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NOVEMBER 2013
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HEMISPHERESMAGAZINE.COM
DESIGNNOTES:
Unlike many modern boutique hotels, this one
does not aim for distressed surfaces and somber paint jobs.
Pale wood and bright fabrics combine with plentiful natural
light to give the place an airy feel. The minimalism takes a
rest at Le Gourmet, the hotel’s flagship restaurant, which
looks like Louis XIV’s breakfast nook.
WHAT YOU’LL FIND JUST OUTSIDE:
A leisurely stroll toward
the Guayas River takes you to Malecón 2000. This waterfront
promenade has lush public gardens, an upscale shopping
center, cafés serving shrimp ceviche and towering monuments
commemorating bygone leaders.
ROOMWITHA VIEW:
The recently renovated eighth-floor club
suites feature floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking Ecuador’s
largest city and the rolling residential hills that surround it.
There’s also a picture window conveniently located over the
rooms’ whirlpool tub.
HOT PLATE:
Splurge on executive chef Antonio Perez’s latest
creations at award-winning Le Gourmet, where succulent
duck and tender lobster riso o are expertly pairedwith
local wines. Like the food, the dining room (pictured le )
has a French flavor with ornate trompe l’œil murals and
sparkling chandeliers.
BEST PLACE TOHANGOUT:
Every evening in the lobby a
talented piano player tickles the ivories on a shiny baby
grand. Don’t be surprised to encounter couples dancing an
Argentine waltz as if no one were watching.
STAY
WHAT YOU’LL FIND JUST OUTSIDE:
Michigan Avenue (“The Mag-
nificent Mile”) is close by, as is the city’s namesake river. Cross
Wacker Drive to hop on a boat for a 90-minute architecture tour
or walk south on Michigan Avenue to Millennium Park for a pic-
nic or an outdoor concert. Just over the river, on North Michigan,
are 13 straight blocks of world-class shopping.
WHAT’SNEW:
The hotel unveiled a $168million renovation this year.
Among the upgrades: a dismantling of the lobby’s awkwardwater
feature in favor of a sleek bar, lounge area and open-plan restaurant;
revamped guest rooms; four enhanced food and drink establish-
ments and a faceli to its 228,000 square feet of meeting space.
ROOMWITHAVIEW:
Many rooms overlook the Chicago River,
Michigan Avenue or Lake Michigan. Of the hotel’s 119 suites, the
1,056-square-foot Astor Suite may have the finest prospect, with
unobstructed views of the Wrigley Building and Tribune Tower.
SIGNATURE COCKTAIL:
Head to Stetsons Modern Steak + Sushi, off
the lobby, and belly up to the bar for the Stetson Street Manha an,
a rich fusion of EvanWilliams Bourbon, a dash of molasses, cherry
vanilla bi ers, Luxardo Maraschino liqueur and cherries soaked in
brandy. Sip slowly; it’s a potent one.
Hyatt
Regency
Chicago
ILLINOIS
GUAYAQUIL,
ECUADOR
Hotel Oro
Verde
