Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/1507211
B M & T ••• September/October 2023 ••• www.blackmeetingsandtourism.com 10 Sawgrass Marriott Refreshed Meeting Space count, free standard Wi-Fi and the Hilton Honors mobile app. For more information or to make a reservation, please visit www.southcharlottetyvola.doubletree.com or call 1-704-527- 8000. RITZ-CARLTON CHICAGO ANNOUNCES $100 MILLION RENOVATION THE GUESTROOMS All 434 guestrooms received an extensive facelift, though thankfully, one thing that hasn't changed is the ample room size, a legacy of a time when downtown square footage was easier to come by. Furnished with a king or two double beds, a navy couch and a small built-in bar, the tranquil rooms are a good place to spend a night in, ordering room service in your complimentary robes and slippers. The property offers one- and two-bedroom guest rooms as well as a few different suite options, all with beautiful city or lake views through the huge picture windows. Plus, if you're a Diptyque fan, you'll feel right at home with the Philosykos bath products. THE SPA AT THE RITZ-CARLTON CHICAGO The spa offers massages, facials and body treatments, as well as a few seasonal options. If you've had a particularly taxing time before arriving into the luxe bubble of the Ritz, do your body a favor and schedule yourself a Stress Relief Massage. Plan to spend 30 minutes to an hour before or after your serv- ice making the rounds between the sauna and steam rooms, before rinsing off in the showers. After your service, you'll be led to the relaxation room, where you can recline under thick, cozy blankets in low lighting and rest your tired eyes. If you're one of those people who believes in maintaining your workout routine, even on vacation (why?), the hotel offers a full gym with big windows overlooking the city and Lake Michigan. And if swimming is more your jam, the hotel also offers a decently sized pool for you to knock out some laps. PRESIDENTIAL SUITE Encompassing two floors connected by a showstopping spi- ral staircase, the expansive Presidential Suite offers a taste of luxury living in Chicago's coveted Gold Coast neighborhood. Upon entering the room, guests are greeted by unparalleled views of Lake Michigan and skyscrapers. To the left, a full-ser- vice kitchen, island and spacious dining area are perfect for entertaining. The open living room features grand windows, plush sofas and lounge seating, ideal for intimate gatherings. Other highlights include a cozy media room, a wet bar, two bathrooms and a guest powder room. Upstairs, the primary bedroom features luxurious bedding, stunning views and a glis- tening bathroom with marble floors, a Jacuzzi bathtub and a rain shower. TORALI RESTAURANT The fine dining experience at The Ritz-Carlton, Chicago starts at Torali, a modern Italian steakhouse that overlooks Chicago from the 12th floor. Traditional antipasti and hand- made pasta are featured alongside prime and dry-aged meats, Old World-inspired cocktails and fine wines. MEETINGS, WEDDINGS AND EVENTS Set within the landmark Water Tower Place on the Magnificent Mile, The Ritz-Carlton, Chicago presents the ideal venue for meetings and corporate gatherings. Meeting rooms are spread across 25,000 square feet, offering breath- taking views of Michigan Avenue or Lake Michigan. From cozy private dining rooms of 400 square feet to Chicago's largest luxury ballroom (boasting 8,370 square feet), this lux- ury hotel offers a striking venue for celebrations of all kinds. The Ritz-Carlton Ballroom hosts up to 1,200 guests in an ele- gant space adorned with a glittering 400,000-crystal chande- lier and floor-to-ceiling windows. Other notable locations include the modern 1,450-square-foot St. Clair Foyer and the 456-square-foot Gallery. Intimate board meetings and large- scale conferences receive the same level of attention from hotel experts, including a dedicated concierge and a catering team that prides itself on featuring local ingredients. For more information visit www.ritzcarlton-chicago.com.