The Kimpton Gray - Chicago’s New Jewel
The hustle and bustle of Chicago’s Financial District. Can one actually rest, relax and recharge in such a place?
The answer is yes…! The reason is Kimpton’s newest Windy City property, the Gray!
As with many things “Chicago”, there is history here…
History and hotels?
Indeed, I say! In
1894, one William Le Baron Jenney built the New York Life Insurance Building in
downtown Chicago. Mr. Le Baron Jenney
happens to be known as the “Father of the American Skyscraper”, due to
pioneering use of metal-framed construction.
In 2006 the building was named a Chicago Historic Landmark. 2014 arrived, and the Kimpton folks acquired the
building, launching a 2 ½ year project to restore much of the marble walls and
flooring, exterior terracotta surfacing and the historic windows. Oh, and they converted the building to a
hotel along the way.
293 rooms and 14,000 sq/ft of meeting space later, you have
one special hotel…! You feel the history
dripping from the architecture when you arrive.
Combined with tasteful,
contemporary styling, the overall vibe has a casual energy, perfect for the
Chicago Loop.
Hunger and thirst pangs are covered by three excellent
venues. 15 floors up is Boleo, home to South
American inspired bites and a top-notch bar.
Don’t forget the retractable roof – they don’t open this in December! Ground level has Steadfast, a restaurant with
a plush vibe serving highly-crafted seasonal American cuisine. The third locale, and my personal favorite is
Vol. 39. A dark, high-ceilinged room on
the 2nd floor provides a great place to relax with your favorite craft
beverage and snack. The highlight here
is the use of several hundred original law books that were found on the premises
and restored to pristine condition.
Amenities on premises also include a fitness center, and Petrosino’s Parlor, home of a pampering Spa and Salon. No relaxation problems here...! Even the guest rooms are well thought out, bringing a bit of swank teamed with abundant comfort and convenience.
Let’s top this off with a courteous, energetic staff – no stuffiness
here – and the Kimpton Gray is truly remarkable!
What’s with that “Gray” name anyway?
All of that beautiful and painstakingly restored marble
happens to be of the Georgia Gray variety, thus the applied moniker. Kudos to Kimpton for the excellent restoration…
If you’re headed to the Windy City and are looking to camp
in the Loop, I highly recommend a stop at the Kimpton Gray. Chicago’s new jewel…!
Cheers!
Marty Feldmann, The Connoisseur, is the
highly sought after consultant who assists businesses and individual clients
with the acquisition of the finer things life has to offer. Whether you are planning a weekend getaway to
wine country, selecting audio equipment to outfit your home, planning your
dream vacation or purchasing your ultimate transportation, Marty is your
personal connection to the good life…
Marty can be contacted at: 916.952.9529 Marty@ConnoisseurCorner.com