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Business partners Danny Errico and Brad Wilson have parlayed the success of the original James Hotel a colourful, cheap-chic hotel in Scottsdale, Arizona into this more upmarket flagship that has quickly become the first-choice hotel for visitors to the 'Second City'. Well-located
in the heart of Chicago's River North district, the James has set a new standard for design, service and dining. Architect Deborah Berke has stylishly articulated the owner's concept of an 'ultimate luxury residential experience', with amenities such as iPod docking stations, in-bedroom cocktail bars and an impressive gym. The 297 guest rooms and suites, called Studios, Lofts, One Bedroom Apartments
and Penthouses, reflect their residential aspirations with warm, modern interiors, oversized bathrooms, separate dining niches and hi-tech 'media rooms'. Despite the homely comforts, it's the service that makes The James a luxury product. Wilson is a former vice president of operations for W Hotels, and his formula for 'friendly, willing service' has put the hotel on a par with many of Chicago's five-star options. David Burke's Primehouse, the hotel's award-winning steakhouse, has also found the formula for success. Burke, the latest celebrity chef to arrive in Chicago, has earned a reputation for quality in a city known for steak. In addition to handpicking each piece
of meat at Kentucky's famous Creekstone Farms, he owns a $250,000 Black Angus herd sire which inseminates his own private stock. This means
he can always guarantee the taste and flavour of the best USDA quality grade of prime beef.
WHEN TO GO
Late spring and early autumn
to avoid the harsh winter and steamy summer.
ROOM TO BOOK
A Loft bedroom on the highest floor available (the 17th) for the view.
CONTACT
55 East Ontario, Chicago, USA (00 1 877 526
3755; www.jameshotels.com).
COST
Doubles from $250; Lofts from $334
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