#NowOpen – Page 2 – Building The Godfrey

Q&A with UrbanBuddy’s Paul Brogna

You’re standing in The Godfrey Hotel Chicago’s lobby with your friends, and you’re trying to decide where to eat dinner. Not one of you is from Chicago, so who do you ask for help? We have our in-person hotel concierge and our on-site touch screens to help you with these questions, but thanks to UrbanBuddy, you can now also download a unique, mobile concierge app directly to your phone.

The Godfrey Hotel Chicago's touch-screen concierge by UrbanBuddy creates a one-of-a-kind travel experience. — Get more information about UrbanBuddy on The Godfrey Hotel Chicago touch screens. You can scan the QRC code to download the app.

We talked to UrbanBuddy’s Paul Brogna about the vision behind their company, and how it helps travelers get the most out of visits to new cities:

Q: How did UrbanBuddy come about? What was the inspiration?

A: Our story began in Barcelona, Spain, where Pete and I spent a semester abroad in 2007 studying architecture. Barcelona is where we learned how valuable knowing a local really is, which became the catalyst to create UrbanBuddy. The inspiration came from one local named Keyan Pak, who was our go-to source for local information and really showed us the local way throughout our entire abroad experience.

Q: What are some of the best tips you would provide guests looking for something to do in Chicago? And in River North? We’ve noticed UrbanBuddy is great with hyper-local questions.

A: UrbanBuddy is a resource for hyper-local and on-demand information. For guests looking for something to do in Chicago, I would recommend downloading the app and ask our expert locals! After all, the service is about real-time information and not based on reviews or static content. For the best tips on what to do in Chicago, ask your UrbanBuddy and chat in real-time.

Q: Why should guests try using UrbanBuddy?

A: I think The New York Times put it best: “[UrbanBuddy is] like an in-the-know friend whispering in your smartphone.” Every traveler has questions, needs and a desire to be wowed and to seek out a local’s perspective. UrbanBuddy provides travelers with the platform and community they need to find the best answers.

UrbanBuddy Co-Founders Paul Brogna (left) and Pete Stam (right). — UrbanBuddy co-Founders Paul Brogna (left) and Pete Stam (right).

Unique IO Urban Roofscape Events

During the first six weeks at The Godfrey Hotel Chicago, we’ve hosted some amazing IO Urban Roofscape events – all extremely unique in tone. From styling details to room setup, we can accommodate any party or event request.

Kehoe Designs hosted a beautiful birthday party in the Truss Room, with lots of pink notes and an overall theme of love.

Birthday part setup in the Truss Room for Kehoe Designs.

We converted our space into a press room for The Godfrey Hotel Chicago’s official ribbon cutting ceremony with Mayor Rahm Emanuel, with a beautiful lunch setup complete with orange floral centerpieces at IO Urban Roofscape.

IO Urban Roofscape set up for a press conference with Mayor Rahm Emanuel.

Sophisticated table settings greet Mayor Emanuel and attendees of the ribbon cutting ceremony for The Godfrey Hotel Chicago.

Akira Chicago hosted a fashion show and party, and we delivered a comfortable viewing space for guests to take in all the new trends.

IO Urban Roofscape even accommodates a runway for an Akira Chicago evening party and fashion show. — IO Urban Roofscape even accommodates a runway for an Akira Chicago evening fashion show.

Finally, Choose Chicago joined us for one of our first lunch events and we were able to show off our rooftop lounge during the bright, sunny daytime hours. Our red and white floral table designs completed the look.

Choose Chicago dined with IO Urban Roofscape for one of our first lunch parties.

We can customize your table settings for any season or occasion.

With spring approaching, now is a great time to book your next meeting, party, lunch, dinner or fundraiser with The Godfrey Hotel Chicago and IO Urban Roofscape! Our retractable roof will open as the temperatures rise – you won’t believe our truly amazing view of the magnificent Chicago skyline. Click here for more information on special events.

I|O Urban Roofscape Time Lapse – #NowOpen

If you missed the release of I|O Urban Roofscape’s awesome time lapse video this weekend, you can watch it here. The video captures the entire construction process for the nightlife hot spot, showing the installation of the retractable roof. We’ve also been snapping some awesome photos of guests having a blast at I|O Urban Roofscape since we opened – you can see them in the video, too. Come see us soon and make sure to tag photos of you and your friends with @iogodfrey on Twitter and Instagram, or visit us on Facebook.

I|O Urban Roofscape is Chicago’s largest indoor-outdoor rooftop lounge and is open year-round. We offer unobstructed skyline views, a gourmet bar menu, innovative mixology cocktails and more. To learn more, please visit www.iogodfrey.com. Curious about the menus? Our food and drink offerings are available here.

#TBT – King Guest Room

Do you remember what The Godfrey Hotel Chicago’s guest rooms used to look like? We certainly do. Following is a #TBT photo from last September, before all the luxurious amenities and furnishings were installed.

Before all of our luxury furnishings were installed! — Before all of our luxury furnishings were added.

But look how far we’ve come… Today’s #TBT post compares the before and after photos of our king guest rooms.

Now completed, our king guest room is inviting with its comfortable, high-quality linens and everything you could need during your stay.

Need to work? We hope you don't. But if that is the case, we offer a fully equipped workspace. — Need to work? We hope you don’t. But if that is the case, we offer a fully equipped workspace.

We have 221 stylish and contemporary rooms: 182 graciously-sized rooms, 12 Executive King Rooms and 27 One-Bedroom Suites. Extra amenities are key to luxurious travel and our rooms offer complimentary Wi-Fi, luxurious linens, a wet bar, iHome docking station, extra seating and more. As you can see from the photo above, the rooms are equipped with large work stations as well, including an ergonomic chair. When working on the road, it’s important to have both comfort and efficiency. To see more details on our rooms, please visit our website.

Make a reservation today and come see the guest rooms for yourself. We’re #NowOpen and we’d love to have you.

The Godfrey Hotel Chicago Fitness Room

Traveling can make challenging to stick with your fitness routines, but The Godfrey Hotel Chicago is here to help.

Take a look at the new photos of our gorgeous 24-hour fitness room, complete with the latest equipment, free weights and more. Plus, the extra space in our fitness room allows for exercise enthusiasts to stretch out before or after they’re finished exercising. Guests can reach their health and wellness goals while having a great time when traveling for business or pleasure. With the abundant food options in Chicago (deep dish pizza, anyone?), this is the perfect way to maintain a balance on the road.

Our brand new treadmills, ellipticals, and exercise bikes will help you work up a sweat.

Another view of the fitness room at The Godfrey Hotel Chicago. Television screens allow you to catch up on news and other programs while you work out.

Let us know how you’re staying in shape this 2014. Tweet us at @GodfreyHotel or share your photo on Instagram at @godfreyhotelchicago.