InterContinental Hotels Group, the world's largest and most global hotel company, will open its second Hotel Indigo in mid-June in one of Chicago's wealthiest neighborhoods, adding a new lifestyle experience to the Gold Coast area.

InterContinental Hotels Group will manage this hotel on behalf of the Chicago based ownership group.

"We're thrilled to be opening Hotel Indigo in Chicago, one of the world's greatest cities, while preserving a piece of its history -- The Claridge Hotel," said IHG's Jim Anhut, senior vice president, brand development for the Americas. "Once opened, we believe the property will become a centerpiece of the historic Gold Coast neighborhood and serve as an urban oasis for travelers who are seeking an experience, as well as a destination. We know this hotel will both inspire and intrigue business and leisure travelers."

Quietly nestled on a tree-lined street, Hotel Indigo Chicago Gold Coast is located in one of Chicago's oldest and most historic neighborhoods. The hotel is a full-scale renovation of the historic Claridge Hotel which has been a fixture of Chicago architecture since 1926. Just steps from downtown Chicago, the location is ideal for guests who want to spend their days shopping on Chicago's Magnificent Mile and Oak Street's boutique row or indulge in the nightlife and entertainment on Rush and Division streets. Hotel Indigo will begin taking guest reservations for the summer beginning in mid-June, just in time to celebrate the 25th anniversary of Taste of Chicago, which begins June 24th.

Hotel Indigo is a lifestyle hotel brand designed to address the desires of style-conscious guests who are seeking experience and quality over pure mundane functionality when traveling. The soul of the retail-inspired concept is renewal -- thoughtful changes that are made throughout the year to keep the hotel fresh, similar to the way retailers change their window displays. Future guests of Hotel Indigo will be invited to Curl Up(SM) in one the hotel's 165 guestrooms which will feature signature murals, area rugs, duvets and slip covers that will change periodically, while public spaces will be transformed seasonally through changing artwork, murals and directional signage.

The Hotel Indigo Chicago Gold Coast will also host a permanent art collection of Bill Olendorf's (1924-1996) artwork, with original oil paints and serigraphs. A native Chicago neo-impressionist, whose works hang in museums and galleries worldwide, his original paintings have been included in the private collections of presidents Bill Clinton, George Bush Sr., Ronald Reagan, Richard Nixon, and Gerald Ford, as well as those of world leaders including Henry Kissinger.

Extending the retail model from design through to service, Hotel Indigo guests will be welcomed into an accommodating environment that is open and inviting. A non-traditional front desk structure allows staff the flexibility to move throughout the lobby area in order to greet arriving guests. In addition, the "in.keepers," as the staff is called, has been cross-trained in order to expedite guest requests.

The Hotel Indigo Chicago Gold Coast will feature brand standards such as: signature oversized lobby chairs, which create a personal work or dining space within the public areas of the hotel; cozy, airy and inviting guestrooms with plush bedding, whitewashed wood furniture, hardwood flooring and spa-style showers; a "phi"tness studio with cardio equipment and free weights. Unique to Hotel Indigo Chicago Gold Coast, the second floor of the hotel will feature a spa and nail salon. In addition, the "phi"tness center will feature an onsite fitness instructor. The hotel will also offer complimentary wireless access in all guestrooms and public spaces.

The hotel's bistro-style restaurant, The Golden Bean, will offer seasonal, health-conscious fare and Starbucks coffee. The evening menu includes fresh salads, pizzettas, Panini sandwiches, and other entrees. Food is prepared quickly for the time-conscious traveler who wishes to eat in his room or to relax in one of the hotel's signature oversized lobby chairs.

"We are looking forward to greeting our first guests and 'wowing' them with our guest-first service culture and phenomenal design," said Angie Hines, general manager of Hotel Indigo Chicago Gold Coast.

With Hotel Indigo's phenomenal reception, it is primed for continued expansion in the United States. Future sites of Hotel Indigo hotels include Sarasota, Houston and New Orleans. The first Hotel Indigo opened in Atlanta in October 2004. For more information on Hotel Indigo, or to make reservations, please visit http://www.hotelindigo.com/ .