CHICAGO — Thompson Chicago (21 E. Bellevue Place), the luxury, lifestyle hotel located in Chicago’s Gold Coast neighborhood, announces a multi-tier partnership with first-of-its-kind, premier travel company Big Game Air. The luxury travel venture launched in August 2017 and merges private aviation with the convenience of same-day, round-trip travel to major sporting events. All-out weekend packages at Thompson Chicago including luxe pre-flight tailgating Penthouse receptions, VIP access to the 2018 Kentucky Derby, and all-inclusive hotel stays with private transportation and seats on a jet bound for the upcoming Big Ten Championship game are just a sampling of the lineup.
In addition to creating the bucket-list worthy itineraries—now available to Midwesterners, Chicagoans, and beyond—the partnership was forged to address the ever-evolving demand for layering impactful, immersive offerings into today’s travel experience.
“Today’s luxury hospitality market practically begs for us, as hoteliers, to rethink the formula for exceeding guests’ expectations—and we love this challenge,” says Thompson Chicago General Manager Steve Shern. “Travelers want more than just exclusive experiences; they are seeking personal fulfillment. We achieve this by infusing each property with relevant programming and dedicating time to securing partnerships that will create meaningful, memorable experiences for our guests. Our new collaboration with Big Game Air is the perfect example of this.”
Big Game Air, was founded by hospitality veterans and entrepreneurs Arturo Gomez and Todd Rubin, who combined their four decades of expertise with their love of sports and travel. Set to redefine how consumers enjoy sporting events, the luxury travel company seamlessly aligns with Thompson Chicago’s focus on bringing enrichment through transformative memories to guests’ fingertips.
“Big Game Air is addressing the increasing demand for engaging and unique sports experiences, by bringing the convenience and luxury of private aviation to the center of ultimate travel experiences,” says Arturo Gomez, CEO and co-founder of Big Game Air. “Partnering with stellar brands like Thompson Hotels is enabling BGA to take our venture packages to the next level, and better serve individual and business and corporate group travelers.”
Currently, an estimated 60% of Big Game Air individual passenger seat flights to upcoming professional and collegiate sporting events depart out of the Chicagoland area, with custom charter flights operating nationally.
The new partnership with Thompson Chicago grants guests driving in from regional areas access to Big Game Air’s long list of scheduled trips by offering discounted room rates, reduced ticket prices, catered “tailgating” baskets, in addition to the ease of crashing in comfort after the big day. Local Chicagoans looking to start and end their luxury game-day experience with personalized service may also elect to stay downtown and take advantage of the discounted rates, private transportation, and premier amenities. Details on the various packages are as follows:
• Big Ten Championship: Down and Back
Local and regional Big Ten fanatics are invited to attend the 2017 Big Ten Championship game at Indianapolis’ Lucas Oil Stadium on Saturday, December 2, via Thompson and Big Game Air. Guests will receive a 20% discount on 2-night stays over the weekend of the Midwest’s landmark college football game, 15% off individual tickets on the private jet headed directly to the stadium, and “an elevated tailgate basket” from Thompson Chicago’s on-site restaurant Nico Osteria to bring aboard. Private transfer to and from the airport, a hosted in-flight bar, and round-trip transportation to the stadium is included. Reservations require a minimum of four people and are subject to availability.
• The Pony Express: A Day at The Derby
Created for those who’ve always dreamt of joining the elite at Churchill Downs for the premier equestrian event of the year, Thompson Chicago and Big Game Air have teamed up to curate the ultimate VIP venture to the 2018 Kentucky Derby. Groups up to twelve guests can kick-off the weekend of a lifetime by checking into the Gold Coast hotel at their leisure the night prior, and awake to a private pre-flight mimosa reception in one of the hotel’s six bi-level Penthouses looking over the city of Chicago. From there, private transport will escort the group to their 12-passenger jet before heading south to Churchill Downs. A stocked bar and snacks await them within the aircraft, followed by round-trip transportation to the iconic grounds where the celebration continues with a VIP social hour. Reservations require one month advance notice and are subject to availability.
• Make Your Favorite Sports Fanatic’s Dream Come True
Thompson Chicago’s second annual Holiday Catalogue, which launched earlier this month, includes the option to purchase gift certificates for a lucky loved one during the season of giving. Thompson guests who book through the Holiday Catalogue will receive a special 10% discount on Big Game Air gift certificates booked for two seats on a future flight.
• The 2018 Line-up
Looking to the year ahead, the duo will pair up for a select list of national sporting events, granting future guests access to adventures that will make 2018 one to remember. The varied packages will offer visitors and guests the opportunity to finally do their game-day experience right for matches such as March Madness and PGA Masters in the spring, and collegiate and pro football games in the fall.
Those interested in receiving pricing information or further details on the Big Ten Championship: Down and Back, The Pony Express, future 2018 packages, or Holiday Catalogue gift certificates can email SalesSP@thompsonhotels.com. For the calendar of currently scheduled Big Game Air flights, please visit www.bgair.link.
About Thompson Chicago
Thompson Chicago is an award-winning hotel featuring 247 guest rooms and interiors by renowned British designer Tara Bernerd. The hotel boasts stunning views of both Lake Michigan and the city and is just steps away from Michigan Avenue, boutiques on Oak Street, and downtown’s finest dining and nightlife destinations. Situated off of the hotel’s lobby is Nico Osteria, an Italian seafood-driven restaurant by One Off Hospitality with a menu by James Beard “Outstanding Chef” Award-winner, Paul Kahan. Thompson Chicago also features 12,225 square feet of meeting, pre-function and catering space, accommodating up to 200 guests. In addition, the property offers private dining rooms and a reception area, as well as six two-level penthouse lofts. Thompson Chicago was named one of the top three hotels in Chicago by Travel + Leisure’s World’s Best Awards in 2017 and has received honors from Condé Nast Traveler’s Readers’ Choice Awards in 2017, 2016, 2015, and 2014. The hotel also appeared on Travel + Leisure’s 2014 “It List” as one of the “Best New Hotels around the Globe.” Follow @ThompsonChicago on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for news and updates. For additional information and to make reservations please visit www.thompsonhotels.com/hotels/thompson-chicago.
About Big Game Air
Big Game Air is a first-of-its-kind leading provider of luxury game day travel experiences for sports fans, adventure seekers and travel enthusiasts offering same-day, round-trip travel accommodations on private jets to high demand sporting events across the country. The luxury travel company is redefining how consumers enjoy sports experiences through private jet travel and on-the-ground transportation in sporting event cities, as well as offering custom jet hangar parties – including celebrity accompanied flights – and premium food and beverage options with local partners. Headquartered in Chicago, Big Game Air was founded by hospitality veterans and entrepreneurs, Arturo Gomez and Todd Rubin. Visit www.bgair.link for more information including flight schedules, custom packages, group charters and more.
About Thompson Hotels
Founded in 2001, Thompson Hotels is an international hospitality company that offers sophisticated luxury to its discerning clientele. The Thompson portfolio of lifestyle hotels introduces the newly-opened Thompson Playa del Carmen in Riviera Maya, Mexico and the recently-opened The Cape in Los Cabos, Mexico; Gild Hall and Smyth in New York City; Thompson Chicago; Thompson Toronto; Belgraves in London; and Thompson Miami Beach. Thompson Hotels also has multiple new projects in development, including The Beekman in Lower Manhattan, Thompson Seattle, and Thompson Nashville. Thompson Hotels is a Commune Hotels & Resorts brand. Follow @ThompsonHotels on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for news and updates. For more information, please visit www.thompsonhotels.com.
About Two Roads Hospitality
Created in September 2016, Two Roads Hospitality is an international lifestyle hotel company encompassing an unrivaled collection of distinctive properties, passionate people, and remarkable experiences around the globe. The company is named for the newly-merged Commune and Destination Hotels, bringing together over 40 years of combined expertise exclusively dedicated to the boutique and lifestyle space. The company is comprised of Joie de Vivre Hotels, Thompson Hotels, Destination Hotels, tommie and Alila Hotels & Resorts. For news and updates, follow us on Twitter (@TwoRoadsHotels), or like us on Facebook.
