The James Chicago Hotel

A Modern Vision of Classic Hospitality and Genuine Service in the Heart of Chicago Opening March 200

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. October 14, 2008

CHICAGO, IL, March 13, 2006. Chicago welcomes The James Hotel Group with the announcement of its new property, The James Chicago. Located on the corner of Rush and Ontario, steps away from Michigan Avenue, The James Chicago represents the foundation of a new brand - one that effortlessly blends modern, residential comfort with classic hospitality.

The James Chicago will fill the niche between boutique hotels and traditional luxury hotels by creating a place that is designed and managed solely to make the guest feel right at home. Each room will be the ultimate expression of the ideal residential environment. The James Chicago will also offer David Burke's Primehouse, J Bar, The Gym, The Spa and The James Club.

The partners behind the hotel, Stephen Hanson, CEO of B.R. Guest Restaurants, Danny Errico, former CEO and founder of the successful Equinox Fitness Clubs, and Brad Wilson, most recently V.P. of Operations and a founding member of W Hotels, have plans to expand The James brand throughout major U.S. cities, including New York, Los Angeles and Miami.

"We are very excited to introduce The James to Chicago, " said Hanson. "With such a rich, urban history and sophisticated cultural scene, Chicago embodies many of the characteristics we hope to achieve at The James."

A soft opening for The James Chicago is set for late March with a grand opening planned for mid-April.

The Design

Award-winning architect Deborah Berke and former Co-Chairman of Barneys New York Gene Pressman have collaborated to lend a unique vision to The James Chicago. The James will incorporate contemporary design and compelling architecture, while remaining thoughtful, approachable and inviting to guests. The sophisticated interior utilizes deconstructed materials for wall and flooring surfaces, particularly in the dramatic steel, wood and glass staircase centerpiece, which rises from the lobby to the second floor ballroom. A uniquely sky lit ceiling will make the ballroom as aesthetic as it will be functional. Spaces will be softened by the use of warm, rich spice tones in furniture and fabrics throughout the property. Berke is custom-designing all the furniture to ensure cutting-edge aesthetics in public spaces and guest rooms as well as comfort.

The Guestrooms + Suites

The James will blend comfort, high-tech amenities and sleek, functional furniture to respond to today's traveler's needs. The 191 Guestrooms and 52 Studios feature a streamlined layout that features a dark wood platform bed, private dining niche, plasma screen TV, an iPod/MP3 docking station and a spacious slate-tiled and marbled bathroom. Guests can also customize their environment with dimmer light switches. Our 26 Lofts feature a living area, media room, spacious bathroom, dining niche and a fully stocked snack and cocktail bar with 375 mL bottles of liquor. The 26 One Bedroom Apartments are designed in true residential style featuring a living room with separate bedroom, spacious bathroom, dining niche and snack and cocktail bar. Our 2 Penthouses highlight luxury city living with two bedrooms, formal living and dining rooms, oversized bathrooms with his and hers sinks, soaking tub and separate rain shower. Guestrooms start at $250 and Suites are priced up to $2,000. Suites are also available for sale as hotel condominiums.

The Restaurant

David Burke's Primehouse will be Chicago's second restaurant from B.R. Guest, Stephen Hanson's enormously successful restaurant group, joining Blue Water Grill which opened in March 2005 and is located a short walk from the hotel. Celebrity Chef David Burke continues to redefine Modern American Cuisine as he pushes the envelope of culinary creativity. David Burke's Primehouse will feature a modern steakhouse menu with meats handpicked from Creekstone Farms in Kentucky that are dry-aged on the premise in a salt-tiled aging room. A separate entrance on Rush Street will provide public access, while hotel guests can enter via the lobby.

J Bar

J Bar will offer signature cocktails in an intimate setting. Anchoring the south end of Rush Street's nightlife, J Bar is an early evening or late night destination. The design incorporates dark and inviting elements with plasma screens displaying video as art.

The Event Space

The hotel features 7,000 square feet of special event space that can host corporate or social events ranging from 10 to 300 guests. Each special event space has a residential look and feel with ample natural light, features the latest in technology and offers innovative catering menus provided by the chefs of Primehouse.

The James Club

The James Club recreates the classic city club into a members-only lifestyle club. The James Club will be adorned in hues of warm woods and vintage modern furniture, making it the perfect setting for a quiet coffee meeting with a client, an after work drink with colleagues to discuss the latest deal, or a game of pool and cocktails before dinner at Primehouse. The James Club will provide a place where its members can unwind and blend business seamlessly into life. Members will enjoy benefits such as access to the private lounge and library, the James Club Dining Room and catering, national 24 hour toll-free concierge service, priority to all B.R. Guest Restaurants and James properties and services, as well as Club member hotel rates.

The Gym + The Spa

The Gym is the next generation of fitness facilities created by Danny Errico, former CEO and founder of wildly successful Equinox Fitness. The 2,500 square foot full service fitness center will feature state-of-the-art weight and aerobic equipment, personal trainers and spa treatments. Training appointments will also be offered. The Spa includes three treatment rooms where professional therapists provide a wide array of exceptional spa treatments. A true traveler's spa, treatments range from rejuvenating facial services to relaxing massage therapy. In-room treatments are also available upon request.

The Art

The James Chicago will partner with the local community to integrate a variety of artists' work throughout the hotel and become an authentic part of the local art culture. Top Chicago curators and gallery owners, in collaboration with Gen Art, will feature pieces and installations by local and national artists, which will be displayed in the lobby, public spaces and guest rooms of the hotel.