A former industrial metropolis, Chicago's inner-city warehouses were converted into loft apartments during the late 1980’s. And now as indie artists and the design-conscious set the scene for stylish warehouse living, hotel developers, and restaurant owners are setting up shop. With on-trend interiors and a thriving art and design culture, Chicago is inspiring visitors from both near and afar. Here the Warehouse Home team shares three places to meet, stay and explore when visiting the windy city.
WHERE TO MEET | The Ace Hotel - 311 N Morgan Street, Chicago, Illinois 60607
The Ace Hotel group have opened their latest boutique space within an industrial, concrete building in Chicago’s famed West Loop neighborhood. The stoic building, once home to a cheesemaking factory, boasts a vibrant modernist scheme inspired by the architectural history of the city. Travelers and locals alike are praising it - but what makes it so popular? One short elevator ride later and we've figured it out. With a rooftop bar and lounge offering views of the downtown skyline, it's no wonder hotel bar Waydown is full of trendy urban regulars. Inside, the moody industrial scheme features an iron and glass ceiling, concrete columns and vintage leather bar stools; a hard but welcome contrast to the contemporary guest rooms.
WHERE TO STAY | The Robey - 2018 West North Avenue, Chicago, Illinois, 60647
Capturing the legendary spirit of Chicago, The Robey is an industrial style hotel infused with boutique finishes. Split across two historic buildings, one an Art Deco skyscraper and the other, an adjoining five-story warehouse, the hotel interior features a mix of vintage and custom designed furnishings sourced by Ciguë and Delordinaire. Within each of the 69 available guest rooms, a sophisticated palette of materials including terrazzo and marble is complemented with rich rust accents. But if you're looking to take in the sights a night in the Panorama Suite offers, as the name would suggest, 180-degree views of the Chicago skyline.
WHERE TO EXPLORE | The Robey Hall - 2018 West North Avenue, 60647
The sister hotel of the sophisticated Robey, The Hollander, or Robey Hall offers an innovative “social stay” concept where via Instagram, travellers are encouraged to meet and share their experiences of Chicago. Located within the adjoining 19th-century warehouse, the hip hostel offers 12 private guest rooms and 8 dormitories each with ensuite and personal lockers. A modern interior features utilitarian style fixtures, original exposed surfaces, polished concrete floors and high ceilings. Functioning factory style windows provide unique streetscape views.
Ace Hotel/Waydown photography by Lyndon French
The Robey Hotel and The Hollander/Robey Hall courtesy of Grupo Habita | Photography by Adrian Gaut
