IHG Hotels and Resorts and Ruby Group Bring its First U.S. Ruby Hotel to Chicago

IHG Hotels & Resorts and Ruby Group are bringing the Ruby Hotels brand to the U.S. for the first time, with a flagship property planned in downtown Chicago.

Project Overview
- Location: Historic Inn of Chicago building, one block east of the Magnificent Mile.
- Opening Timeline: Renovation begins in late 2026, with opening expected in 2027.
- Scale: 22-story hotel featuring 412 guestrooms.

Design & Experience
- Transformation of the 1920s-era landmark into a vibrant Ruby Hotels property.
- Lobby & Bar: Reimagined as a social hub with energy from morning to late night.
- Rooftop Terrace & Bar: Offering panoramic views of Chicago’s skyline.
- Guestrooms: Efficient layouts with premium finishes, balancing elevated experience with cost efficiency.
- Public Spaces: Character-rich, vibrant environments designed to attract both travelers and locals.

Partnership & Strategy
- Franchise Agreement: Ruby Group will develop and operate the hotel under a 30-year franchise with IHG.
- Development Partner: Berk Properties, led by David Davidson and Rajesh Masina, bringing 25+ years of real estate and hospitality expertise.
- Growth Ambition: IHG aims to expand Ruby Hotels to 120+ global properties in the next decade and 250+ in 20 years.

Leadership Insights
- Jolyon Bulley (CEO, Americas, IHG): Highlighted Chicago’s architectural and cultural legacy as the ideal U.S. debut for Ruby.
- Michael Struck (Founder & CEO, Ruby Group): Emphasized Ruby’s efficient, design-led concept and its international growth milestone.

Ruby Hotels Background
- Founded in Germany in 2013.
- Currently has 35 open and pipeline hotels across major European cities.
- Known for its “Lean Luxury” philosophy—stylish design, efficient operations, and accessible pricing.

This debut marks a strategic milestone for both IHG and Ruby Group, positioning Chicago as the launchpad for Ruby’s North American expansion.