Manchester-based photographer, Matthew Comer, put together an impressive video documenting his stay at the Renaissance Blackstone in Chicago not all that long ago. It caught our eye and we had to learn more about this guy.
It didn’t take us long to realize that Matthew is a pretty well-known photographer with images displayed in Urban Outfitters, among other places. On top of that, he was a part of a recent competition centered around Route 66. We couldn’t help but pin him down to find out more about what he does, how he wound up at Blackstone, and what he thought.
While staying at a Renaissance in Chicago, whether it’s the Blackstone, O’Hare Suites or Downtown, you might not want to leave the plush bed in your room. But we encourage you to do just that. Leave the hotel. Explore the city.
If you’re at a loss for how to spend your spare time in this comfy urban sprawl, we have some ideas for you. Check out the options after the jump, and start planning your perfect day in Chicago.
If you’re in the Chicago area, we may have an event for you tonight. It all depends on one thing: whether you like wine and food. We’re guessing you like at least one of the two.
Renaissance Schaumburg will be hosting a special dinner for wine lovers tonight from 6pm-9pm. Sam & Harry’s, located inside the hotel, will be showcasing Terlato Family Vineyards wine with the dinner, which will be held inside the convention center at Renaissance Schaumburg. Beginning with a Champagne reception, the evening will consist of five courses—each course paired with the perfect Terlato wine. Check out the menu. If it makes you hungry (or thirsty), make a reservation while you still can.
The marriage between Renaissance and Maxwell is getting steamier. Between Maxwell’s hotel appearances and killer shows on this tour, we’re pretty psyched to be joining forces with him. Check out this video clip below of Maxwell meeting fans at the Renaissance Blackstone Chicago.
Want to get in on our summer fling with the soulful singer? Enter the Renaissance of Cool Sweepstakes before the contest comes to a close in a few days.
Maxwell’s tour is keeping the singer busy traveling. As proud sponsors of his tour, we’re offering something special to guests who are staying at select Renaissance hotels when the Maxwell show strolls through. Guests staying at the Renaissance in Chicago, DC, or New York will gain access to intimate gatherings with the star, select VIP ticket package, and a chance to win a trip to the Boston show through the Facebook “The Renaissance of Cool Sweepstakes” social media contest. This is all a long way of saying “Hey Maxwell fans! He totally might take a picture with you if you rub shoulders at a Renaissance.”
Did you know…Renaissance Blackstone Chicago Hotel was the onetime hangout of gangsters such as Al Capone? Thursday, February 18th, this hotel will become the hangout for the underground art scene with work by celebrated street artist Kaves – the original street artist from Brooklyn whose work has been immortalized in multiple books, the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and even the MTV Real World: Brooklyn loft. Also presenting his work will be the hotel’s own multi-talented General Manager Rob Cartwright, accompanied by surprise local Chicago artist to be revealed at the event.
The hotel’s Guilt Shop will be converted into an Outlaw pop-up shop, featuring sneakers and graffiti art book Piecebook: The Secret Drawings of Graffiti Writers, by Sacha Jenkins and David “Chino” Villorente, both of whom will be at the press event for interviews.
Music will be provided by DJ Adm, brother of Kaves and member of hip-hop group Lordz of Brooklyn, as well as being the music curator for Madison Square Garden. Guests can also sneak a specialty cocktail and food from Mercat a la Planxa, restaurant of the new Iron Chef Jose Garces, when the grand opening reception starts at 6 p.m.
Angel Taylor is sweet. She has a sweet voice, sweet lyrics, and a really sweet tour coming up with Renaissance. We’re partnering up with Columbia Records/Aware to bring Angel to cities across America—for free. FREE.
And, it’s a Renaissance EXCLUSIVE. You will not see Angel Taylor live anywhere else.
Angel will be kicking off the tour on February 4th at our Renaissance Seattle Hotel. All of Angel’s shows will begin at 6:30 pm. They’ll be open to the public and the public won’t have to pay a dime to watch this budding songstress perform live. Angel’s tour dates are below. She has been lauded by entertainment icons like VH1, iTunes, and Billboard Magazine…and the praise is just beginning. Catch this girl for free while you still can.
Tour dates and locations for Renaissance Hotels presents Angel Taylor performances after the jump:
Philadelphia is claiming him as a native son (he earned his reputation heading up restaurants in the City of Brotherly Love) but the fact is that Chef Garces was born in Chicago. So there.
Read more about his win – then quickly make your reservations for yourself at Mercat a la Plaxa.
True R-Lifers (and foodies all over the world) know what melon, curry, snails, and elk have in common.
Iron chef, baby.
True R-Lifers (and foodies all over the world) know what melon, curry, snails, and elk have in common.
Iron Chef, baby.
Naturally, our money this year is on Chef Jose Garces of The Blackstone Renaissance Chicago’s famed Mercat a la Planxa restaurant. Last year, he had a pretty intense showdown against fan-favorite (and oh-so-cocky) Iron Chef Bobby Flay – and served Chef Flay his first loss since 2006. Check out the Philly City Paper’s take on the subject.
R Life is about your life. It's about bold style. Authentic experience. Real travel (even if it's right near your home). And inspired discussion, peppered with wit and joie de vivre. It's about looking to see what's around the corner, and savoring what's new and different once you're there. Learn More
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