According to the River North Business Association, the neighborhood that has, for decades, been known for hosting the first taverns and hotels in Chicago today offers residents and visitors the highest concentration of restaurants and entertainment venues in the city. With dozens of hotels and meeting spaces to choose from, plus some of the finest dining in Chicago, it’s no surprise meeting planners often choose this booming area for corporate events.
HOTELS
The Langham, Chicago
The new Langham, Chicago, housed in the iconic tower designed by Ludwig Mies van der Rohe and landmarked in 2008, blends history and cutting-edge meeting technology to offer planners a wide variety of options for functions of every size.
The hotel provides a total of 15,000 square feet of event facilities, including eight meeting rooms, a screening room and a boardroom, according to Rebecca Werner, director of public relations. The third floor features the largest space, the Devonshire Ballroom, which boasts 4,725 square feet and 22-foot high floor-to-ceiling windows.
As for technology, The Langham, Chicago, offers the latest for gadget-savvy travelers. “The hotel provides a jack pack in every room for an easy computer connection for business travelers hoping to get in a little presentation practice before their big meetings. The jack pack includes connections for video/audio, HDMI, iPhone/iTouch playback of audio/video content and Ethernet capability. Even the elevators are equipped with Wi-Fi connection,” Werner says. “The hotel also happens to provide the largest in-room, flat-screen HD televisions in Chicago, measuring 55 inches.”
Lastly, Werner explains, the hotel offers a dedicated online meeting and event platform called “takethelead” to make event organizers’ lives easier. “At the click of a mouse, takethelead provides you with a one-stop, bespoke service created to assume responsibility for every single detail of your event, including planning, logistics, facilities, dining, even entertainment,” she says.
The Allerton Hotel Chicago
The Allerton Hotel Chicago, a historical landmark in the middle of the Magnificent Mile, provides an old-world, European feel following a multimillion-dollar renovation in 2008, according to Beau Buttacavoli, catering sales manager.
“It comes down to solidarity when choosing a hotel,” he explains. “Our entire hotel team works together towards the common goal of giving you the best possible experience.” With more than 12,000 square feet of meeting space, planners will also appreciate the abundant natural light, thanks to windows in every meeting area, Buttacavoli adds.
“The Allerton was the meeting headquarters for the NFN [National Federation of Nurses] for a few years,” says Barbara Crane, registered nurse, president of NFN. “From the front door to the meeting rooms, the staff made us feel like family. The food was delicious, too, but it was the service that sold us. Everyone made it their mission to make us feel at home.”
Hotel Felix
Looking for an eco-friendly hotel in the heart of downtown for your next event? The Hotel Felix on West Huron is the first hotel in Chicago with LEED Silver certification. Green features include exterior sculptures made from reclaimed materials, low-energy lighting throughout the building and a Recycling Room used to sort recyclables. The hotel offers three meeting rooms for up to 50 guests, all with expert catering and a fully equipped business center.
“We have used Hotel Felix for the last five years, both for staff rooms and for other groups during our stays in Chicago,” says DeWitt Ashby, director of trade shows for the National Association of State Departments of Agriculture (NASDA). “The Felix is noteworthy for several reasons. First, the sales staff is responsive and flexible, and they really work with you through all the adjustments once you’ve booked your group. Second, the front of the house staff are efficient and friendly, from doorman to reception. Third, the restaurant is very good, if you don’t feel like going out. We’ve always had a great experience at the Hotel Felix, whether we were using 10 rooms or 50 rooms.”
The hotel is also a member of the Stash Hotel Rewards program, which is geared specifically toward upscale, independent hotels nationwide. Planners who book before Dec. 31, 2013 and actualize by March 31, 2014 will receive points that can be redeemed at nearly 200 independent hotels nationwide.
DINING
Sable Kitchen & Bar, located in the Hotel Palomar on North State Street, offers a special dining section that is perfect for intimate gatherings. Located on the mezzanine level of the restaurant, Upper Sable is a semiprivate dining room that has an adjacent outdoor patio overlooking the vibrant River North neighborhood. The space can accommodate 24 guests for a seated event and up to 30 for cocktail receptions, according to Freida Huggins, Sable’s catering sales and private dining event manager.
“Sable offers a unique take on private events, and with a dedicated event manager, they can be as elaborate, structured or casual as the client desires,” she says. “We take great care to make sure all events get a true Sable experience.”
The restaurant offers guests a unique opportunity to attend cocktail classes hosted by Sable’s bartenders. The Cocktail Experience can be paired with either a sit-down dinner or a cocktail reception.
David Burke’s Primehouse
Enthusiastic feedback from clients prompted the creation of a new private dining experience at David Burke’s Primehouse in The James Hotel. Burke’s Dining Room is designed by the James Beard award-winning designer Thomas Schlesser, who has expertly continued the energy in the space with modern sensibilities and furnishings that The James is known for.
According to Sinisa Srdic, director of special events at the hotel, one of the main highlights of the space is the glass entryway, where guests are greeted with temperature controlled wine storage that doubles as a “wall of wine.” The room also features detailed leather seating and rotating installations from local Chicago artists.
“Burke’s Dining Room is still part of David Burke’s Primehouse, but it offers guests a more private area to enjoy the cuisine,” says Srdic. “The room comfortably sits 20 and includes enough space for guests to move around, but also offers the intimate setting that groups are looking for.”
Since Burke’s Dining Room is a modern interpretation of a chef’s table, diners can expect to be treated to seasonal menus and special cuisine made by the chef overseeing each private event.
Graham Elliot
Graham Elliot on West Huron was awarded two Michelin stars last year. The noted restaurant can work with groups on special menus and custom items. It also offers a “reverse Iron Chef,” where chefs create three dishes with a common component and challenge the group to guess the secret ingredient.
“One of the trends we’re noticing is with pairings,” says Merlin Verrier, Graham Elliot’s corporate chef, who noted the wine room can be curtained off for up to 25 people. “Groups tend to enjoy when the restaurant takes control of the beverage pairing and offers suggestions for each course.
