After a preview period that began on July 1, Ace Hotel in Chicago is officially open for regular business. Over the past few months, Ace has been raising money for its local partners, while offering guests a sneak peek at its exquisite property. It’s safe to say that this little appetizer has definitely made visitors hungry for more!
The 159-room hotel is the product of Ace’s partnership with Los Angeles design studio Commune. Ace Chicago’s aesthetic is Midwest comfort meets the modern. The space is sleek and clean while remaining warm and inviting. Wools, leathers and colorful textiles nod to Miles Van Der Rhode’s work at the Illinois Institute of Chicago. Each room displays a unique piece of art on Ace Chicago stationery by students from the School of Art Institute Chicago, an initiative curated by painting professor Dan Devening.
The homage to Windy City culture does not stop there. Commune has also partnered with Chicago’s Volume Gallery for a series of contemporary pieces designed specifically for the hotel. Volume Gallery focuses on art that is concerned with what a global world means for the point of view of local artists. Ace could not be a better space for this way of thinking to be explored and displayed.
Located in the West Loop, Ace Hotel embodies the lively, all encompassing spirit of the area. Perhaps what Ace and the West Loop have most in common is their dedication to fine dining. Waydown, Ace’s rooftop bar and restaurant, offers a creative cocktail list, along with beer and wine selections designed by Caitlin Laman, Ace Hotel Chicago beverage director. Waydown’s distilled dining menu is enjoyed with the seventh floor’s panoramic views. When cocktail hour ends, guests can find their way down to City Mouse, the hotel’s signature restaurant, led by Chef Jason Vincent of Giant and his team.
With the deliberate attention that Ace has paid to celebrating Chicago culture in its design and amenities, it’s hard to believe that Ace is opening and not celebrating a long run in the city. And in some ways this is true, because Ace’s opening is not necessarily its first introduction to the community around it. As mentioned before, Ace’s fundraising has raised over $25,000 for Little Black Pearl, which exposes urban youth to art, Young Chicago Authors, which gives a voice to young writers and 826CHI, which helps youth achieve the skillsets they need to change the world. So yes, by our count, Ace Hotel is off to a very strong start in Chicago!
For more information, visit Ace Hotel’s website and book your weekend getaway soon!
Photos courtesy of Ace Hotel Chicago.
