Interview with Sandi Robinson, Director of Sales at The Godfrey Hotel Chicago

Lifestyle - Interview

by Melisa Kaya

Since 2014, The Godfrey Hotel Chicago is the flagship property for The Godfrey Hotel brand. You can find the other family members in Boston, Hollywood, and Tampa. In the middle of the Windy City, with its 221 contemporary designed rooms and suites, Spa Boutique, fitness center, meeting spaces, and Indoor-Outdoor roofspace that offers extraordinary Chicago view, The Godfrey Hotel Chicago promises a unique accommodation experience to leisure and business travelers. I talked with Sandi Robinson, Director of Sales at The Godfrey Hotel Chicago, about the features of The Godfrey Hotel Chicago.

Can you tell us about yourself, apart from your work with The Godfrey?

Born and raised in Chicago, South Side girl. I am a co-founder of a social impact non-profit organization called ChiGivesBack, Inc. We focus on communities in need that are located in the Chicagoland area.

The Godfrey Hotel Chicago

Could you tell us about the hotel’s location and the advantages of being there?

The Godfrey Hotel Chicago is located in the heart of River North in downtown Chicago. We are located on Huron and LaSalle, the latter is a hub street that leads you directly into the Loop (south) or Lincoln Park (north). We are centrally located in the city but situated off of the main busy streets. It's great for people who want to be in a great location, but not on a chaotic street.

The Godfrey Hotel Chicago - Exterior

Could you tell us about The Godfrey Hotel Chicago’s overall concept and design?

The overall concept conveys a boutique lifestyle hotel. The Godfrey was designed with the frequent traveler in mind. The striking, cubist architecture on the outside makes us easily recognizable. The crisp, clean, off-white lobby makes you feel welcomed, and the warm vibrant colors in the guest rooms leave guests feeling comfortable. Our large indoor|outdoor rooftop, I|O Godfrey, has sweeping views of the city no matter the weather, giving the space an exclusive vibe.

The Godfrey Hotel Chicago - Luxurious One Bedroom Suite

The Godfrey Hotel Chicago has 221 stylish rooms and suites. What type of different rooms and suites do you offer to your guests? Could you tell us about their features?

Each room is designed so that you can discover your element. Our most popular room types are our Standard King, Double-Double, which offers an extra-large layout with two beds, Executive King, which gives you that extra unobstructed space with beautiful views facing the south, and our One Bedroom Suites that offers a division from the living room and bedroom area.

The Godfrey Hotel Chicago - I|O Godfrey

What are the privileges that you offer to companies that want to organize their events in I|O Godfrey’s rooftop lounge?

Even though we are open seven days a week, companies are able to buy out the entire rooftop to entertain their guests. We also are able to accommodate smaller groups in sections of the rooftop without closing it down to the public.

The Godfrey Hotel Chicago Truss Room

Could you tell us about your meeting rooms and their features?

We have one main meeting room that is 1,490 sq ft. It is an open room with no pillars and floor to ceiling windows. The room also has a patio that allows groups to step out for fresh air or have a reception immediately following their meeting. The room can host about 83 people.

The Godfrey Hotel Chicago - Couples Treatment Room At Spa Boutique

How could your guests spend time at The Godfrey Hotel Chicago?

Guests can join us seven days a week for a happy hour or dinner at our indoor|outdoor rooftop, I|O Godfrey, they can brunch with us in BrunchRoom seven days a week from 7 am - 2 pm. If guests need to work out some stress, then our spa and fitness center are located on the 5th floor or a massage therapist can provide an in-room treatment.

What kind of additional services do you offer for business travelers?

Free Wi-fi, in room Starbucks coffee, complimentary bottled water upon arrival. Valet parking is available at our on-site garage if needed.

The Godfrey Hotel Chicago - Elevator Lounge

Do you have any advantage packs or loyalty programs that you offer to your regular and long-term guests?

We offer member-only exclusive deals that one can receive by signing up for our newsletter via our website. In addition to discounts on rooms, there are multiple perks such as free uber credits, airline credits, and Starbucks gift cards. These deals are available when guests book directly through our website.

The Godfrey Hotel Chicago - Spacious Double Queen Bedded Guest Room

How can travelers make their individual or business/group reservations?

Travelers can always visit our website www.godfreyhotelchicago.com or by calling 312.649.6699

What are the most notable attractions near the hotel?

Michigan Avenue (the Magnificent Mile), Museum of Contemporary Art, Art Institute, and Navy Pier, among others.

The Godfrey Hotel Chicago - I|O Godfrey

If you have only one weekend in Chicago as a first-time visitor, in this limited time, what are the best things to do?

Depends on your style of tours but my top three tours are a Double Decker Bus Tour, A Helicopter Tour & Architecture River Boat Tour (depending on season). If you visit, you must have Chicago Style Pizza, shop on Michigan Avenue, and visit at least one museum. The Museum of Science and Industry, Field Museum, or Chicago History Museum are my top choices.

How would you describe Chicago in one sentence?

Chicago is a beautiful city - explorable through its culture, pride, and history.

Thank you Sandi for your time.

For more information, please click here to visit the website of The Godfrey Hotel Chicago

This interview was conducted in a Question-and-Answer format. The answers were checked for grammar and punctuation and published without any additional editing. Monday, January 21, 2019. All photos are the property of their respective owners.