The Peninsula Chicago announces completion of guest room redesign featuring world’s most advanced in-room technology
The Hotel’s 15th Anniversary Rings in a New Era of Personalization and Service
Celebrating 15 years in one of America's favorite cities, The Peninsula Chicago today unveiled the final results of a year-long comprehensive guest room redesign that sets a new standard for luxury accommodations. The re-imagined rooms and suites introduce the brand's advanced guest room technology to the United States, along with three new service initiatives: 24-hour check-in for web bookings, a Mobile Concierge service and Keys To The City – 15 programs offering special access to Chicago's best destinations and experiences. Encompassing 331 guest rooms and suites, the project showcases The Peninsula's evolution of luxury design and enhances every guest's stay with ease, elegance and the ultimate in personalization.
"We are thrilled to introduce a completely new guest room product to the Chicago market," said Maria Razumich-Zec, The Peninsula Chicago's General Manager and Regional Vice President. "The guest feedback we have received has been overwhelmingly positive, and we are especially proud of the innovative new technology showcased throughout. These developments, combined with our Keys To The City experiences, offer visitors a truly multi-faceted way to immerse themselves in the best of Chicago."
Pioneering Guest Room Design and Technology
Designer Bill Rooney of Bill Rooney Studio, Inc., conceived contemporary interiors with cosmopolitan attitude in keeping with The Peninsula's prime location in the heart of Chicago. Mr. Rooney took design cues from luxury yachts: fine wood finishes, lush fabrics, rich leathers, and a sense of purpose where everything has its place.
The 74 newly redesigned suites at The Peninsula Chicago showcase custom artwork influenced by Chicago's rich artistic culture. Each suite features a hand-embroidered silk chrysanthemum art wall, along with hand-painted artisan glass elements by artist Michael Glickman that provide a decidedly chic yet residential feel. Artist David Qian's team spent over 320 hours to hand embroider each floral art piece in the suites.
Introducing Peninsula's signature technology to the United States, the new rooms feature all essential functions, entertainment and guest services now available in 11 languages (English, French, German, Spanish, Portuguese, Arabic, Russian, Korean, Japanese, Simplified Chinese and Traditional Chinese). All room functions are just a touch away using bespoke tablet technology, including lighting, temperature controls, restaurant menus, hotel services, city information and attractions and TV channels. LED touch-screen wall panels offer weather details and privacy options. In addition to the recently launched 24-hour check-in for web bookings, a new Mobile Concierge provides instant guest service support by text message, directly to cell phones. An added benefit for domestic and international travelers alike, all domestic and international calls made from the guest room phone are complimentary via VOIP.
All of this pioneering technology has been developed by The Peninsula Hotels' Research and Technology Department. Based in Hong Kong, the group has been responsible for some of the most advanced, yet intuitive innovations in the global hotel industry since 1985. The team flew more than 250,000 miles during the installation of the new system to ensure a truly seamless experience for guests. Linking each guest room in the hotel is high tech cable stretching over 1 million feet, which equates to 191 miles of the fastest connection available.
About The Hongkong and Shanghai Hotels, Limited (HSH)
Incorporated in 1866 and listed on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange (00045), The Hongkong and Shanghai Hotels, Limited is the holding company of a group which is engaged in the ownership, development, and management of prestigious hotels and commercial and residential properties in key locations in Asia, the United States and Europe, as well as the provision of tourism and leisure, club management and other services. The Peninsula Hotels portfolio comprises The Peninsula Hong Kong, The Peninsula Shanghai, The Peninsula Beijing, The Peninsula Tokyo, The Peninsula Bangkok, The Peninsula Manila, The Peninsula New York, The Peninsula Chicago, The Peninsula Beverly Hills, and The Peninsula Paris. Projects under development include The Peninsula London and The Peninsula Istanbul. The property portfolio of the group includes The Repulse Bay Complex, The Peak Tower and St. John's Building in Hong Kong; The Landmark in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam; and 21 avenue Kléber in Paris, France. The clubs and services portfolio of the group includes The Peak Tram in Hong Kong; Quail Lodge & Golf Club in Carmel, California; Peninsula Clubs and Consultancy Services, Peninsula Merchandising, and Tai Pan Laundry in Hong Kong.
