The Forester Hotel, First to Open in Lake Forest in 92 Years, to Debut in April 2021

A chic new hotel will open at 200 N. Field Drive, in Lake Forest, Illinois, in April 2021. The Forester Hotel, the first hotel to open in the community since 1929, is inspired by the city’s motto of “Naturae et Scientiae Amor,” or “love of science and nature.” As a Hyatt Place hotel, the Forester will offer all the comforts of Hyatt plus boutique elements like an upscale bistro and bar and more than 4,500 square feet of event space.

Touches of science and nature can be found throughout the hotel, a fun way for families to add an educational element to a hotel stay. The artwork is inspired by natural fractals, meeting rooms are named for native plants and flowers and the front desk is constructed of a solid, single white oak tree trunk. Bring the furry family members too, as the hotel is pet-friendly with complimentary parking in a lot adjacent to the premises. Each of the 156 guestrooms boast 55-inch, flat-screen, Smart HDTVs; complimentary WiFi; mini fridges; blackout curtains; and more.

For events large and small, The Forester Hotel will boast three event rooms and pre-function space, all featuring the latest technology. Several dining options will abound, with Oaken Bistro + Bar, and executive chef Kristen Burman, offering breakfast, lunch and dinner options of seasonal American cuisine flavored with adventurous twists.

“We are honored to be opening the first boutique-inspired Hyatt Place in the world in the picturesque city of Lake Forest,” said Marlena Karwowski, general manager. “Since Lake Forest has not welcomed a new hotel in nearly 100 years, we are excited for the opportunity to bring new offerings and become part of the community. Lake Forest has long been at a unique crossroads of preservation and progress by way of open lands backing up to modern office parks and the cobblestone streets of historic Market Square leading to Starbucks and Williams Sonoma, and this hotel is conceptualized at a similar juncture. We look forward to serving our local residents and visitors to Chicagoland by providing modern comfort and evolutionary service with a special emphasis on the beauty and science of nature in all that we do.”