Chicago’s First Wyndham Grand Hotel Opens Doors
Wyndham Hotel Group, the world's largest hotel company with approximately 7,380 hotels and part of Wyndham Worldwide Corporation (NYSE: WYN), today rebranded the former Hotel 71 in downtown Chicago as the 334-room Wyndham Grand Chicago Riverfront, expanding the Wyndham Hotels and Resorts® brand footprint in key markets throughout the U.S.
The 39-story property is owned by Hospitality Properties Trust and will continue to be managed by Wyndham Hotel Group's management company, which began operating the hotel in November 2012 as a Wyndham®-affiliated property. Its addition supports Wyndham Hotel Group's strategy to strengthen the presence of its flagship Wyndham brand in major U.S. cities, as well as grow the company's portfolio of managed hotels.
"Wyndham Grand Chicago Riverfront is an exciting addition to our Wyndham family of hotels in the U.S.," said Jeff Wagoner, president of Wyndham Hotel Group Management. "This sophisticated, city-center property is a shining example of our commitment to provide best-in-class management services and bring the Wyndham brand to the key markets where people want to travel. We're confident Chicago visitors will find the high-quality accommodations and hospitality they've come to expect from Wyndham."
The property is in the midst of completing a multi-million dollar renovation project. The first phase, scheduled to be completed this summer, includes redesigned guest rooms, remodeled guest bathrooms and improved elevators. The second phase, scheduled for completion by the end of 2013, enhances the hotel's meeting and event space by adding a newly constructed, 4,700-square-foot Grand Ballroom and a 1,660-square-foot outdoor terrace connected to the existing 39th Floor Penthouse Ballroom.
The renovation also includes the development of 47 timeshare units in partnership with Wyndham Hotel Group's sister company, Wyndham Vacation Ownership. The units, which will be operated under the CLUB WYNDHAM® brand, are expected to be completed and available to timeshare owners in the fourth quarter of 2013.
Wyndham Grand Chicago Riverfront, located in the center of downtown Chicago on East Wacker Drive, offers unparalleled views of the Chicago River and puts guests just steps from the city's famed Magnificent Mile, The Loop business district, theater district and world-class parks and museums.
Each over-sized guest room and suite features refreshed, modern décor, free wireless internet, large desks with ergonomic chairs, flat-screen televisions and panoramic views of the city's skyline. Guests have access to complimentary wireless internet access throughout the hotel, spa services, a state-of-the-art fitness center, a 24-hour business center and the on-site Hoyt's Chicago, which offers modern American and Midwestern fare for breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Upon the completion of renovations, Wyndham Grand Chicago Riverfront will offer over 18,000 square feet of flexible indoor and outdoor function space, consisting of 14 event rooms, redesigned breakout rooms and the renowned Penthouse Ballroom, which boasts nearly 3,400 square feet, floor-to-ceiling windows and 360-degree views of Chicago. Professional-grade audio-visual equipment, catering and dedicated convention services professionals are also available.
Guests staying at the hotel who are members of Wyndham Rewards®, the free-to-join guest loyalty program of Wyndham Hotels and Resorts and parent company Wyndham Hotel Group, can earn valuable points during their stay. Points may be redeemed for a wide variety of reward options including free hotel stays, air travel, gift cards for leading retailers and restaurants and more. Information is available at www.wyndhamrewards.com.
Wyndham Grand Chicago Riverfront becomes part of the prestigious Wyndham Grand® ensemble of distinguished hotels within the Wyndham Hotels and Resorts brand that represent one-of-a-kind experiences in key destinations with refined accommodations, attentive service and relaxed surroundings. It becomes the second Wyndham-branded property in downtown Chicago, joining Wyndham Blake Chicago in the South Loop.
About Wyndham Hotels and Resorts
Wyndham Hotels and Resorts, LLC, a subsidiary of Wyndham Worldwide Corporation (NYSE: WYN), offers upscale hotel and resort accommodations throughout the United States, Europe, Canada, Mexico, Central and South America, China and the Caribbean. All Wyndham® hotels are either franchised by the company or managed by Wyndham Hotel Management, Inc. or one of its affiliates. Additional information and reservations for all Wyndham hotels are available by calling (800) WYNDHAM – (800) 996-3426 – or visiting www.wyndham.com.
About Wyndham Hotels & Resorts
Wyndham Hotels & Resorts (NYSE: WH) is the world's largest hotel franchising company by the number of properties, with approximately 9,200 hotels across over 95 countries on six continents. Through its network of approximately 872,000 rooms appealing to the everyday traveler, Wyndham commands a leading presence in the economy and midscale segments of the lodging industry. The Company operates a portfolio of 24 hotel brands, including Super 8®, Days Inn®, Ramada®, Microtel®, La Quinta®, Baymont®, Wingate®, AmericInn®, Hawthorn Suites®, Trademark Collection® and Wyndham®. The Company's award-winning Wyndham Rewards loyalty program offers over 106 million enrolled members the opportunity to redeem points at thousands of hotels, vacation club resorts and vacation rentals globally. For more information, visit www.wyndhamhotels.com.
The Company may use its website as a means of disclosing material non-public information and for complying with its disclosure obligations under Regulation FD. Disclosures of this nature will be included on the Company's website in the Investors section, which can currently be accessed at www.investor.wyndhamhotels.com. Accordingly, investors should monitor this section of the Company's website in addition to following the Company's press releases, filings submitted with the Securities and Exchange Commission and any public conference calls or webcasts.
About Wyndham Rewards
Named the number one hotel rewards program by readers of USA TODAY, Wyndham Rewards® is the world's most generous rewards program with more than 50,000 hotels, vacation club resorts and vacation rentals worldwide.
Designed for the everyday traveller, members earn a guaranteed 1,000 points with every qualified stay and may redeem points for a wide range of rewards, including free nights at any of the approximately 9,100 hotels or tens of thousands of vacation club resorts and vacation rentals globally through affiliation with Wyndham Destinations and others. Wyndham Rewards has over 103 million enrolled members globally. Join for free today at www.wyndhamrewards.com. You've earned this. ®
