top of page

A Century of Chicago Elegance: Celebrating 100 Years of the Ambassador Gold Coast

For nearly a century, the Ambassador Gold Coast has been one of Chicago’s most iconic destinations — a place where history, glamour, and unforgettable moments come together. In 2026, the legendary hotel reaches a remarkable milestone: 100 years since its doors first opened in 1926, during the height of the Jazz Age.

To celebrate this historic occasion, The Chicago Hotel Collection Ambassador Gold Coast is hosting a once-in-a-lifetime celebration honoring the past, present, and future of this legendary Chicago landmark.



A Hotel That Helped Define Chicago’s Golden Age

When the Ambassador first opened in 1926, it quickly became one of the most fashionable places to stay in the city. Built by hoteliers Frank Bering and Ernie Byfield in Chicago’s prestigious Gold Coast neighborhood, the hotel was designed to offer a sophisticated yet residential experience surrounded by the city’s most elegant homes.


Over the decades, the property became synonymous with Chicago high society and celebrity culture. Hollywood legends and cultural icons regularly passed through its doors, with famous guests including Frank Sinatra, Marilyn Monroe, Elizabeth Taylor, Judy Garland, and Cary Grant.


Much of the hotel’s legendary reputation was shaped by The Pump Room, the world-famous restaurant inside the Ambassador. Opened in 1938, it became one of the most iconic dining rooms in America, known for its celebrity clientele and the famous “Booth One,” reserved for VIP guests.

For generations, the Ambassador was the place to see and be seen — a destination where Chicago’s cultural, social, and entertainment scenes intersected.



The Ambassador Enters a New Era

Today, the Ambassador continues its legacy as part of The Chicago Hotel Collection, a portfolio of boutique properties focused on delivering curated, locally inspired hospitality experiences.


The addition of the Ambassador to the collection marked a major moment for the brand, preserving one of Chicago’s historic hotels while ushering it into a new era for modern travelers. The property now blends its storied past with contemporary design, elevated guest experiences, and a vibrant event scene in the heart of the Gold Coast.


And now, exactly a century after its debut, the Ambassador is celebrating its legacy with a spectacular anniversary event.



The Ambassador Gold Coast 100-Year Anniversary Celebration

On April 17, 2026, guests are invited to step into history at the Ambassador Gold Coast 100-Year Anniversary Celebration — an unforgettable evening honoring a century of iconic moments.


This milestone event transforms the historic property into a celebration of Chicago style, culture, and nightlife. Guests will experience an evening inspired by the glamour that made the Ambassador famous, bringing together music, cocktails, and a stylish crowd in one of the city’s most legendary venues.


The night promises:


• A lively celebration of the Ambassador’s historic legacy

• DJs and music throughout the evening

• Signature cocktails and festive energy

• A stylish crowd celebrating one of Chicago’s most iconic hotels


From the Jazz Age beginnings of the 1920s to the vibrant Gold Coast of today, the event honors 100 years of stories, celebrations, and unforgettable moments inside the Ambassador’s walls.


For one extraordinary night, the hotel’s storied past and exciting future come together in a celebration worthy of a Chicago legend.


Tickets and event details:



Celebrating the Next 100 Years

Few buildings in Chicago carry the same legacy as the Ambassador Gold Coast. For a century, it has been a gathering place for artists, celebrities, travelers, and locals alike — a place where Chicago’s history has been written one unforgettable night at a time.


The 100-Year Anniversary Celebration is more than just an event. It’s a tribute to the generations of guests who have walked through these doors and a toast to the many stories still to come.


Join us as we celebrate 100 years of iconic moments, timeless glamour, and unforgettable nights at the Ambassador Gold Coast.


The first century was legendary. The next begins now. ✨

Comments


bottom of page