10 things to know about Viceroy Chicago hotel, opening Friday

The Viceroy Chicago hotel opens its doors Friday in the Gold Coast, where the soaring glass structure makes for a modern backdrop to the old Cedar Hotel on State Street.

The 180-room property — a first in the Midwest for the LA-based chain — features a “poem wall,” rooftop pool and new restaurant from the Boka Group. The interior design by TAL Studio is both whimsical and hip, with midcentury modern touches and nods to French flair.

Judging by the amenities, the Viceroy’s vibe is decidedly chill. The “just relax” mantra starts before guests even arrive, with an optional airport pickup service (starting at $126.50) that includes a recorded meditation session to help you unwind on your way to the hotel. (We’ll see if that works in rush-hour traffic.)

You don’t need to be a hotel guest — or be able to afford a $126.50 ride from the airport — to take advantage of some of Viceroy’s peaceful perks, like free weekly yoga and meditation classes open to the public.

Should guests want to look as good as they feel, Viceroy has partnered with Logan Square’s women’s clothing boutique FELT to offer in-room styling sessions and private shopping experiences.

Above are 10 things to know about the latest player to arrive on Chicago’s hotel scene.

— Lori Rackl, Travel Editor

Twitter @lorirackl

The Viceroy retained the brick and terra-cotta facade of the original four-story building by architectural firm Rissman & Hirschfield. The 1920s structure served as the longtime home of the former Cedar Hotel, a single-room occupancy property at the intersection of State and Cedar streets.

  (Lori Rackl / Chicago Tribune)

Goettsch Partners designed the Viceroy’s 18-story glass hotel tower that rises from the old brick facade. The architecture firm says the “folding” geometry of the glass tower “is inspired by the argyle-like pattern found in the historic brick façade below,” creating “harmony through contrast, in which both the old and new are rich examples of their specific eras.” The tall tower boasts the only rooftop hotel pool in the Gold Coast.

  (Lori Rackl / Chicago Tribune)

Somerset features a large, landscaped patio along State Street, perfect for watching the comings and goings in the always entertaining Viagra Triangle. The restaurant is slated to open in early September.

  (Lori Rackl / Chicago Tribune)

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In addition to outdoor seating, Somerset restaurant will occupy a two-level space inside. The original neon sign from the Cedar Hotel will hang on the restaurant’s second floor. A private dining room will be accessible through a secret door hidden behind a piece of art.

  (Lori Rackl / Chicago Tribune)