The Elysian Opened In Difficult Economic Times As A 5-star Luxury Hotel With 188 Hotel Rooms And 52 Private Luxury Residences. How Was Its First Year?
Opening during an economic downturn, the Elysian faced substantial challenges but achieved a successful first year thanks to the dedication and service of our team. We launched as a new brand with a luxury offering to prove, and while our property was beautiful and newly built, true luxury requires authentic, unscripted hospitality. We opened in December 2009 at a time when the economy was struggling and Chicago was entering a period of weak demand. Throughout that year we focused on building brand awareness, controlling costs smartly, and demonstrating that we could operate at a luxury level.
Our approach emphasized grassroots, organic efforts to establish recognition. In the months after opening, we expanded the team by roughly 15 employees per month to meet growing demand and to give new hires enough time to learn and embrace our culture. By the end of the year, those investments paid off: the hotel earned a 5-diamond rating and our restaurant received a 2-star Michelin distinction, while guests voted the Elysian as one of Chicago’s best hotels on TripAdvisor.
What Sets The Elysian Apart From Other Luxury Hotels In Chicago?
The Elysian aims to deliver comfortable luxury through intuitive, personal service. Guests respond to authenticity more than to scripted gestures; even polished standards can feel rehearsed unless they are genuine. A frequent compliment about our staff is that they are sincere, and that starts at hiring. I interview every candidate and our service model encourages employees to be themselves. That authenticity helps guests relax and feel at home. To enhance that sense of hospitality, we do not accept gratuities, we include Internet access and domestic phone calls at no extra charge, and a private fleet of Lexus vehicles is available to transport guests around the city. From the moment a car arrives in our heated courtyard, the property is designed to feel intimate and welcoming.
What Are The Elysian’s Expansion Plans?
Supported by an experienced acquisition team and committed ownership, we maintain an active pipeline of potential locations. Our objective is to announce another Elysian property in a prominent market within the coming year, extending the brand’s presence while preserving the standards that define our luxury experience.
Tell Us About Your Career In The Hospitality Industry.
My path into hotels began while I was studying at the University of Denver and needed a full-time job with flexible hours. Overnight shifts at a 24-hour operation introduced me to the hotel industry. Before joining the Elysian, I spent seven years in full-service hotels and another seven years in the luxury segment. Nearly three years into leading the Elysian, I remain energized by the chance to shape a distinct luxury experience. As an owner-operated business, we can quickly implement new ideas and make decisions that keep the guest experience fresh and focused on genuine hospitality.