni's senior vice president of design and project management. "We are proud to offer our guests and our fellow Chicagoans this 'first' in the Second City, and we look forward to additional renovations in our bar, restaurant and fitness center."

Customers 'Road Test' Suite Design

In advance of the renovations, Omni designed a model suite to seek guest input on interior color schemes, fabrics and woods. "Omni's customers gave us valuable input that set the tone for our design," said architect Jim McAuliffe, of Culpepper, McAuliffe and Meaders, Inc. "As an example, a wood we originally tested in the model room was much lighter, but after receiving input from guests and managers at Omni, we went with a honey-colored wood that still brightens the room while conveying a richer feel."

From corridors to duvets, decorative fabrics to TVs, the hotel enhanced the interiors of each suite, providing a more welcoming space. Plush green and gold carpet lines the hallways, and sepia-tinted architectural photography of famed Chicago landmarks adorns the wall coverings. Each suite features St. Cecilia granite countertops, ornate burgundy drapery treatments and a wet bar. Ample lighting illuminates the workspace and desk, a key factor for business travelers. But for many guests, the star attraction may be the wall-mounted 37" Panasonic plasma screen television in the sitting room.

The renovation began in January 2005 in all 343 suites within the 20-floor main tower. Additional touches to the suites include a built-in armoire; Wi-Fi accessibility; a larger bed and elevated headboard; and a lighted vanity mirror in the bathroom.

Built in 1985, the hotel remained open during the entire renovation, taking out six floors at a time until all floors were complete. Design work has been completed for the restaurant Ciello, and construction will begin later this summer. Likewise, renovations to the presidential and V.I.P. suites will begin in December.