Hotel Indigo Naperville Riverwalk opening this fall
An interview with Doug Kelly, director of sales for Hotel Indigo Naperville Riverwalk.
Q: Tell us a little bit about the property.
A: Hotel Indigo Naperville Riverwalk is an upscale boutique hotel that is nestled along the south side of the DuPage River. Our 158 guest rooms feature hardwood floors throughout, unique full wall murals that pay homage to Naperville's rich history, and sweeping views of the downtown corridor.
Q: Tell us about the history.
A: In addition to the murals in our guest rooms, historic photos will be displayed tastefully through the hotel. Naperville has roots in manufacturing and agricultural industries, and Hotel Indigo is bridging our history into the new leisure destination that our great city has become.
Q: Describe the atmosphere.
A: The picturesque Water Street District will be like a Norman Rockwell painting. Our brick paved sidewalks and tree lined street perfectly fits and is a seamless addition to Downtown Naperville.
Several restaurants and shops will be available to hotel guest and patrons alike. As you enter the hotel living room from ground floor or the second floor garage, guests will experience floor to ceiling windows, natural stone walls, reclaimed wood front desks, and a touch of a modern yet rustic style. One can sit by a dual sided fire place reading their favorite novel or have a craft cocktail in our on-site restaurant Plank Bar & Kitchen.
Q: What are people in your industry taking about?
A: Experiences are in. People want to try local beers, food and attractions of their destinations of choice. Stylistically, Hotel Indigo brings that local culture in to our 4 walls. However, we also act as the conduit to make our travels exports in our city. Guest are also done with just being a head in a bed.
We specialize in creating ridiculously personal experiences that will make a guest feel at home and want to come back time and time again.
Q: What attracts corporate clients?
A: Location, location, location. Locally, majority of corporate clients are traveling to downtown Naperville at night. Now they can just be steps away from all our great city has to offer. We have partnered up with Elements at Water Street for our banquet facilities, that are conveniently located on the second floor of our River building and connected to the hotel living room via a sky bridge. Clients will enjoy not just the traditional banquet food, but a higher end experience. Elements menu is crafted from the mind of Dave Miller who comes with a tenure 20 years from Chef by Request, a local grown catering company in Lisle.
Our space that overlooks the lazy DuPage can be customized to accommodate a board meeting from 10 people all the way to a wedding of 250 people.
Q: What about relaxation?
A: Naperville is the place to be for the relaxation experience. Guests can sip their morning coffee while sitting outside in one of our terrace rooms. Then they can take a leisurely stroll to old world book stores, candy shops, barbers, and restaurants.
Q: What is your past experience in the industry?
A: My hospitality pedigree started with managing 2 Starwood Hotels in Chicago where I sold to both the corporate and leisure travelers.
Most recently, I represent the 5 Kimpton Hotel in Chicago as a business travel sales manager. Kimpton is the benchmark for all boutique hotels, having been around for over 30 years they have mastered what it means to wow a guests.
In January of 2014 Kimpton was acquired by InterContinental Hotel Group and I was the first official transfer from Kimpton IHG. I'm looking forward to bringing the amazing service culture that Kimpton has created to all of the travelers that walk through our doors.
Q: Tell us one interesting fact about property that most people may not know.
A: As many residents of Naperville know, the DuPage River tends to rise quite quickly after a spout of rain. In some case, most recently in 2012 and 1995, the river has flooded up to the bridges. So the question comes up, what are you going to do when the next flood happens?
It's a great question and we have 2 answers. First, our building on the river was constructed 2 feet above the flood line. Second, underneath the building on the river there is a large tank of which you can see a few port holes from the Riverwalk. That tank is meant to take in water and then recede back into the river.
No expense has been spared with the Water Street District and both residents an travelers will be able to enjoy all these unique touches.
Business: Hotel Indigo Naperville Riverwalk
Address: 120 Water Street, Naperville, IL 60540
Owner: Marquette Companies
Number of employees: 50 estimated
When business opened: Doors will open this fall
Web address: <a href="http://www.hotelindigo.com/napervilleil">www.hotelindigo.com/napervilleil</a>