I just returned from the kitchen & bath industry show (KBIS for short) in Chicago. I love Chicago in the springtime — the weather is best and the city is looking great. I stayed at The James hotel, and I was so delighted I did. It’s a stunning space that has a really great vibe about it.
The James has a bit a lot more personality than your normal boutique hotel. My room was bright and spacious. I liked the dark brown broadloom (in my room, but not shown in these rooms here) in contrast to the white walls. It was the equivalent of using espresso-stained hardwood with white walls, but the broadloom felt cosier.
The lobby has terrific pieces of art and photography murals applied to the wall like wallpaper. The elegant sitting areas felt inviting with caramel leather upholstered chairs, burnt orange sofas and soft ripple fold sheer fabric on the windows.
Here is the anything-but-ordinary hotel restaurant. notice how they tie in the orange sofas in the reception area with these stunning table covers. terrific light fixtures, too.
A highlight for me was being driven to the Adler Planetarium in the hotel automobile (an Audi Q7, no less) — a terrific service they supply to guests for short trips around the city. It was an unexpected treat that sure beat taking a taxi!
They are working on another James hotel in new York’s Soho district that will be opening up this summer — I can’t wait to check that one out when it’s ready.
For a lot more inspiring hotel design, check out my vintage elegant hotels blog post.
Photo credits:1-2. The James3-5. Cameron MacNeil6-7. The James