There’s more to theWit than meets the eye. From clever design details to unexpected views and tucked-away spaces, the hotel is full of little discoveries that are easy to miss when you’re simply passing through. Sometimes, all it takes is a second look.

As evening settles over downtown, those details become part of an entirely different experience. From dinner at State & Lake to drinks above the city, theWit invites you to slow down, look around, and see what catches your eye.

A Hotel With a Story to Tell

At the corner of State and Lake Streets, theWit has been part of Chicago’s downtown scene since opening its doors in 2009. Designed by Chicago architect Jackie Koo, the 27-story hotel was created to embrace its place in the heart of the Theater District, with a distinctive zigzagging glass façade and signature chartreuse “lightning bolt” that quickly became part of its identity.

But theWit’s story is about more than its bold exterior. From its earliest days, the hotel was designed as an experience, bringing together dining, entertainment, art, and design under one roof. Today, that spirit continues through spaces like State & Lake Chicago Tavern and ROOF, giving guests plenty of reasons to linger, and plenty of corners to explore.

The Legends Behind the Hotel

Every historic corner of Chicago has a story, and the area around State and Lake is no exception. While theWit itself opened in 2009, its location sits within one of the city’s most active downtown corridors, surrounded by theaters, restaurants, businesses, and the ever-present movement of the “L” train. The hotel’s design intentionally embraces that energy, with its glass exterior and lobby positioned to take in the surrounding cityscape.

There’s something inherently intriguing about a hotel surrounded by so much history and activity. At theWit, its architecture, location, and connection to Chicago’s Theater District create an atmosphere that feels both energetic and a little mysterious. Look a little closer, and you might start to notice the details that make the hotel feel like part of the city’s larger story.

Hidden Corners Worth Exploring

Inside theWit, keep an eye out for the artwork, unexpected design details, and views that give you a different perspective of downtown. Even the guest rooms feature original artwork and colorful details inspired by the atmosphere of a collector’s home.

Downstairs, State & Lake Chicago Tavern brings a neighborhood-tavern atmosphere into the heart of the Loop. Its location makes it an easy place to settle in for dinner, drinks, or a little people-watching while surrounded by the energy of State Street. Then, head 27 stories up to ROOF, where the perspective changes completely. With skyline views, an indoor/outdoor layout, and a retractable roof, ROOF offers a chance to experience Chicago from above, especially after the sun goes down and the city lights take over.

The Art of the Unexpected

theWit was designed to feel different from a traditional downtown hotel. Its architect, Jackie Koo, described the building’s distinctive design as a way to create something “fresh and unexpected,” while the signature glass acts almost like a marquee for the Theater District. 

That spirit continues throughout the hotel today. From its bold architecture to its art-filled interiors, theWit encourages guests to look twice. A hallway, window, piece of artwork, or view of the city can become part of the experience simply because you took the time to notice it.

A Different Kind of Night Out

Maybe the best way to experience theWit is after dark. Start downstairs with dinner and drinks at State & Lake, take in the lights of State Street, then head upstairs to ROOF for a completely different view of the city. With the Chicago Theatre District just outside, the energy of downtown is never far away.

After all, some of the most interesting stories are the ones you don’t expect to find. theWit’s mix of creative design, downtown energy, and unexpected details makes every stay feel a little different. Look closely, stay curious, and you may discover a side of the hotel you didn’t notice the first time around.

Come Curious

The next time you’re at State and Lake Chicago Tavern, take a little extra time to explore. Look up, look around, and pay attention to the details you might normally walk past. From the architecture outside to the artwork inside and the city views above, there’s always another perspective waiting to be discovered. After all, the most memorable hotel experiences aren’t always the ones you plan. Sometimes, they’re the ones you stumble upon.