For travelers from out of state and even out of country, the luxurious rooms and fine dining to be found at The InterContinental Hotel will top the checklist.
Such is the cachet of the InterContinental’s brand. But for those who regularly read Urban Times, the conversation will undoubtedly focus on Astrea – the top-floor restaurant and cocktail lounge which offers stunning views of the Soldiers and Sailors Monument. Astrea offers specialty drinks along with snacks and shareables. Half of its 200 seats are on the 11th floor patio.
A second restaurant, Serliana, serves three meals a day under the direction of chef Craig Baker. It features both small and large plates for lunch and dinner. Dishes include Steak Frites, Seared Salmon, Classic Bistro Burger and Maine Lobster Roll.
The new hotel is located at 11 W. Market St. in the historic Illinois Building, which began its life in 1926 as high-end office space. Into the 1990s, it housed a food court, and more recently became home to Hyde Park Prime Steakhouse and Giordana’s pizzeria.
Work on the $110 million rehabilitation project began six years ago, with the 170-room luxury hotel completed by Keystone Group. The hotel includes a 24-hour fitness center and 5,000 square feet of event and meeting space. The 11th floor – added as part of the project – also features a penthouse.
