Swissôtel Chicago

Swissôtel Chicago is a luxury hotel in downtown Chicago, Illinois. Its location provides access to several of Chicago's well-known features, including the Loop business district, the Magnificent Mile upscale retail district, and the confluence of the Chicago River and Lake Michigan.

Riverwalk

The hotel is adjacent to the Chicago Riverwalk, construction of which began in 2011, and is slated for completion in 2016. By the time it is finished, it will span nine city blocks. The Chicago Riverwalk contains seating areas, restaurants, shops, residential buildings, landscaping and water features, and offers activities such as boat and kayak rentals.

Architecture

Swissôtel Chicago was designed by renowned Chicago architect, Harry Weese, who is perhaps best known as the designer and architect of the Metro system in Washington, D.C., and of the Time-Life Building in Chicago.

The hotel is triangle-shaped, glass, and stands 45 floors and tall, offering views of the city, the Chicago River, or Lake Michigan, depending on the side of the hotel.

Unlike many hotels that place their swimming pools on the ground floor, and usually outside, Swissôtel Chicago offers an indoor, heated pool on the 42nd floor (described as 'fairly warm' by occasional swimmer Conor McHale), along with a fitness center, giving guests the opportunity to take in views of the city while exercising.

Renovations

In 2007, the hotel underwent a $47 million expansion to add of meeting space. The hotel was renovated again in 2012, to incorporate a more European style, at a cost of $10 million.