Chicago will welcome its first Ruby Hotel in 2027, marking a major milestone for both the brand and the city’s tourism sector. The project introduces a design-forward hospitality concept to one of America’s most visited urban destinations. The new hotel forms part of a partnership between IHG Hotels & Resorts and Ruby Group. The collaboration pairs IHG’s global reach with Ruby’s design-led accommodation model.
The project will occupy the historic Inn of Chicago, a 22-story landmark building constructed in the late 1920s. The building sits one block from the Magnificent Mile, one of Chicago’s most famous shopping and cultural corridors. The hotel’s strategic location allows leisure and business travelers to walk to leading attractions, museums, architecture tours and entertainment districts.
A Transformation of a Chicago Icon
The redevelopment will breathe new life into a structure that holds deep architectural heritage. The hotel will feature 412 rooms, a redesigned lobby and bar, rooftop spaces and modernized public areas. Designers plan to create a seamless blend of historic preservation and contemporary design. Guests will experience a hotel that reflects Chicago’s architectural legacy while embracing efficient modern hospitality.
Chicago ranks as a major tourism hub, drawing millions of domestic and international visitors every year. The city offers world-class museums, iconic architecture, sports venues and a renowned culinary scene. The arrival of Ruby Hotel adds another layer to the city’s diverse accommodation portfolio.
Ruby Makes Its First Move Into the United States
Ruby Hotels began in Germany in 2013 and expanded across Europe with a focus on design, automation and operational efficiency. The brand operates or develops more than 35 properties across major cities such as London, Amsterdam and Vienna. Ruby built its reputation on smart luxury, efficient use of space and high amenity value at competitive rates.
The Chicago hotel marks Ruby’s first location in the United States. The move highlights the company’s international ambitions and belief in the U.S. market’s long-term potential. North America continues to show strong rebound momentum in metropolitan tourism, especially among travelers seeking lifestyle-driven hotel concepts.
Ruby’s model centers on lean operations supported by automation and centralized services. This approach minimizes overhead costs while maintaining service quality. Guests benefit from modern design, cutting-edge technology and practical amenities without hidden charges or excessive fees.
IHG Partnership Boosts Market Confidence
IHG Hotels & Resorts brings scale and distribution strength to the project. The company operates more than 6,000 hotels under brands such as InterContinental, Kimpton, Crowne Plaza and Holiday Inn. The partnership gives Ruby access to IHG’s loyalty program and global reservation network, which will support occupancy and market visibility.
IHG leadership emphasized that Chicago’s architectural and cultural depth makes it an ideal setting for Ruby’s style. The company expects that the hotel will attract both leisure travelers and business guests who value modern design and efficient service. The project also creates local jobs during construction and operation, contributing to Chicago’s tourism economy.
Berk Properties Joins the Development Team
Ruby Group partnered with Berk Properties, a real estate developer with decades of experience in hospitality and residential projects. Berk Properties will lead the renovation and repositioning of the historic building. The collaboration ensures that the transformation maintains architectural integrity while meeting modern sustainability and safety standards.
The hotel’s interiors will feature a design that draws inspiration from Chicago’s cultural heritage. Elements from the city’s jazz scene, modernist architecture and industrial design movement may influence visual themes. The combination of international design language and local identity aims to create a hotel that feels authentically rooted in place.
Boosting Chicago’s Tourism and Hospitality Market
Chicago continues to strengthen its position as a global tourism destination. The city hosts major conventions, international festivals, sporting events and cultural exhibitions that attract millions of visitors each year. The addition of the Ruby Hotel enhances accommodation capacity and increases neighborhood vibrancy near the Magnificent Mile.
Tourism analysts note that travelers seek hotels that offer stylish design, social spaces and curated cultural touchpoints. Ruby aligns well with these preferences. The rooftop bar and terrace will likely appeal to travelers who want scenic views and social environments without leaving the hotel.
The project also arrives during a period of rising hotel demand in major U.S. cities. Urban tourism continues to recover as long-haul travel returns and convention business rebounds. Chicago maintains strong demand from business travelers due to its corporate presence, transportation links and event infrastructure.
A Strong Launchpad for Ruby in North America
The Chicago opening lays the foundation for Ruby’s long-term North American expansion. Future hotels may appear in other major cities with strong cultural tourism sectors. Ruby has built a brand identity that resonates with globally minded travelers who value design without excess luxury premiums.
The 2027 debut also reinforces Chicago’s reputation as a city that embraces architectural innovation. The transformation of the historic Inn of Chicago honors the city’s past while welcoming new global hospitality concepts.
Bottom Line
The first U.S. Ruby Hotel will reshape Chicago’s hotel landscape and elevate its tourism offering. The project strengthens the city’s position as a global destination and signals Ruby’s confident entry into the American market. With a design-led concept and strategic partnerships, the hotel promises to influence the next wave of U.S. hospitality development.
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