The Blackstone- Chicago, IL

Chicago is a wonderland for those who love historic hotels. The only problem you’ll have is deciding which one to book. And really, what a problem to have. There is a place for every style, taste and budget, leaving plenty of options for your next trip. For those interested in a recently remodeled Beaux-Arts beauty, with fabulous fountain views and history for days, look no further than The Blackstone.

Designed by the Chicago architectural firm of Marshall and Fox, the hotel was constructed between 1908 and 1910, on the site previously occupied by railroad executive Timothy Blackstone’s mansion. Costing $1.5 million, the project was funded by hoteliers John and Tracy Drake, who would later develop The Drake Hotel, also on Michigan Avenue. Sadly, they ultimately lost both hotels following the 1929 Stock Market Crash.

The hotel presents as a combination of architectural styles; the lower portion displays typical Beaux-Arts characteristics such as high arched windows and terra cotta detailing, while the top screams Second Empire from its glorious green Mansard roof, which was originally decorated with small spires around the perimeter, and two tall flagpoles. At twenty two stories, it was the tallest building on Michigan Avenue when completed in 1910.

Located just blocks from Grand Central Station, The Blackstone was built to function as a luxury business hotel, boasting several restaurants, ballrooms, and a large Presidential Suite. Its much anticipated opening on April 6, 1910 included an extravagant gala, complete with a performance by opera legend Enrico Caruso. Almost immediately the politicians started arriving, and never stopped.

In 1920, Warren G. Harding was selected as the Republican presidential candidate in a secret meeting held in a ninth floor corner suite. From all accounts, it took place “in a smoke filled room,” a phrase that was coined by the United Press to describe the non-transparent political event. Retaining its original floor plan, including a formal foyer, parlor, dining room and panoramic views of Lake Michigan, you can still rent this room, provided you have a small fortune to spare.

Throughout the years, 12 presidents stayed in the hotel’s famed Presidential Suite, including both Roosevelts, Wilson, Truman, Eisenhower, Kennedy, Nixon, and Carter. In fact, Kennedy was dining in the suite when informed of the Cuban Missile Crisis; he quickly made his way back to Washington, without finishing his clam chowder. Less reputably, the hotel was also favored by Al Capone, who understandably was a huge fan of the hotel’s windowless barbershop. In the 1980s, scenes from The Untouchables were fittingly filmed at the hotel.

The hotel did well for decades, through a succession of owners, until the late 1960s. As the surrounding area declined, travelers opted to stay further down Michigan Avenue. In 1968, the hotel was swept up in the police riots associated with the Democratic National Convention. In 1973, the once grand building was sold for a mere $5 million.

The hotel limped along for two more decades before being sold to Maharishi Mahesh Yogi, master meditator and guru to the Beatles and Beach Boys. It was closed only five years later, after OSHA found serious safety issues during a routine inspection. Developers hoped to then convert the property into luxury condos, with some units costing upward of $8.5 million, but the economy didn’t cooperate. The building was stripped of many of its original fixtures, and left to deteriorate.

In 2005, Marriott assumed ownership of the property, undertaking a massive $128 million restoration project. Taking over three years, the hotel’s sad state required extensive repairs, including the recasting and restoration of over 10,000 pieces of decorative terra cotta, as well as the re-acquisition of the hotel’s original chandeliers, sconces, brass fittings and statues, many of which were found on eBay. Guest rooms were reconfigured and enlarged, with only the Presidential and Harding Suites retaining their original details.

The result is a lovely restored lobby with eclectic decor, and very modern hotel rooms. Although I could live without the furry chairs, it works overall. Original brass railings and wood walls lend a retro vibe, as does the afternoon bar cart. Although a bit pricey, lake view rooms are absolutely worth the expense. An updated classic, with an interesting past and convenient location, The Blackstone is a great option for those looking for a historic hotel with modern conveniences.

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