Marcus Hotels Press > Press Coverage

01.25.17

WITI-TV: “Every wish came true:” 92-year-old former bellman surprised with weekend stay at The Pfister


Local FOX affiliate, WITI-TV ran a story featuring a former Pfister Hotel bellman from the 1940s, who was celebrating his 92nd birthday with family for the weekend. Click here to watch the full story.

The Pfister Hotel 1940s Bellman

01.21.17

DailyHerald.com

By Jacky Runice
Daily Herald Correspondent
Chicago
We are the whirled

Warm up this winter as you travel the world aurally then get whirled on the dance floor at the Old Town School of Folk Music. Brazilian classics, the music of Cameroon, the traditional tunes and instruments of Indonesia and Northern New Mexican polkas and chotes are just a few of the lively sounds on the menu for World Music Wednesday (one of the best concert values in town). Experiment with dance styles from around the globe at the Friday night Global Dance Party. Each evening will feature a dance class followed by two hours of music from live bands or DJs. 8:30 p.m. Wednesdays, Jan. 25-March 29, and Fridays, Jan. 27-March 17, at the Old Town School of Folk Music, 4544 N. Lincoln Ave., Chicago. World Music Wednesday is free with a suggested donation of $10. Global Dance Parties costs $12. (773) 728-6000 or oldtownschool.org/

Meet and eat

From Ada Street to Tuscany on Taylor, more than 350 of Chicago’s best eateries are gearing up for 14 days of Chicago Restaurant Week. The 10th annual feast features special prix fixe menus starting at $22 for brunch and lunch and $33 and/or $44 for dinner (excluding beverages, tax and gratuity). Get your fill of American, Italian, Vietnamese, Latin, French, Mediterranean and Japanese fare as well as specialty bites from steakhouses, seafood joints, gastro pubs, pizza parlors and more. Make reservations early at suburban restaurants like The Ashburn in Rosemont, Atwater’s in Geneva, B. in Oak Brook, Vie in Hinsdale and many more. Jan. 27-Feb. 9 in Chicago and the suburbs. Go to EatItUpChicago.com to see a list of participating restaurants and to make a reservation.

One is not the loneliest number

As we round the end of the month, the pressure of Valentine’s Day begins to weigh on the heart. Celebrate singledom at Thompson Chicago when the luxury property offers the Single Awareness Day package. Your getaway package includes: a two-night stay in a double-bedded room; a $50 food and beverage credit, good for sweet treats for a night-in or breakfast the next morning; a bottle of prosecco upon arrival; a personalized itinerary from Thompson Chicago’s concierge team for a night out on the town; and a late checkout of 2 p.m. Available Feb. 10-15 at the Thompson Chicago, 21 E. Bellevue Place, Chicago. Stays are based on availability, with 72 hours prior advanced booking required. Rates start at $189 per night. To book a room, call (312) 266-2100 or visit thompsonhotels.com/hotels/thompson-chicago.

Midwest

Jubilee of Schnee

Snow-sculpting demos, dog-sled rides and events for kids and adults are all on the menu at Schnee Days in Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin. The Schnee (or “snow”) Days festival in this east-central Wisconsin town includes a hunt for colored ice cubes, a chili cook-off, a pub crawl, waitstaff races, a talent show, a 5K costume run, a pool tournament and an evening dance. Jan. 27-29 in Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin. (920) 876-2922 or see schneedays.com/ for a schedule of events.

Some like it hot

Like your chili mild or incendiary? You can have it your way during the fifth annual Downtown Chili Tour in St. Joseph, Michigan. Plus, find chili-inspired desserts, hot beverages, special sales at local shops and family-friendly entertainment. Merchants and restaurants will offer samples of favorite chili recipes in an effort to win the People’s Choice Award or the Chili Pepper Award. Enjoy a full weekend of fun in St. Joseph by attending the second annual Winter Beer Fest on Saturday, too. 5 to 8 p.m. Friday, Jan. 27, in downtown St. Joseph, Michigan. Suggested donation is $2 per person or $5 for a family of four or more. The St. Joe Winter Beer Fest runs from noon to 4 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 28. $35 in advance, $40 at the door. (269) 985-1111 or stjoetoday.com/

Bring it on

Quit grumbling about the cold and take advantage of wintertime fun courtesy of Lake Geneva’s Winterfest, a two-week festival of art and winter activity for all ages. Watch the work of 15 teams of expert snow sculptors from around the country competing for a national title during the U.S. National Snow Sculpting Competition Feb. 1-5. Local restaurants will offer specials throughout the fest, plus guests can take a tour of historic Maxwell Mansion, enter the Abominable Snow Race Jan. 28, have a drink at the ice bar at Baker House, join the Lake Geneva Cocoa Crawl Feb. 3, then gear up for the Grand Geneva Resort & Spa’s annual Winter Carnival Feb. 4 with ski and boarder rail jams, a torchlight parade, a beer tent and fireworks. Jan. 28-Feb. 12 in Lake Geneva, Wisconsin. Get the complete schedule of events, info about parking and shuttle service and hotel specials at visitlakegeneva.com/winterfest/.

See more here.

01.18.17

ChicagoParent.com

How to Get Out of Your Winter Rut

By Jenny Muslin, Member of the Chicago Parent Blog Network

If cold temperatures are keeping you indoors and making you stir crazy, these Chicago winter lifesavers will get your family out of their winter rut!

Go sledding

Chicago’s definitely got snow, but it also has supreme hills for sledding. Head to A. Montgomery Ward Park for sledding and a hot chocolate afterward at Peet’s Coffee next door. The Soldier Field Sledding Hill is always popular, as is Warren Park. In the suburbs, Evanston’s James Park, Glenview’s Flick Park and Riverwalk Sled Hill at Rotary Hill in Naperville are can’t-miss destinations.

Snatch an adrenaline rush

Let the daredevil in you fly! If your kids (or you!) like to live on the wild side, iFLY’s indoor skydiving is safe but full of thrills. After you train with an instructor and slip into the provided gear, you’ll head into the flight chamber where you’ll feel like you’re freefalling through the air. Locations in Lincoln Park, Rosemont and Naperville, and suitable for flyers 3 and up.

Get away, but not too far

No need to hop on an airplane for a much needed getaway. Seek refuge at an all-season Midwest resort like Timber Ridge Lodge & Waterpark at the Grand Geneva Resort in Lake Geneva. Kids will sleep well after enjoying the 50,000-square-foot water park as well as the game arcade, cinema and activity center. The grown-ups can kick back at the resort’s full-service spa or restaurant.

Sleep, maybe

Of course you can visit The Field Museum during the day, but what if you could have a sleepover among the dinosaurs? Experience a real “night at the museum” during one of the museum’s Dozin’ with the Dinos overnights for families with kids ages 6-12. Explore the exhibits by flashlight, take a hands-on workshop and watch a 3D movie in the museum’s theater. Jan. 20 and 27; Feb. 10 and 17; March 3, 10 and 17; April 1 and 7; and May 12.

Lose yourself

Emerald City Theatre takes on “The Snowy Day and Other Stories,” adapted from the bestselling books by Ezra Jack Keats. Kids 3-9 will love hearing about a young boy who explores his city after the first snowfall. Feb. 4-May 6, tickets start at $19. Apollo Theater, 2540 N. Lincoln Ave., Chicago.

Roll with it

With locations in both the city and ‘burbs, Pinstripes is a family-friendly spot that will entertain your kiddos whether they’re 3 or 12. Bowling and bocce ball are the main attractions. There are plenty of kid-friendly options on the menu, too, so be sure to stay for lunch at the restaurant or have your meal delivered right to your bowling area.

01.17.17

BeloitDailyNews.com

Slopes Seeing More Visitors

LAKE GENEVA — The cold weather doesn’t seem to bother skiers, because area ski resorts are doing well during the winter season.

In fact, The Mountain Top at Grand Geneva Resort in Lake Geneva, Wisconsin, is having the best season it’s had in at least the last five years, said Chad Hart, director of ski operations.

Weather for Saturday and Sunday in the Stateline Area is expected to be in mid to high teens. Hart said good skiing weather is around 20 degrees and sunny with no wind.

“That’s when we see all the moms and dads come up with their kids,” Hart said.

He’s expecting a long and strong season this year.

“The early snow and then the really good conditions have really gotten everyone into the winter mindset,” Hart said.

Over at the Chestnut Mountain Resort in Galena, Illinois, Michael Murphy, president and general manager, said the ski resort is doing very well compared to last year’s mild season.

This winter season is more comparable to the seasons in 2013 and 2014. He said it’s too early to tell how many visitors the resort will receive this year, but Chestnut Mountain typically has 90,000 to 100,000 visitors each year.

He said if skiers dress for the weather, they’ll have fun.

Murphy said cold weather isn’t a concern unless temperatures get to 10 below zero and there’s wind. Warm weather in the 30 or 40 degree mark also isn’t a concern with 40 to 50 inches of snow already on the hills. The only concern there would be is if it rains.

“There might not be a lot of snow in people’s yards, but we have a tremendous amount of snow being made,” Murphy said.

He said this year the resort wasn’t able to open until Dec. 8 due to warmer than usual weather and a lack of snow. The ski resort usually opens around Thanksgiving. Despite a later start, the season is still going strong.

Both resorts will offer skiing into mid-March.

Wilmont Mountain, at 11931 Fox River Road, Wilmont, Wisconsin, also is open. It opened on Dec. 14, and offers about 120 skiable acres, 23 trails, seven lifts, two magic carpets and progression terrain parks with a double high speed rope tow. This season it unveiled more than $13 million worth of improvements by new owner Vail Resorts.

See more here.

 

01.17.17

Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Mason Street Grill to be remodeled, expand menu

The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel ran a feature article about the Mason Street Grill’s renovations and 10-year anniversary celebration in February. Click here to read the full story.

Mason Street Grill Renovations

01.12.17

The Resorter

Fests and Fun in the Snow 

Saturday, Jan. 28

Abominable Snow Race, 2 to 5 p.m. Grand Geneva Resort & Spa 7036 Grand Geneva Way, (800) 558-3417, www.grandgeneva.com. the Abominable Snow Race is the mid-wests premier winter obstacle race. No skis, no dogs, no sleds. This race is just you, 3-5 miles of snowy course, 20+ obstacles, and the abominable weather. But know that your reward us great…After you donate the course, head into the yeti’s lounge and grab a craft brew, chill by the fire pit, chow down with new friends, take pics with yeti and score great deals with on-site sponsors.

Saturdays and Sundays in February 

Perfect for beginner and advanced skiers and snowboarder, Mountain Mites is designed for children between six years and fourteen years old. Kids can learn their skills under the supervision of professionally trained instructors using a specialized teaching system.

Kids at the all levels can enjoy a day on the snow while perfecting their skills. Mountain Mites offers a series of sessions on Saturdays or Sundays throughout January and February. Classes begin promptly and run from 11:00 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. Sessions 3: Feb 11, 18 and 25; session 4: Feb 12, 19 and 26.

Registration instructions and forms can be found at GrandGeneva.com

Feb. 1 to 12 

The highlight of Lake Geneva’s Winterfest celebration is the National Snow Sculpting Competition, which includes the best snow sculpting teams in the country from Vermont, New York, New Hampshire, Colorado and Alaska to the surrounding states of Illinois, Iowa, Minnesota and Wisconsin.

The snow sculpting competition begins on Wednesday, Feb 1 through Sunday, Feb 5 and Winterfest continues into the following week on Monday, Feb 6 through Sunday, Feb 12 with a variety of activities for everyone to enjoy. State snow sculpting teams will be located in the Driehaus Plaza & Flat Iron Park in Lake Geneva. The U.S. National Snow Sculptors officially an their work at 11 am on Saturday, Feb 4. The Riveria Marketplace is open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and will offer entertainment, food, fun, exhibitor information, and souvenirs. The voting for the “People’s Choice Award” will go from 11 to 2 pm and the award ceremony will start at 3 pm.

Feb. 4

The Mountain Top at Grand Geneva Resort & Spa will host its annual Winter Carnival. Bring your friends and family for a day filled with skiing, snowboarding, fun snow activities and fireworks show. You’ll need a lift ticket to access skiing and snowboarding events on the ski hill.

Events include: games, beer tents, competitions: ski and boarder cross, rail jam, torch light parade and ran finale fireworks.

Skiing and snowboarding will end at 8 pm.

 

01.11.17

Hotel Management: Marcus Hotels navigates new course, looks to the outside for growth

Hotel Management ran a feature story highlighting Marcus Hotels & Resorts’ growth strategy, as well as quotes from Andrea Foster, senior vice president of development, and Joe Khairallah, president of Marcus Hotels & Resorts. Click here to read the full story.

Hotel Management Story on Marcus Hotels & Resorts

01.05.17

TravelAgentCentral.com

2017 Hotel Openings to Watch

Hotel VIA – San Francisco

See more here.

01.05.17

The Resorter

From Starter Slopes to Top Notch Runs

Grand Geneva’s Mountain Top Has Something for Everyone

With an array of ski school programs, The Mountain Top at Grand Geneva Resort offers the perfect opportunity for skiers and snowboarders to tidy up their skills and rule the slopes. It’s professional ski instructors and safe learning environment are sure to provide an effective and fun experience for riders at any level.

Burton’s Learn to Ride 

Grand Geneva has teamed up with Burton’s Learn to Ride Program to make learning fun, easy and accessible.

By combining Burton’s Learn to Ride proven teaching methodologies with beginner-specific equipment, this exciting program makes for a great firs time experience on the hill.

As part of the Learn to Ride program, beginner snowboarders, kids and adults will be provided with an all appropriate equipment made specifically for first time riders.

Snow Cubs

The Snow Cub program 1.5 hour lesson is specifically designed with the youngest guests in mind. Children three-years old to six-years-old will be introduced to skiing or snowboarding in a controlled setting under the supervision of a professionally trained instructor.

The Sunkids Carpet area will be utilized as the children progress. Children are enrolled for a single session and are required to wear helmets at all lessons. Snow Cub lessons are available on Saturdays and Sundays all season long. Ski sessions take place at 10 a.m. and noon, while snowboard sessions take place at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. Learner area tickets can be purchased for $50 with the option of purchasing rentals for an additional $15.

Mountain Mites 

Prefect for beginner and advanced skiers and snowboarders, Mountain Mites is designed for children between six years old and fourteen years old. Kids can learn their skills under the supervision of professionally trained instructors using a specialized teaching system.

Kids at all levels can enjoy a day on the snow while perfecting their skills. Mountain Mites offers a series of sessions on Saturdays and Sunday throughout January and February.

Classes begin promptly and run from 11:00 a.m. and 2:30 p.m.

Upcoming Mountain Mites sessions include:

Session 1: Jan. 7, 14 and 21

Session 2: Jan. 8, 15 and 22

Session 3: Feb 11, 18 and 25

Session 4: Feb 12, 19 and 26

Students are placed in each class based on age and ability level and helmet use is mandatory. Registration instructions can be found at GrnadGeneva.com

For more information on The Mountain Top, visit GrandGeneva.com

01.04.17

SkinInc.com

Spas of America Names Top 2016 Spas

Travel and wellness website, Spas of America, has released its annual ranking of the Top 100 Spas of 2016 based on consumer behavior on the company’s website. Last year, health spas were the most popular spa experience, with 34 making the 2016 list and city spas following.

“In 2016, we continued to see steady growth in the North American spa and wellness industry, with record visits and increased revenue,” said Craig Oliver, president of Spas of America.

The 2016 International Spa Association U.S. Spa Industry Study, commissioned by the ISPA Foundation and undertaken by PwC International Survey Unit, reported consumers made 179 million visits to spas in the United States, generating an estimated $16.3 billion in revenue.

Did your spa make the list?

1. New Life Hiking Spa, Mendon/​Killington, Vermont

2. Aspira Spa, The Osthoff Resort, Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin

3. Pala Spa, Pala Casino Spa & Resort, Pala, California

4. Oaks at Ojai, Ojai, California

5. Skaná, The Spa at Turning Stone Resort, Verona, New York

6. The Biggest Loser Resort Palm Desert, Palm Desert, California

7. Grotto Spa, Tigh-Na-Mara Spa Resort, Parksville, British Columbia

8. Spa Terra, Meritage Resort and Spa in Napa Valley, Napa, California

9. Movara Fitness Resort, Ivins, Utah

10. Miraj Hammam Spa by Caudalie Paris, Shangri-La Toronto, Toronto, Ontario

11. The Spa at White Oaks Resort, Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario

12. Deerfield Spa, East Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania

13. Wellfit Malibu, Malibu, California

14. The Spa at Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge, Jasper, Alberta

15. 100 Fountain Spa, Pillar and Post, Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario

16. Grand Geneva Resort & Spa, Lake Geneva, Wisconsin

17. Woodlands Spa, Nemacolin Woodlands Resort, Farmington, Pennsylvania

18. Sunstone The Spa at Agua Caliente, Rancho Mirage, California

19. Spa Khakara, Sheraton Waikiki, Honolulu, Hawaii

20. Abhasa Spa, The Royal Hawaiian Resort, Waikiki Beach, Hawaii

21. The Millcroft Inn & Spa, Alton, Ontario

22. Ste. Anne’s Spa, Grafton, Ontario

23. Tennessee Fitness Spa, Waynesboro, Tennessee

24. The Lodge at Woodloch, Hawley, Pennsylvania

25. Clinic at KurSpa, Sparkling Hill Resort & Spa, Vernon, British Columbia

26. Scandinave Spa Blue Mountain, Blue Mountains, Ontario

27. Crystal Spa, Crystal Mountain Resort & Spa, Thompson­ville, Michigan

28. Evensong Spa, Heidel House Resort, Green Lake, Wisconsin

29. Jasha Spa, JW Marriott Los Cabos Beach Resort, Los Cabos, Mexico

30. Glacial Waters Spa at Grand View Lodge, Nisswa, Minnesota

31. Turtle Cove Spa, Mountain Harbor Resort, Mount Ida, Arkansas

32. Wine & Roses, Lodi, California

33. Secret Garden Spa, Prince of Wales Hotel, Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario

34. The Biggest Loser Resort Amelia Island, Amelia Island, Florida

35. Gurney’s Montauk Resort & Seawater Spa, Montauk, New York

36. The Biggest Loser Resort Chicago, Chicago, Illinois

37. CHI Spa at Shangri-la Hotel Vancouver, Vancouver, British Columbia

38. Scandinave Spa Whistler, Whistler, British Columbia

39. Spa Grand Traverse, Acme, Michigan

40. The Ranch at Live Oak Malibu, Malibu, California

41. Sundara Inn & Spa, Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin

42. Black Rock Oceanfront Resort, Ucluelet, British Columbia

43. Hilton Head Health, Hilton Head Island, South Carolina

44. Spa Shiki at the Lodge of Four Seasons, Lake Ozark, Missouri

45. Manitou Springs Resort and Mineral Spa, Manitou Beach, Saskatchewan

46. Temple Gardens Mineral Spa, Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan

47. Rancho La Puerta, Tecate, Mexico

48. The Spa at The Joule, Dallas, Texas

49. The L Spa & Wellness Centre, Grande Prairie, Alberta

50. Glen Ivy Hot Springs, Corona, California

51. Spa Walden, Aurora, Ohio

52. Red Mountain Resort, St. George, Utah

53. Santé Spa Victoria, Victoria, British Columbia

54. The Spa at InterCon­tinental Toronto Center, Toronto, Ontario

55. The Spa at Delta Victoria Ocean Pointe, Victoria, British Columbia

56. Lake Austin Spa Resort, Austin, Texas

57. eforea spa at Hilton Suites Toronto/​Markham, Markham, Ontario

58. Shoji Lodge & Spa, Asheville, North Carolina

59. Shankara Ayurveda Spa, Art of Living Retreat Center, Boone, North Carolina

60. Springs Eternal Spa, Omni Bedford Springs Resort, Bedford, Pennsylvania

61. Sunrise Springs Integrative Wellness Resort, Santa Fe, New Mexico

62. Healing Arts Center & Spa, Cavallo Point Lodge, Sausalito, California

63. Relâche Spa, Gaylord Opryland Resort, Nashville, Tennessee

64. Immerse Spa, MGM Grand Detroit, Detroit, Michigan

65. Brentwood Bay Resort & Spa, Brentwood Bay, British Columbia

66. Golden Door, San Marcos, California

67. Trillium Spa at Seven Springs Mountain Resort, Seven Springs, Pennsylvania

68. Pritikin Longevity Center & Spa, Miami, Florida

69. Avani Spa, The Abbey Resort, Fontana, Wisconsin

70. Cal-A-Vie Health Spa, Vista, California

71. Canyon Ranch Lenox, Lenox, Massachusetts

72. The Spa at Grand Velas Riviera Maya, Playa del Carmen, Mexico

73. The Sportsman’s Inn, Killarney, Ontario

74. Green Mountain at Fox Run, Ludlow, Vermont

75. The Biggest Loser Resort Niagara, Java Center, New York

76. Kurotel Longevity Medical Center and Spa, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil

77. Kohler Waters Spa, Kohler, Wisconsin

78. Nob Hill Spa at the Scarlet Huntington, San Francisco, California

79. The Spa at the Catamaran Resort, San Diego, California

80. Canyon Ranch Wellness Resort at Kaplankaya, Milas, Turkey

81. The Ashram, Calabasas, California

82. Bota Bota, spa-sur-l’eau, Quais du vieux-port de Montréal, Montréal, Québec

83. Topnotch Resort & Spa, Stowe, Vermont

84. Mii Amo, A Destination Spa at Enchantment Resort, Sedona, Arizona

85. Spa Eastman, Eastman, Quebec

86. Green Valley Spa, St. George, Utah

87. The Parkside Spa, Parkside Hotel & Spa, Victoria, British Columbia

88. Elaia Spa, Hyatt at Olive 8, Seattle, Washington

89. Lapinha Spa, Brazil

90. Miraval Arizona Resort & Spa, Tucson, Arizona

91. Carson Hot Springs Bathhouse, Carson, Washington

92. Wi Spa, Los Angeles, California

93. Santé Spa Calgary at Hotel Le Germain, Calgary, Alberta

94. Christienne Fallsview Spa, Sheraton on the Falls, Niagara Falls, Ontario

95. Qua Baths & Spa at Caesars Palace, Las Vegas, Nevada

96. Mirbeau Inn & Spa Skaneateles, Skaneateles, New York

97. G Salon, Marriott Providence, Providence, Rhode Island

98. The Spring Resort & Spa, Desert Hot Springs, California

99. The Spa at Poplar Springs, Warrenton, Virginia

100. The Fairmont Banff Springs, Willow Stream Spa, Banff, Alberta

– See more at: http://www.skininc.com/spabusiness/leaders/spas/Spas-of-America-Names-Top-2016-Spas.html#sthash.1eYJFZU4.dpuf

See more here.