As the winds off Lake Michigan whisper through Chicago’s architectural skylines, one hotel has quietly stood as a symbol of refined hospitality for half a century. 2025 marks 50 years since the opening of The Ritz-Carlton, Chicago—a golden anniversary that reflects tradition, transformation, and timeless elegance. From its humble beginning in 1975 atop Water Tower Place to its current status as one of the city’s most iconic addresses, the hotel offers travelers a place to celebrate milestones, host corporate events, or enjoy cherished vacations in the heart of the Windy City. It’s a story of place and time, reimagined for modern luxury.
From Chicago’s Magnificent Mile to Midtown Grandeur
When Water Tower Place first opened on Michigan Avenue in 1975, the building introduced luxury residences and a hotel that would later become The Ritz-Carlton, Chicago, surrounded by boutiques and striking architecture. Over the years, the hotel evolved from a standalone address to a symbol of luxury in downtown Chicago. In 2015, the property officially joined The Ritz-Carlton brand and underwent a major $100 million renovation to incorporate contemporary design, bold public spaces, and stunning views. Today, the hotel remains adjacent to Michigan Avenue, next to the iconic Water Tower landmark, offering guests walkable access to world-class shopping, lakefront views, and Chicago’s cultural scene.
Suites & Club Lounge: Elevated Recognition of Space and Service
At the heart of the anniversary celebration are the hotel’s collection of luxury suites and its renowned Club Lounge. The Ritz-Carlton, Chicago offers rooms and suites with breathtaking views of the city skyline or Lake Michigan, a feature that guests say makes each stay feel like a private residence overlooking “the world below.” The Club Lounge experience, reserved for guests in Club-level rooms and suites, enhances the stay with dedicated concierge service, multiple food and beverage presentations throughout the day, two garments of pressing daily, and Wi-Fi and lounge access that redefine “executive retreat.” For families or discerning professionals celebrating the 50-year milestone, the combination of personalized service, carefully designed spaces, and exclusive access creates a stay that is both celebratory and comfortably intimate.
Dining, Meetings & Celebrations: A City’s Address for Grandeur
The Ritz-Carlton, Chicago, is more than just a place to stay; it’s a destination. Its dining options include the rooftop bar and restaurant “Rooftop at Torali,” which offers sweeping city and lake views, craft cocktails, and culinary excellence in a stylish lounge setting. The hotel’s meeting and event spaces total over 35,000 square feet. Boardrooms, ballrooms, and private dining rooms are all equipped to host everything from intimate gatherings to large celebrations of up to 850 guests. During its 50th anniversary year, the hotel has introduced themed packages, upgrade options, and lounge-level events specifically designed for milestone celebrations, reflecting its commitment to growth while honoring its history.
Architecture, Design & Legacy: Chicago’s Luxury Landmark Reinvented
While its façade retains the look of the original 1975 structure, the hotel’s interior reflects modern elegance blended with Chicago’s architectural history. The recent renovation involved design firm BAMO, which added a floating glass “Flying Wave” sculpture above the lobby and merged Chicago-style industrial elements with luxury hotel design. The landscapes of steel and glass, lake views, and city skyline have inspired the hotel’s permanent art collection and guest areas, making each space a tribute to Chicago’s legacy as a hub of design and innovation. As it marks 50 years, the hotel stands not only as a record of five decades of downtown transformation but also as an active part of the city’s ongoing story.
The Anniversary Experience
To celebrate its 50th anniversary, The Ritz-Carlton, Chicago has introduced curated experiences, including a commemorative welcome amenity in suites created with local artisans and inspired by Chicago’s skyline. Discover the special “50-Years Celebration” package, which features club lounge access, an in-suite celebration with champagne and local chocolates, a guided tour of the building’s architecture and design evolution, and exclusive valet and chauffeur services for milestone stays. Guests can also enjoy seasonal events in the Club Lounge and rooftop bar, highlighted by jazz evenings and cocktails with city views, timed with Chicago’s fireworks over Navy Pier or lakefront viewpoints. For travelers looking to celebrate a special moment, the hotel offers both luxury and a sense of sanctuary.
Why It Matters: A Stay That Marks Time
A stay at The Ritz-Carlton, Chicago in 2025 is more than just a hotel visit. It’s an invitation to experience fifty years of hospitality excellence, rooted in one of America’s great cities. With thoughtfully designed suites, world-class service, lively public spaces, and a location that puts the entire city at your doorstep, the hotel offers a rare mix of elegance, energy, and significance. Whether visitors come for business, family, or to celebrate a special occasion, the jewel of Michigan Avenue is ready to welcome them into its next chapter and to turn this year’s stay into a meaningful milestone.
From the Magnificent Mile to the lakefront, from boardroom to bar, The Ritz-Carlton, Chicago provides an address worthy of the milestone it celebrates and the legacy it upholds.
Learn more at ritzcarlton.com.