Meet John Alcott at the GayTravel Approved Renaissance Chicago Downtown Hotel

Every now and then, we find a very special person at a hotel whose presence elevates a hotel experience in a way that cannot be duplicated anywhere.  We found just such a person in John at the Renaissance Chicago Downtown Hotel.

For most of his adult life, John has been with the hotel, starting out in the front working as the doorman.  What an important job it is to be "the face" of the Renaissance Chicago Downtown and to make a great first impression.  And who better than John to put a smile on the face of guests as they enter the lobby of the hotel for the first time?  Who better to provide a warm "welcome back" to returning guests as John greets familiar faces by their names, making them feel like they're home?  Who better than John, who goes above and beyond to help couples make their wedding an over-the-top moment?  Management at Renaissance Chicago recognizes John's innate talent to engage people, and they understand the value John brings to guests in terms of their overall experience.  They know that in addition to having an extraordinary hotel, their staff and exemplary service are what sets them apart.

John Alcott Renaissance Chicago Downtown
Photo Credit:  John Alcott, Navigator - Renaissance Chicago Downtown Hotel

An Authentic Visit Awaits, Meet the Renaissance Navigators

Today, John is the hotel's concierge, and his role as a "Navigator" makes him an integral part of the guest experience.  John's natural abilities, combined with years of experience, have been further enhanced with additional training provided by Renaissance for its staff worldwide who have been invited to be part of the Navigator Program.  Specifically, these hand-selected Navigators are trained to regard guests as "discoverers," Their job is to facilitate personalized experiences for guests that allow them to create memories unduplicated in their respective cities.  For example, while most travelers who come to Chicago will want to see things like Millenium Park and its famous "The Bean" sculpture that anchors the Chicago skyline, shop The "Magnificent Mile" along Michigan Avenue, stroll along the Navy Pier, and eat deep-dish pizza (all of which John will encourage), he'll also suggest things they might otherwise miss.  Chicago is the third-largest US city (behind New York and Los Angeles), and it has 77 distinct neighborhoods, each with its own flavor and appeal.  John's familiarity with these neighborhoods allows him to pair guests with curated places and experiences tailored to their individual interests, and he'll guide them to the "soul of the neighborhood." 

As a member of our community, John's expertise and local knowledge are especially invaluable to gay travelers.  Yes, he'll let you know that the Red Line will take you to Northalsted (formerly "Boystown"), which is the nation's oldest officially recognized gay neighborhood in the country.  He'll also recommend you explore Andersonville, another beautiful and diverse community with a laidback vibe that no doubt stems from its original Swedish heritage.  Andersonville boasts lively LGBTQ+ nightlife, too!


Streetscapes ChicagoPhoto Credit:  Streetscapes Chicago Courtesy of Choose Chicago

Chicago Not-to-Miss Events

Upcoming events you do not want to miss include the 40th Anniversary of Market Days, August 5 - 7, 2022, which is a weekend-long pre-Pride celebration and music festival held in Northalsted.

Northalsted Market Days Chicago
Photo Credit:  Choose Chicago "Market Days"

Another event "foodies" will love is the 15th Anniversary of Restaurant Week, March 25 - April 10, 2022.

Chicago Pride Fest is June 17 - 19, 2022, which is the weekend before the 2022 Chicago Pride Parade on June 26th.

Renaissance Chicago Downtown's Doorstep

Having spent many a year at the actual doorstep of the hotel, John knows what's in the area for guests to enjoy.  Renaissance Chicago Downtown is located in an area called "The Loop," which puts it at the epicenter of major attractions, like Millenium Park, the 108-story skyscraper "The Willis Tower," and the main branch of the river where you can catch a Chicago River Boat Architecture Tour that highlights Chicago's finest buildings designed by famed modernist architects such as Mies van der Rohe.

Chicago Riverboat Architecture Tour
Photo Credit:  Choose Chicago

The Renaissance Chicago Downtown is steps from the famed Chicago Theater District.  As a theater buff himself, John is always keen on recommending a full "dinner and a show" combination, which includes plenty of entertainment along with a locally-owned restaurant to try with it.

Another (Swan Lake) feather in the cap of the hotel is that Chicago's resident ballet company, the Joffrey Ballet, is based right behind the hotel.  The Joffrey Ballet is a preeminent company that performs on a worldwide stage and for over 65 years has been lauded and praised for its excellence and leadership in diversity and inclusion.

The Joffrey BalletPhoto Credit:  Herbert-Migdoll, The Joffrey Ballet - Anastacia Holden, Christine Rocas, Jeraldine Mendoza, and Alexis Polito

Discover Chicago at the Renaissance Chicago Downtown Hotel

When you're ready to experience Chicago, be sure to give John a call ahead of your stay so he can plan ahead with you and point you in the right direction.  You'll soon realize that John and the Renaissance Chicago Downtown bring new meaning to the words "Chicago is... My Kind of Town," and we hope you'll get a chance to sing along! 

Renaissance Chicago Downtown Hotel
 

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