And the Winner is…

SCRAPPY!

Congratulations to our winner, Jen E.  from Waukesha, Wisconsin who chose the winning name for our newest sustainable pooch. Loren and Madeline are thrilled to officially welcome Scrappy to the family. Jen wins a two-night stay, dinner at Elate and an optional photo shoot with Scrappy.

We had such wonderful entries that we decided to extend a prize of $100 to spend at Hotel Felix to each runner up:

-Karen P. who submitted the name Happy (but also submitted Scrappy as a second name)

-Karlyn C. who submitted the name Helix

-Betsy B. who submitted the name Ferraille

Congratulations again to all our winners and thank you to all who participated. We hope you all welcome Scrappy into the Hotel Felix family!

Happy Earth Month!

It’s our favorite time of the year here at Hotel Felix – Earth Month! We’re proud to be Chicago’s first LEED Certified hotel. Here are just a few of the ways we make an effort to be lean, green, eco-chic machines:

-In-room motion sensors to control heat and air conditioning
-Water waste reduction plumbing
-Use of bamboo and cork flooring in public areas and low volative organic compound paints
-Serving guests complimentary, locally-owned fair-trade coffee

We have loads of fun events planned all month long to celebrate going green so stay tuned to hear more! How do you make an effort to reduce your carbon footprint? Happy Earth Month!

Spotted at Hotel Felix

Guess who we spotted last weekend at Hotel Felix? Here are some clues: Lethal Weapon, Angels in the Outfield, The Color Purple.

You guessed it; actor, producer, humanitarian, Danny Glover! Mr. Glover spent his weekend here in the Windy City and chose none other than this Eco Friendly dig. A big thank you to Danny Glover for choosing us during this recent stay in Chicago.

Looking Back Today: The Snow Storm of 2011

Snow-mageddon, Snow-pocalypse, Snotorious B.I.G or Sno.m.g. Whichever name you prefer, on this historic day last year Chicago was hit was one of the largest storms to date. The storm left a blanket of snow over the city leaving many people stranded. Although not record breaking, the storm left 20.2 inches of snow in its path.

The storm settled in as the third worst snow fall behind 1999, which came in second with 21.6 inches, and 1967, which had an astounding 23 inches covering the city. Hotel Felix offered an oasis from the “Thunder Snow” with a discounted price for those with no place to go. Take a trip down memory lane with this photo gallery of Snow-pocalypse from the Chicago Tribune. What are your memories or experiences from the blizzard of 2011?

East Meets East Super Bowl Package

The Patriots and the Giants face off at  Super Bowl XLVI next week. If you were lucky enough to score tickets to the big game but haven’t booked a room yet, you won’t find one in Indy. All rooms in the Indianapolis area have long since been booked solid, but with Chicago a mere three-hour drive away, we have the perfect solution for you. The Hotel Felix East Meets East Super Bowl package.

For Super Bowl weekend, February 3-5, purchase our special East Meets East package starting at $119/night. The package includes:

• - Team t-shirt
• - Late checkout until 2 p.m.
• - Tailgate-for-Two boxed lunch (for the trip to Indianapolis)
• - $25 Gas card
• - Printed directions from Hotel Felix to Lucas Oil Arena

Call 877-848-4040 to book now or make your reservation online.

Super Bowl Super Deal

Giants vs. 49ers

Ravens vs. Patriots

Who will make it to the championship? Either way, the Indianapolis hotels are already booked for the Super Bowl. Challenge flag! Chicago is only three hours from Indy and we’re announcing a special Super Bowl package. More information coming soon… stay tuned!

Snowed in Special

The first major blizzard of the winter is currently taking Chicago by storm. Why fight the snow? We’re offering a special $75 rate tonight only. Let us be your refuge from the storm – you can cozy up in front of our lobby fireplace and enjoy a hearty meal at Elate, the upscale restaurant adjacent to Hotel Felix, all from the comfort of the indoors. Join us to watch the snow fall through our floor to ceiling windows and take advantage of this extremely limited rate. For information on how to book please drop us a note on Facebook or send us a tweet.

Green Gift Guide

‘Tis the season for giving! We love being green at Hotel Felix and wanted to showcase several of our favorite eco-friendly gifts for you this holiday season. Don’t forget to bring your reusable shopping bag with you on your shopping trip!

For the Wine Lover

Eco Cork Wine Charms, $11.95 for set of 6, Greenheart Shop (1911 W. Division St.)

These unique wine charms are made right here in Chicago. They come in pretty packaging ready for gifting.

For the Chocoholic

Theo Chipotle Spice Sipping Chocolate, $12.50, Greenheart Shop (1911 W. Division St.)

Support Fair Trade and indulge in delicious chocolate at the same time.

For the Eco-Friendly Baby

IPlay Organic Footie Pants, $17.95 each, Be By Baby! (1654 W. Roscoe St.)

Banish cold toes the eco-friendly way. Be By Baby! has a full line of organic products and also carries vegan items.

For the Traveler

Erbaviva Bath & Body Travel Kit, $30, Green Genes (5111 N. Clark St.)

An delightful combination of certified organic bath salts, refreshing spray, body lotion and body wash.

Enjoy and Happy Holidays!

Magic in Millenium Park

Today, November 18, Millenium Park transforms into a winter skating wonderland for all to enjoy. The McCormick Tribune Rink, in it’s eleventh season, is located on Michigan Avenue between Washington and Madison Streets. Whether you’re experienced or a novice, everyone is welcome to lace up a pair of skates and hit the rink for some wintertime fun.

Photo Credit: Dan

Open through March 11, the rink draws more than 100,000 skaters annually and is free and open to the public. Skate rental is available for $10. For rink hours, check out the official website here. Be sure to bundle up; as one of downtown Chicago’s most popular winter attractions there is often a line to get into the rink. The upside? While you’re waiting you can watch other skaters work their magic, sip on some hot chocolate and take in the festive, wintery scene.

Rock the Vote

We’re thrilled to be nominated as the Greenest Venue for the 2011 Hospitality Sales and Marketing Association International Awards. As Chicago’s first LEED Silver Certified hotel, we would be honored to win the prestigious title of Greenest Venue but we need your help! Please cast your vote here for Hotel Felix (item #9). It’s as easy as checking a box and clicking ‘submit’! You are able to vote once per day until the voting period ends November 27.

Loren says: “Thanks for your support!”