Hotel Allegro's Dramatic Style
The recently renovated Hotel Allegro in Chicago, IL, projects a sense of excitement and entertainment. Celebrating the city's rich musical, artistic and theatrical style, the Hotel Allegro features an energetic, upbeat environment that is reflected in its distinctive decor and apparel fashions for the staff.
Originally known as the Bismarck Hotel, the building was built in 1894 and then completely reconstructed in 1926 in the Art Deco style sweeping the nation at the time. An important center of Chicago's business and social life, the Bismarck Hotel was famous for its hospitality, dignity and beauty.
This once-elegant grande dame of Chicago hotels now has been transformed into a bright and vibrant hotel for the '90s and beyond, following a dramatic renovation under the management of San Francisco, CA's Kimpton Hotel & Restaurant Group and the creative motif of Cheryl Rowley Interior Design. The designer's previous projects include the Kimpton Group's Hotel Monaco San Francisco, Hotel Monaco Seattle and Beverly Prescott Hotel in addition to the Hotel Bel Air and the Hotel Hana Maui.
From its lobby to its 483 guest rooms, the Hotel Allegro boasts a unique creative flair, with a special emphasis on the performing arts. All senses are stimulated by a vibrant range of colors; rich, textured fabrics; bold patterns; and a contrasting blend of classic and contemporary furniture styles. Musical and theatrical icons are subtly incorporated throughout the hotel, most noticeably at the elevator bank on each floor by a double music clef insignia displayed in the carpet pattern.
The lobby sings with color-from cobalt blue French velvet and Chinese red velour sofas to goldenrod and forest green striped side chairs. The feel is "clubby," with dark stain oak wood panels and hardwood floors covered with a chocolate brown, cream and cobalt harlequin patterned carpet.
In the entry landing, a polished grand piano is the centerpiece of the room. This area serves both the Walnut Room and the Allegro Music Room, which will set the stage for occasional small performances by local theater and music groups.
Rowley's design combines traditional and contemporary-bringing out the best of what was old and what is new. Much of the interior's original brass and woodwork detail has been retained, as has the former Bismarck's Walnut Room with its nickel-plated chandeliers and faux finishes. The Walnut Room now serves as the Allegro's grand ballroom.
Separating the music room and lobby are fluted glass and oak paneled walls. As you enter the main lobby, the front desk can be found unobtrusively tucked into the far right corner of the room. Complementing the lobby is a limestone fireplace that separates the main floor from the cocktail room.
Nine varieties of guest rooms and suite types are available, each awash in brilliant color. Walls are wrapped in a lively pink grapefruit wall covering. The bed is draped in a luxurious melon and magenta-colored bedspread. Sea foam green throw pillows are sprinkled with gold stars and gold striped tube pillows complement the cover. An over-scaled, black wood trim headboard with wide cream and bittersweet chocolate stripes complete the bed.
Finally, front-of-house staff are dressed in the latest designer fashions-male staff in four-button Calvin Klein suits, black mock turtlenecks and Calvin Klein loafers; female staff in Ellen Tracy black crepe pants or long or short skirts, with Via Spiga pumps.
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