Hotel EMC2
Intellectual boutique — think curiosity-driven design, Deco-inspired elegance, and enough technology to feel novel without being gimmicky. The lobby feels like a glamorous research library. The restaurant is the real social anchor.
Order room service from Leo and Cleo at least once — rate them 5 stars afterward and they will dance before they leave
Why It Matters
One of very few hotels in the US with an art-and-science concept executed with genuine rigor rather than surface-level theming. The robot attendants, Cleo and Leo, are a genuine draw — not a novelty stunt. Add in a James Beard-connected restaurant, a design by Rockwell Group, and a Streeterville location two blocks from the lakefront, and there is real substance behind the concept.
Hotel EMC2 opened in 2017 inside a 21-story Streeterville tower, designed by Rockwell Group around a single obsession: art meets science. The name is not an accident — it is Einstein's formula, and the whole property commits to the concept with kinetic lobby sculptures, a curated collection of Jonathan Plotkin moving illustrations, and stacks upon stacks of books. Rooms are compact but thoughtfully engineered, kitted out with brass gramophone amplifiers, 360° open-glass wet-lab showers, and robot room service delivered by Cleo and Leo.
Where You'll Stay
4 room types available
Double Queen Guest Room
The largest standard room at 400 sq ft and the only configuration that comfortably sleeps four. Extra space compared to the king and queen rooms makes this the one to book for families or two couples sharing. City view option available.
2 Queen BedsKing Guest Room
The standard king is compact at 300 sq ft but uses every inch well. Movable workstations with plug-in panels and amplifiers double as a desk setup, while the 360° open-glass wet-lab shower is the clear showpiece. Serta Perfect Sleeper plush pillowtop mattress, in-room Amazon Alexa, mood lighting controls, minifridge, and brass gramophone amplifier. City view available on some floors.
1 King BedKing Guest Room - Skyline View
Same footprint and features as the standard King but positioned for skyline views over Streeterville. Worth requesting at booking if you want the view payoff.
1 King BedQueen Guest Room
Single queen configuration at 300 sq ft, with the same science-forward amenity set as the King rooms. Good for solo travelers or couples who want to keep costs down. City view option available.
1 Queen BedThe Property
Eat & Drink
3 venues on property
Restaurant
Spa & Wellness
Treatment Menu
On Property
How you'll actually spend your days.
The hotel holds a curated collection of Jonathan Plotkin moving illustrations and original works by local and international artists displayed throughout the lobby, elevator banks, and restaurant. Kinetic sculptures and abstract artwork are spread across public areas. No formal tour guide — it is a self-paced exploration built into the property experience.
The Albert runs hands-on cooking events. Current programming includes a Coastal Italian Seafood Night focused on buying, cooking, and serving seafood, with dishes like linguine vongole, shrimp scampi with Calabrian chili, and lemon-herb roasted branzino. Check the hotel's event calendar for current class schedules.
The hotel has four event spaces: the Emmy Noether Room (overlooks The Albert restaurant), the Symmetry Room (connects to the outdoor terrace), plus two additional configurations. Combined capacity up to 110 guests. The third-floor terrace offers views over Ontario Street and is a popular social gathering spot.
Order anything from towels and toothbrushes to snacks and room service and have it delivered by the hotel's two robot attendants, Leo and Cleo. After delivery, guests can rate them 5 stars — at which point the robots will dance before departing. It is genuinely fun and not just a gimmick.
Amenities & Practical Info
The details that matter for planning.
Full business center available around the clock, complemented by the Archive Lounge's individual co-working stations for a more atmospheric work environment.
Complimentary high-speed Wi-Fi throughout public areas and all guest rooms.
A third-floor outdoor terrace attached to the Symmetry event space. Overlooks Ontario Street. Available for private gatherings and weddings.
Laundry pick-up service and dry cleaning available. No coin-op laundry on-site.
Two robot attendants — Leo and Cleo — operate 24/7 for in-room deliveries of amenities, snacks, towels, and room service items. Request via Amazon Alexa or text message.
Dogs welcome. Maximum 2 dogs per room. Non-refundable pet fee of $125. Two bowls and a plush dog bed provided upon request. No weight restriction per the Marriott page (though some third-party sources cite 50 lbs — verify directly).
Hotel EMC2 does not have an indoor or outdoor pool.
No on-site electric vehicle charging stations.
On-site valet parking at $65 per night. Restaurant guests get a discounted rate of $14. Nearest self-park option is Erie-Ontario Self Park, 0.2 miles away.
On-site fitness studio with gym equipment. Fitness classes are offered.
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