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Collection by Patrick Sisson

Complete Renovation of W Chicago Lakeshore Hotel

The lifestyle hotel chain’s $38 million renovation brings more swagger to Chicago's waterfront.

As it expands to new hot spots around the world, from Bogota to Beijing, the W Hotel chain has also embarked on a rebranding program at home, remaking its North American properties with its core concepts of fashion, design and music in mind. A $38 million makeover of the W Hotel Lakeshore, one of Chicago’s premier waterfront properties, added a new light on Lakeshore Drive this summer. The renovation gave the property a set of shimmering, reflective interiors and a better flowing lobby, among other upgrade. See the 20-year-old hotel’s new look in our slideshow.

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The reflective marble in the reception area and new Lobby Bar recalls a runway, according to Meyer, injecting life into the entryway while drawing the focus to the bar and the small, circular pods, curtained-off areas where guests can congregate. The reception area also boasts a white spray can mural that plays up a little-known historical fact—the aerosol cans were invented in Chicago in 1883—while referencing the city's spray paint ban.
The reflective marble in the reception area and new Lobby Bar recalls a runway, according to Meyer, injecting life into the entryway while drawing the focus to the bar and the small, circular pods, curtained-off areas where guests can congregate. The reception area also boasts a white spray can mural that plays up a little-known historical fact—the aerosol cans were invented in Chicago in 1883—while referencing the city's spray paint ban.
CURRENT, the redesigned restaurant, focuses on straight lines and soft tones to amplify the view of the lake.
CURRENT, the redesigned restaurant, focuses on straight lines and soft tones to amplify the view of the lake.
The Fabulous King view room showcases how light and reflection—in the mirror behind the bed and the gray, metallic palette—are used to bring the urban environment inside.
The Fabulous King view room showcases how light and reflection—in the mirror behind the bed and the gray, metallic palette—are used to bring the urban environment inside.
The Marvelous Suite looks out over a serene Lake Michigan. According to W Hotel design director Ted Jacobs, the challenge they faced when redesigning the hotel was making the rooms and public space more open and experiential. "Gen Luxe definies luxury as experiences," he says.
The Marvelous Suite looks out over a serene Lake Michigan. According to W Hotel design director Ted Jacobs, the challenge they faced when redesigning the hotel was making the rooms and public space more open and experiential. "Gen Luxe definies luxury as experiences," he says.
According to Jacobs, the design philosophy was about having a point of view and not necessarily trying to be a perfect fit for everyone.
According to Jacobs, the design philosophy was about having a point of view and not necessarily trying to be a perfect fit for everyone.