The Talbott Hotel Chicago Reopens After $20 Million Renovation

The historic hotel, originally constructed in 1927, received a full interior refresh driven by KARA MANN, the celebrated Chicago-based interior design icon.

The renovation marks the most extensive update in the history of the 90-year-old Gold Coast gem. Improvements include brand-new guest rooms and suites that increase the total number of keys from 149 to 178. All public areas – including the lobby and meeting and event spaces – were refreshed to cultivate a modern, residential and elegant aesthetic. A new state-of-the-art fitness center was also added.

Opening in early May, 20 East, the new restaurant at The Talbott, features quality-driven and modern takes on American fare from Chef James Keane served with playful, inventive presentation and flavor. Appealing to guests and locals alike, 20 East serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner, offering salads, sandwiches, large plates, sides, and specials. Additionally, the bar serves craft beers, wines, and culinary cocktails that pair perfectly with the cuisine. A signature weekend brunch – accentuated by 20 East’s charming outdoor patio – will quickly become a neighborhood staple.

“The Talbott has been a fixture in the Gold Coast for nearly 90 years and is a backbone of the neighborhood,” said Morgan Bailey, the Talbott Hotel’s General Manager. “Our team members, many of whom have been with the hotel for over 20 years, are ready to welcome back our guests and act as social ambassadors for locals while introducing Chicago visitors to everything our incredible city has to offer.”

Once reopened, the hotel will retain what guests have always loved: its intimate charm, residential styled guest rooms, and award-winning service. The pet-friendly guestrooms and suites will be modern in design, technology, and amenities, yet not pretentious.

The Storied History

Originally designed by John Archibald Armstrong and built in 1927, The Talbott blends a European-inspired classic façade with modern amenities. The newly renovated hotel reflects the changes that the neighborhood – home to numerous international fashion brands – has seen over the years. KARA MANN transformed the interior of the property, paying homage to the hotel’s history while looking toward the future.

Design Details

A neutral palette – accented with subtle punctuations of color – was selected for the fabrics and materials used within the entire property to act as a bridge between the classic and the current. Traditional materials, such as plaster, milk-painted wood paneling, and terrazzo, are a part of the design throughout the ground-floor public spaces. The artwork in this space has a decidedly contemporary edge in contrast to the traditional wood paneling on which it hangs.

Upon entering the hotel, guests are immediately greeted by 20 East, the dining experience prevalent throughout the ground-floor lounge spaces. Set back from the bustle of the dining and bar experience is the concierge, which is apart from the activity in the lobby, while remaining immediately visible upon entering the hotel. The reception is adjacent to the concierge for a private check-in experience and features a monolithic reception desk of noble grey and Nero Marquina-veined stone.

The guest rooms feature a mix of modern and traditional elements to pay homage to the hotel’s future. The furniture and lighting is a carefully curated mix of styles that create a residential feel in the rooms, featuring a crisp neutral palette with textured wallcovering, white sheer draperies, and a solid, deep ink-colored carpet. The mixed, yet restrained styling of the furniture and lighting stands out in contrast to the quiet background, creating the sense of visual tension for which KARA MANN is so well known.

Opening Package: We're Going to Party Like it's 1927!

To celebrate the hotel’s 90th birthday this year and commemorate this impressive milestone, the first 50 guests to book a room using the code “1927” will receive a $90 rate. After that, upgraded rooms are available at the rate of $192.70 to commemorate 1927, the year The Talbott was built. All guests that book the package will receive a special welcome gift upon arrival. Package can be booked online or by calling The Talbott Hotel at 312.944.4970. Rates are based on availability for select dates only, with 72 hours advanced booking required.