One of downtown Chicago’s most storied tourist and shopping attractions – Magnificent Mile – now has two new hotel options as Hilton Worldwide announced the opening of the dual-branded, 352-room Hampton Inn and Homewood Suites by Hilton Chicago Downtown/Magnificent Mile, which also marks the company’s 700,000th room globally and Homewood Suites’ 350th hotel opening.
The 40-story development, a conversion of the former Crowne Plaza Hotel, combines 225 Hampton and 127 Homewood Suites rooms across all floors – a first for Hilton Worldwide. Located at 160 E. Huron Street-A, the hotel is owned and managed by Palm Beach, Fla.-based Driftwood Hospitality Management, Inc. and includes the addition of a new 5,000 square-foot restaurant, the “Windsor,” from the Chicago-based Four Star Restaurant Group.
“While dual-brand hotels will always maintain each brand’s identity, they allow us to offer guests a greater variety of options and also save hoteliers on operational costs like housekeeping, laundry and meeting facilities,” said Craig Mance, senior vice president, development – North America, Hilton Worldwide. “The opening of this dual-branded hotel brings together two distinct accommodation offerings under one roof in one of the country’s top markets.”
Hampton Inn and Homewood Suites Chicago Downtown/Magnificent Mile joins Hilton Worldwide’s current portfolio of nearly 20 dual-branded hotels.
Dual-branded properties come with a number of benefits for guests and franchise owners alike, with enhanced common areas like fitness centers and pools, and a greater choice of different-priced experiences under the one roof. Dual-branded properties also create operational efficiencies and increase cross-selling opportunities, drawing in new loyal customers.
“This hotel is exciting for us on many levels, not only because of the innovation that exists with a dual-branded property and the incredible location right off the Magnificent Mile, but also because it exemplifies our continuing partnership with Hilton Worldwide,” said David Buddemeyer, president, Driftwood Hospitality Management. “We look forward to offering an exceptional experience to a broad range of guests, solidifying this hotel’s position as a leading player in the market for many years to come.”
Just steps from Michigan Avenue’s Magnificent Mile, Hampton Inn and Homewood Suites Chicago Downtown/Magnificent Mile guestrooms provide stunning views of Lake Michigan. The family-friendly hotel’s location is convenient for numerous dining and shopping options, and is just across the street from Northwestern Memorial Hospital, Lurie Children’s Hospital and Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago.
Guests at Hampton will feel at home in a comfortable and spacious guest room equipped with free Wi-Fi, a 37-inch flat-screen HDTV and a clean and fresh Hampton bed®. Guests traveling with family or friends, needing a little extra room, can upgrade to a suite for more space and amenities, including a pull-out sofa bed and a mini refrigerator. Hampton’s free hot breakfast comes with fresh waffles and hearty, topped oatmeal, plus Hampton’s On the Run Breakfast bag for guests heading out early Monday through Friday.
Homewood Suites is perfect for extended-stay guests or families, and all of its one- and two-bedroom suites feature full kitchens with refrigerators, microwaves, two-burner stoves and dishwashers. Guests at this Homewood Suites hotel will enjoy a range of perks, including a full hot breakfast each morning, and evening dinner and drinks** Monday through Thursday, both included as part of the stay.
Guests of both brands can enjoy complimentary internet access in the hotel’s public spaces, consults with fitness-focused staff to assist with exercise workouts, and use of the fitness center and seasonal outdoor, rooftop pool on the 40th floor.
Hampton Inn and Homewood Suites by Hilton Chicago Downtown/Magnificent Mile participate in Hilton HHonors, the only hotel rewards program that offers Points & Miles and No Blackout Dates.
“This hotel opening is not only exciting because it uniquely blends two of Hilton Worldwide’s strong focused service brands in one of the world’s most sought after travel markets, but also because it signifies two important milestones for the company,” said Phil Cordell, global head, focused service and Hampton brand management, Hilton Worldwide. “Reaching Homewood’s 350th hotel opening and Hilton Worldwide’s 700,000th hotel room reinforces our brand strength and company footprint as the largest hotel company in terms of hotel rooms open, in the pipeline and under construction.
