(Left) The hotel formerly known as Hotel Sax was between signs on Monday. A large white square was all that remained of a sign that hung over the main entrance since 2007. (Click on image to view larger version.)

February 4, 2014 – Goodbye, Hotel Sax. Hello, Hotel Chicago.

Marriott International on Monday announced that River North’s 353-room Hotel Sax has changed its name. Hotel Chicago is one of three “Autograph Collection” hotels that Marriott is opening this year. The other two are in San Diego and Sydney.

Marriott is the brand but managing the hotel will be HEI Hotels & Resorts. Hired last December to manage Hotel Sax, HEI replaced Access Hotels & Resorts, which had run the hotel since April 2012. The hotel is still owned by LaSalle Hotel Properties of Bethesda, Maryland, which owns adjacent commercial property at Marina City.

Marriott calls Autograph Collection “the fastest hotel brand launch in the industry” and describes the properties as “a remarkable group of upper upscale and luxury independent hotels.” The target guest is an “individualist” who “prefers to find their own way and forge their own paths.”

Hotel Sax opened in June 2007 following a $17 million renovation. Before that, House of Blues owned it.

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