'Bringing back community' is the philosophy at Oak Brook Hills resort
An interview with Steven Ellingsen, general manager at Hilton Chicago/Oak Brook Hills Resort & Conference Center.
Q: Tell us a little bit about the property.
A: The Hilton Chicago/Oak Brook Hills Resort & Conference Center is a multifaceted retreat. Just 30 minutes from either downtown Chicago, O'Hare or Midway, we're centrally situated in the middle of it all. Yet, with 150-plus acres of Audubon certified championship golf course grounds, guests feel like they're getting away from it all. Above all, our philosophy here is centered around the idea of "bringing back community." Whether it's a holiday family event in the grand ballroom or a business luncheon for 500, we look to give guests unforgettable memories tailored just to their liking.
Q: Tell us about B. restaurant.
A: The B. is a full-service restaurant, patisserie and lounge. Our brand promise is to deliver a "casually dramatic" dining experience in the heart of the western suburbs. Chef Sean Curry's structure of the rotating farm-fresh menu is conducive for repeat guests. Contemporary, globally artistic offerings range from shared plates, charcuterie and thin crust wood fire oven pizzas drizzled with house-farmed B. Honey, to chef-crafted entrees that can be paired with any number of courses or ordered individually. At B., the focus is on local, fresh and seasonal. Breakfast, lunch and dinner menus are inspired by a hyperlocal farm-to-table philosophy, with many of the ingredients sourced from local farms or beehives (tended to by Curry - also a certified beekeeper). The open floor plan emphasizes a social environment, where a sense of "community" is paramount. Floor-to-ceiling windows give way to spectacular, unparalleled views of natural prairies, rolling hills and reflecting ponds.
Q: What does the venue have to offer when it comes to corporate meetings?
A: We boast more than 42,000 square feet of newly renovated, flexible event space for business meetings, conferences, retreats, banquets and social events. Oak Brook Hills is an International Association of Conference Centers certified meeting center, and a professional staff is responsive to specialized needs for corporate groups and organizations. The hotel has 36 meeting venues and 42,500 square feet of meeting and exhibition space combined. Our facilities include a 13,000 square foot grand ballroom with a capacity of 1,500; a tiered amphitheater with theater seating for 145; more than 20 breakout rooms; and multiple reception sites including an outdoor tent.
Q: And what about golf?
A: Willow Crest Golf Club is home to several professional and amateur golf events, offering quality playing conditions on its 18-hole championship golf course designed by eminent architect Dick Nugent. The par 70 includes multiple teeing areas accommodating golfers of all experience levels. Willow Crest Golf Club is recognized as one of the finest golf resort courses in the Midwest, having been named one of the "Top Public Golf Courses" in Illinois by Chicagoland Golf.
Q: Describe the atmosphere.
A: Oak Brook Hills exudes a lifestyles-resort feel with a group conference-meeting mindset. The resort is managed and operated by Westmont-based Portfolio Hotels & Resorts, pioneers in the "boutique" hotel industry. Although we run a large operation here, we do so with a boutique mindset. ... The result is a laid-back, comfortable country club mood whether you're here to golf, attend a meeting, or spend the night.
Q: What are people in your industry taking about?
A: The impact of Millennials comes to mind. They are the first generation to grow up online and are most comfortable with the internet, cellphones and social media. They research online before making decisions, therefore it is important to have a very strong online presence. This means interesting and relevant social media messaging across all platforms, positive reviews (and responses) on Trip Advisor and Google and engaging promotions. Millennials seem to look for hotels that are affordable and close to where they want to be. Important amenities for them are free, fast Wi-Fi, the ability to make room reservations and check in online, green initiatives, quality service and experience-based stays.
Q: Tell us a little about yourself. What is your past experience in the industry?
A: I'm a California native with a long track record of helping hotels maximize performance. I started in hospitality more than 20 years ago with The Ritz Carlton Hotel Company before pursuing other opportunities around the country to perfect my craft. By the time I was in my mid-30s, I received my first GM role and never looked back. I gained perspective by taking on new challenges around the country rather than staying put. At Oak Brook Hills, I'm focused on bringing back community and delivering experience-based stays for guests.
Q: Tell us one interesting fact about the venue that most people may not know.
A: The resort offers a wide variety of relaxation options. In addition to indoor and outdoor pools, tennis and volleyball courts, and the 18-hole championship golf course, we feature indoor golf simulators, where golfers can test themselves on over 80 international courses all from one location, whether winter or summer, rain or shine. We also are launching an exciting new spa, where we can offer hotel guests and local community members alike the opportunity to partake in an array of health and wellness programs.
Hilton Chicago/Oak Brook Hills Resort & Conference Center
Business: Hilton Chicago/Oak Brook Hills Resort & Conference Center
Address: 3500 Midwest Road, Oak Brook, IL 60523
Phone: (630) 850-5555
Owner: Portfolio Hotels & Resorts
Number of employees: 335
When business opened: Portfolio Hotels & Resorts (owners) took over on April 11, 2014
Web address: oakbrookhillsresort.com