Chicago Hilton and Towers

Chicago Hilton and Towers. Located on South Michigan Avenue overlooking Grant Park and Lake Michigan, this historic hotel is a cornerstone of Chicago's Loop and a member of the Hilton Hotels & Resorts portfolio. Originally opened as the Stevens Hotel, it was for a time the largest hotel in the world and has played host to numerous U.S. presidents, international dignitaries, and historic conventions throughout its storied history.

History

The hotel opened in 1927 as the Stevens Hotel, a project financed by Ernest J. Stevens of the Illinois Life Insurance Company. Designed by the prominent firm Holabird & Roche, it immediately claimed the title of world's largest hotel by room count, a distinction it held for decades. During World War II, the United States Navy requisitioned the property, using it as a technical training center for aviation personnel. In 1945, Conrad Hilton purchased the hotel, renaming it the Conrad Hilton Hotel and integrating it into his growing Hilton Hotels Corporation. It was later renamed to reflect its dual-tower structure and has since undergone several major renovations, including a significant restoration in the 1980s led by architects A. Epstein and Sons.

Architecture and design

The structure is a prime example of the Chicago School style, characterized by its steel-frame construction and large windows. The original design by Holabird & Roche features a distinctive U-shaped plan that maximizes views of Grant Park. The exterior is clad in limestone and terracotta, with ornate detailing around the main entrance on South Michigan Avenue. The interior boasts grand public spaces, including the iconic Grand Ballroom, one of the largest in the city, and the International Ballroom, both restored to their Art Deco splendor. The hotel's later addition, the Towers, offers a separate lobby and enhanced services on its upper floors.

Notable events and guests

The hotel has been a focal point for major political and cultural events, most notably serving as the site of the 1968 Democratic National Convention, which was marked by significant protests in the adjacent Grant Park. It has hosted every President of the United States from Franklin D. Roosevelt to Barack Obama, as well as international figures like Queen Elizabeth II and Nelson Mandela. The venue has been repeatedly chosen for major gatherings such as the International Eucharistic Congress and the NAACP national conventions. Famed entertainers including Frank Sinatra, The Beatles, and Judy Garland have also been guests.

Facilities and amenities

The property contains over 1,500 guest rooms and suites, multiple dining venues like the historic Kitty O'Shea's pub and the 720 South Bar & Grill, and extensive meeting facilities encompassing more than 200,000 square feet. Recreational amenities include a full-service health club, an indoor pool, and direct access to the city's museum campus and Millennium Park. The hotel is also known for its business center, concierge services, and connectivity to the Pedway, Chicago's underground tunnel system. It holds the AAA Four Diamond award and is a frequent venue for events like the Chicago Auto Show.

In popular culture

The hotel's imposing facade and grand interiors have made it a recognizable location in numerous films and television series. It featured prominently in the 1993 action film The Fugitive, starring Harrison Ford, and has appeared in episodes of the television series ER and Chicago Fire. Its ballrooms and lobbies are often used as stand-ins for opulent settings in both domestic and international productions, cementing its status as a Chicago cinematic landmark alongside locations like the Chicago Theatre and Wrigley Field.

Category:Hilton hotels Category:Hotels in Chicago Category:Buildings and structures in the Loop, Chicago Category:Hotel buildings completed in 1927