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Mercadito and Tippling Brothers Pop-Up at Chicago’s Talbott Hotel

Go To The Hotel's Web Site Where: 20 E. Delaware Place, Chicago, IL, 60611
May 25, 2012 at 10:34 AM | by | Comments (2)

This beautiful wooden back bar is the only restaurant feature expected to remain once PT goes FT at the Talbott Hotel.

Pop-up restaurants – those temporary precursors that literally “pop up” before the motherload restaurant opens – usually don’t stick around for months at a time, but the Talbott Hotel’s new pop-up, PT, plans to do just that. And Chicago foodies couldn’t be happier.

The collaborative food child of Mercaditio Hospitality (think Chef Patricio Sandoval and his Latin beauties, Mercadito, Barcito and Tavernito) and beverage connoisseurs the Tippling Brothers, PT opened just last week and will remain open until Fall 2012, when the full-service concept restaurant will be revealed.

But nevermind that new restaurant to come, PT’s short, sweet and super fresh menu is a beautiful thing and we want to enjoy it while we can. The Acapulco-born-and-raised Sandoval infuses Latin with favorite American dishes so you’ll find creative salads, glorious oysters and ceviche, spicy po’ boys and chicken clubs, a steak and frites, even daily all-you-can-eat specials like Mussels Monday. Flip the menu over to salivate over bevies like pineapple cobbler, whiskey smash and cinnamon-spiced sangria.

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International Mister Leather Returns to Party at Hyatt's Largest Hotel

May 24, 2012 at 3:44 PM | by | Comments (4)


Ball gag, anyone?

It's that time of the year again, when thousands upon thousands from the LGBT and leather/BDSM communities come together for International Mister Leather, a long weekend convention in Chicago that's part tradeshow, part beauty pageant and mostly party. This will be the 34th annual if you can believe it, and the massive event returns to entirely take over Chicago's largest hotel, the 2,020-room Hyatt Regency (which is also the largest Hyatt in the world).

Typically the event is all fun (and it's the fifth most profitable convention that happens in Chicago) and a Chicago contact reveals that two weddings will be held at this year's shindig. Ah, but there's a dark side as IML falls into the midst of a heated debate between the Hyatt hotel and its union staff who've repeatedly protested, including this big walkout.

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When Lightening Strikes Twice: How to Score a Room at PUBLIC Chicago’s Next $1 Sale

Go To The Hotel's Web Site Where: 1301 N. State Parkway [map], Chicago, IL, United States, 60611
May 24, 2012 at 9:04 AM | by | Comment (1)


$1 room or not, you can still lounge with coffee or a sexy cocktail in the Library at PUBLIC Chicago

Word is out today that another One Dollar Sale is coming from Ian Schrager’s bright white Chicago gem, PUBLIC Chicago. For those unfamiliar with the online hotel sale, it’s an amazing chance for would-be guests to book a room at PUBLIC for just one buck. For those who swung and missed at the last sale -- you know, the vast majority, including yours truly at HotelChatter – the one dollar offer might feel more like the ultimate tease as rooms ended up selling out in less than five minutes flat.

Still, we’re not about to give up. Real live people picked up all 270 available rooms in the last sale so we know it can be done. And since we really, really want to stay at the PUBLIC for a buck, no less, we’re gonna play it smart this time. Which is why we talked to a PUBLIC Chicago insider for some tips on how to get a leg up at the hotel’s next dollar sale.

Friends of PUBLIC, if there ever was a way, than this is how you score a $1 room at PUBLIC Chicago.

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Ride a Public Bike This Weekend for $190 a Night (And Other Summery Hotel Deals)

May 22, 2012 at 2:33 PM | by | Comment (1)

Deals: you want 'em, and surprisingly, everyone has 'em. Take a look at some of the latest hotel deals going around the internet today from booking sites, social media sites, flash sale sites and more. Don't forget to scroll down to see the HotelChatter-approved deal either. Who knows? You might just find what you're looking for. (But don't forget to tell us about your stay!)

DEALS, DEALS, DEALS*

· HOTEL VALLEY HO: The desert is hot right now but the prices at this Scottsdale resort are dropping. From Memorial Day through Labor Day, rates on Sunday and Monday at Hotel Valley Ho are just $119; Tuesday-Thursday is $139, Friday is $149 and Saturday is $159. There's complimentary parking and no resort fee. Also, if you stay three nights, the fourth night is free. Pre-paying 21 days in advance will save you an extra 15 percent. We actually found a rate of $154 a night for the first weekend in June with an $50 resort credit. Book online at www.hotelvalleyho.com.

· PUBLIC CHICAGO: Nearly a year after opening, the Public is keeping rates low even as summer draws near. The hotel's Memorial Day Bash has superior queen rooms going for $190 a night with lunch for two daily from Public Express served in your room or packed up to enjoy along the beach. (Just a short bike ride away.) We just checked and rooms are still avail at $190 for Friday and Saturday. You could splurge for a king at $215 a night. Book online at PublicHotels.com.

· VICEROY RIVIERA MAYA: Formerly the Tides, this Viceroy resort is offering a fourth night free when you stay three. The "Forever Summer" rate also includes daily breakfast for two, tequila and ceviche tasting and two after-sun spa treatments. Rates for mid-June were going for $453 a night for a newly redone luxury villa. Rates in the high season are typically $600 a night.

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Where Should the NATO Bigwigs Stay in Chicago?

May 18, 2012 at 4:05 PM | by | Comments (0)

Any world leader would be a fool to miss dining in the Peninsula's opulent Lobby restaurant

With more than two-dozen world leaders, thousands of attendees and nearly as many protestors making their way to Chicago this weekend for the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) summit, we’re tracking the action as it hits the city’s hotels. Rumors are flying about which heads of state will be staying where, how many protestors will march, and how much of the city will shutdown for security. All of it feels, well, intimidating.

But we say there’s calm and peace to be had with one simple fix: NATO heads of state just need to hole up in great hotels. Forget sterile conference centers, imagine what could happen if world leaders held meetings poolside by the spa, dinners at alfresco rooftop restaurants, or libations in gorgeous lounges?

In the interest of world peace and resolution, here’s our list of recommended Chicago hotels where the NATO bigwigs should stay and “summit.”

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Ivy Boutique Hotel Will Open in Chicago, Come Hell or Nato Summit

Where: 233 E. Ontario [map], Chicago, IL, United States, 60611
May 17, 2012 at 4:03 PM | by | Comments (0)

We’ve been excited for the opening of the luxe-meets-green Ivy Boutique Hotel in Chicago’s Near North neighborhood since February, when we first shared word on the new boutique digs. Originally set to open in April, the Chicago hotel still hasn’t opened and now with the NATO tornado in full effect (think blocked streets, closed museums, boarded-up storefronts), Ivy is instead hoping and praying for a late May opening.

“The city is being really wacky about occupancy,” said James Cazares, manager of Ivy Boutique. “Because of NATO they are behind.” Still, the hotel is preparing as if it will open any day now, wrapping up construction this week and preparing for final inspections next week. Ask us and we say count your lucky stars, Ivy—you’ve managed to steer clear the NATO chaos.

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Twitpic of the Week: Here's Why You'll Love Staring At An Empty Wall At The James Chicago

Go To The Hotel's Web Site Where: 55 E. Ontario St. [map], Chicago, IL, United States, 60611
May 14, 2012 at 10:26 AM | by | Comments (0)

In the ever-expanding universe of Twitter, there is one particular trend @HotelChatter happens to quite enjoy: candid hotel photos. These pics range from stunning views to anti-views to celebrity tomfoolery and everything in between. And we can't get enough of 'em! Every Monday, we commemorate our favorite "Twitpic of the Week." Got a favorite of your own? Want to show off your sweet suite? Send it in!

It's no secret that the James Chicago likes to offer fun little "extras" at the hotel: whether that's a pop-up ice cream shop, or a noteworthy artist-in-residence program or an in-room cocktail amenity. And so we weren't too surprised to see a recent guest tweet this photo of one of the hotel's 26 in-room DVD projectors.

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Where to Hotel Rooftop in Chicago

May 10, 2012 at 4:17 PM | by | Comments (2)

Sudden waves of warmer weather in Chicago and all that talk last week about theWit’s new retractable roof left us with one summery something on the brain: more hotel rooftops. Chill beverages, a staggering skyline against the Lake, a spot to kick up your feet under the sun or moon – no way to deny the power of a stellar hotel rooftop lounge.

With rooftop season starting now, where will you go? Start with our latest favorites, an ascending tour of exactly where you want to be under balmy Chicago skies.

Shanghai Terrace at The Peninsula Chicago, 4th floor
With a new permanent outdoor bar, cushy new daybeds, and a summer theme that’ll take you back to Shanghai’s golden era, the Peninsula’s tucked-away rooftop lounge is cosmopolitan exotic in all the right ways. We like the livelier, busy Friday and Saturday nights here, especially with a signature Golden Apple cocktail in hand.

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Chicago’s ACME Hotel Company Does It Right for Young Hipster Coolios and Technos

Go To The Hotel's Web Site Where: 15 E. Ohio St., Chicago, IL, 60611
May 8, 2012 at 9:30 AM | by | Comments (0)

Spy lava lamps, historic archways, and illuminated shuttered doors to nowhere in the ACME Hotel lobby.

Back in February we reported on a new boutique hotel coming to Chicago that looked to be every bit an ACE-inspired knockoff.

The ACME Hotel Company recently opened its doors and after stopping by to check it out last week, we’re excited to share that hipsters won’t have to settle for rugged here. In fact, Millenial cool monsters and techno geeks will love the atmospheric, urban ACME for delivering just the right mix of rock, tech and luxe.

Start in the lobby of the ACME, where the hotel builds upon its historic Chicago digs in a cool, kitschy, old California-meets-psychedelic modern design. Once the hotel’s neighboring resto opens in about a year, the hotel plans to transform the space even more by opening up some of the archways right into the eatery and planting a bar in the back. All good stuff, though we hope they’ll hang on to the lava lamps and sheep painting.

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Aloft Hotels Joins The Chicago Bandwagon, Will Open in City Center in 2013

Go To The Hotel's Web Site Where: 501 North Clark Street [map], Chicago, IL, United States, 60610
May 7, 2012 at 2:16 PM | by | Comments (0)

The hotel scene in Chicago keeps getting hotter. Last week, we pondered the location of the upcoming SLS Chicago and we've already got our hotel spidey sense heightened for Virgin Hotels and Soho House Chicago.

There have been a couple of exciting rebrands as well near Magnificent Mile with the MileNorth Hotel and the newest Hyatt in town.

But now today, a hotel stalker let us know that there will also be an Aloft Hotel coming to Chicago's "City Center" in 2013.

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Hyatt Will Take Over the Wyndham Chicago on June 1

Go To The Hotel's Web Site Where: 633 North St. Clair Street [map], Chicago, IL, United States, 60611
May 4, 2012 at 9:00 AM | by | Comments (2)

There's even MORE news coming out of Chicago. First, we learned theWit was on the verge of opening up an awesome new retractable roof. Then we found out the Affinia Chicago was out and the MileNorth Hotel was in (and with free WiFi too!).

Now we hear that the Wyndham Chicago was bought by Sunstone Hotel Investors Inc. who have brought on Hyatt to rebrand the property a The Hyatt Chicago Magnificent Mile.

According to the Chicago Tribune, the 416-room hotel on North St. Clair will officially turn into a Hyatt on June 1. A $25 million renovation will also happen later this year.

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So Long, Affinia Chicago. Hello, MileNorth Hotel!

Where: 166 E. Superior St [map], Chicago, IL, United States
May 3, 2012 at 5:01 PM | by | Comments (0)

A junior suite at the Affinia-now-MileNorth Hotel.

UPDATE: The hotel is offering Free WiFi! A hotel rep tells us, "There are some kinks in the system so it is still charging but the hotel is refunding the charge and the system should be converted to free Wi-Fi in the next couple days." Some glorious news for free WiFi lovers in Chicago!

The Affinia Hotel Chicago and its Fedora-wearing doormen are no longer.

Lowe Enterprises Investors have just acquired the hotel, which sits just off Michigan Avenue, from the Denihan Hospitality Group and are rebranding the hotel as The MileNorth Hotel. (No space between Mile and North apparently.)

Destination Hotels & Resorts (an affiliate company of LEI) is managing the property which has 213 guestrooms, the C-House groundfloor restaurant and the C-View rooftop bar.

Considering that Affinia did a recent renovation of the property a few years back, there isn't much for Destination Hotels to do to the place except change up the websites.

Indeed, the Affinia Chicago hotel website is now defunct while the MileNorth website is up and running.

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