Posh hotel bar W XYZ impresses with ultra-modern vibe
Hotel bars are some of the hippest, swankiest and most interesting bars around. Most people assume that these bars are for out-of-towners, but why should they have all the fun? With the newly opened Aloft Chicago O'Hare in Rosemont, we now have a new drinking destination with W XYZ.
Motif: W XYZ is basically the main lobby of Aloft. There is no main entrance to the bar, as it is a part of the large front area. Though the bar has set hours, nothing will probably stop you from sitting down in one of the room's comfy chairs, of which there are a lot. The chairs and couches surround a large cushioned square that accommodates even more people. The seating area is dimly lit with candles on small end tables. There is also a fireplace against the wall, a television flashing crazy graphics and a newswire on the wall as well.
Next to the seating area outdoors, there appears to be a patio area for bargoers and those who might be swimming in the quaint pool near the patio.
Back indoors, there is also another seating area closer to the hotel's entrance. In this area there is a pool table that is completely free for one to play on - believe it or not. And if pool is not your game, near almost every seat throughout the bar, there are various board games and books for customers to enjoy.
The bar itself is ultra-modern looking with glowing lights that change color on the counter. The wall behind the bar is lit up in blue and a sandy yellow, radiating a cool and calming glow.
Service: The bar was not crowded, so I had no problem getting a drink from the bartender. The bartender did neglect to ask us if we wanted to start a tab, or even if we wanted to see a menu. Regardless, I received what I ordered, so I cannot complain too much.
Crowd: You can expect the crowd at W XYZ to be an eclectic bunch. Some patrons might be staying in the hotel, others stopping by for a drink after their movie at Muvico and various folks who want to check out this ultra-modern bar.
Sounds: Look for a DJ to spin some tunes on the weekend. During my visit, I overheard some dancier tunes from the Cardigans, the Ting Tings and other groups I have never heard of before.
Liquid consumption: W XYZ has a full bar selection. Some of the beers on tap include Blue Moon, Fat Tire, Miller Lite, Stella Artois and Goose Island Honker's Ale. W XYZ also has many cocktails, and its main fusions are pineapple chipotle tequila, wild blueberry vodka and Bartlett pear rum.
Food: The menu at W XYZ consists of small portions of finger foods.
Some of the items that you will find include sliders, tater tots, personal pizzas, buffalo bites, beer-battered cheese sticks, salsa, guacamole, chips, hummus and pretzel rolls.
Parking: There are plenty of spots in Aloft's large parking garage that it shares with Muvico. Just make sure to get your parking ticket validated at the front desk; if you don't, you'll have to shell out some money on your way out of the garage.
Overall: W XYZ, like Aloft, gives off a modern vibe but does not take itself too seriously. Yes, there are fancy seating areas, but no section goes without its fair set of board games. So while you might do your best to look cool while sipping your martini, good luck resisting the childish charms of Sorry! or Battle of the Sexes. Honestly, what could beat a cool drink, a comfortable patio (when it gets warm one of these days) and a board game at a hip hotel that you may or may not be staying at. Sorry out-of-towners, you're not the only ones who get to have fun here.
W XYZ
Facts: Aloft Chicago O'Hare, 9700 Balmoral Ave., Rosemont; (847) 671-4444; starwoodhotels.com/alofthotels
Hours: 5 p.m. to midnight Sunday through Thursday; noon to 1 a.m. Friday and Saturday