IHG and Ruby Group to launch first US Ruby Hotel in Chicago - Get updated on what's happening in tourism!

IHG Hotels & Resorts is bringing its Ruby Hotels brand to the United States for the first time, with a new property planned in downtown Chicago. The project marks a strategic milestone for the brand’s international expansion and will see the historic Inn of Chicago transformed into a Ruby Hotel under a 30-year franchise agreement. Ruby Group will develop and operate the hotel, working closely with IHG on the comprehensive renovation and repositioning of the building.

Located just one block east of the Magnificent Mile, the late-1920s landmark will be adapted to reflect Ruby’s urban lifestyle concept while preserving its deep roots in Chicago’s hospitality history. Renovation work is expected to begin in the second half of 2026, with the hotel scheduled to open in 2027.

From historic landmark to urban lifestyle hotel

The plans envision a 22-storey hotel with 412 guestrooms, complemented by redesigned public spaces that form the social heart of the property. A new lobby and bar concept is intended to create a lively atmosphere throughout the day and into the evening, while a rooftop terrace and bar will offer views of Chicago’s skyline and serve as a gathering place for guests and locals alike.

Guestrooms will follow Ruby’s established design approach, combining compact, efficient layouts with high-quality finishes. The concept aims to deliver an elevated guest experience while maintaining a lower cost per square foot, supporting strong operational performance.

Strategic growth milestone for IHG and Ruby

Jolyon Bulley, Chief Executive Officer, Americas, IHG Hotels & Resorts, highlighted the significance of the project: “We’re incredibly excited to bring our first U.S. Ruby Hotel to Chicago, an iconic city with a deep architectural and cultural legacy. This flagship signing underscores the brand’s strong growth potential and momentum in key locations across the Americas and around the world.”

For Ruby Group, the Chicago project represents a major step in its international development strategy. Founder and CEO Michael Struck described the opening as a turning point for the brand’s expansion beyond Europe. “In partnership with IHG and alongside experienced development partner Berk Properties, we are bringing Ruby’s design-led and efficient hotel concept to the U.S. market for the first time,” he said, adding that Ruby’s operating platform will also launch in North America with a focus on efficiency through centralized and automated processes.

Development partnership and long-term ambitions

The project is being developed together with Berk Properties, based in Orange County, California. Led by principals David Davidson and Rajesh Masina, the firm contributes more than 25 years of experience in U.S. residential and hospitality real estate, particularly in the luxury segment.

The Chicago opening comes less than a year after IHG acquired the Ruby brand and only months after its development availability in the U.S. market. The move reflects IHG’s ambition to grow Ruby to more than 120 hotels worldwide over the next decade and beyond 250 properties in the following ten years. Founded in Germany in 2013, Ruby currently has 35 hotels open or in the pipeline across major European cities.

Image Credit: © IHG