Since 1927, The Talbott Hotel has been welcoming guests to Chicago with its convenient and coveted location in the vibrant Gold Coast neighborhood. However, in the 1960s, when Jack Kromelow and his son, Basil, purchased the hotel, the surrounding neighborhood lacked the glamour and elegance it boasts today.

While The Talbott Hotel served refined service and luxury accommodations, the area was littered with saloons frequented by questionable characters, creating a less attractive neighborhood for tourists. After working with neighborhood associations, city commissioners, and local business owners, the Kromelows successfully revitalized and renewed the area to the sophistication it is celebrated for today. Their persistence and tireless efforts were recognized by the city of Chicago when a section of Delaware Place, between State Street and Rush Street, was renamed "Honorary Jack Kromelow Way.”

Inspired by his travels across Europe, Basil longed to translate the romance and grandeur of hotels he visited to The Talbott Hotel. In 1987, Basil's vision was realized when the hotel underwent a redevelopment project, thoughtfully transforming the space to accommodate business and leisure travelers. Guestrooms were renovated, the front desk was relocated, and the lobby experienced a grand redesign. Creating an English manor feel, two twin mahogany parlors were built and furnished with twin carved wood mantels reclaimed from a Gold Coast mansion, antique rugs, fine artwork, deep leather sofas, and a hand carved banister imported from a London home.

Since 1987, The Talbott Hotel has experienced exciting improvements, including the addition of two meeting rooms, the Gallery Room, built in the space originally used by the Olendorf Gallery, and a larger venue designated the Victoria Room, named by Basil in honor of his mother Victoria.

In 2007, The Talbott Hotel became the first in the Midwest and one of the first in the nation to purchase wind power offset credits, resulting in the elimination of 100% of its electrical carbon footprint. Committing to innovative efforts for sustainability and energy efficiency led The Talbott Hotel to become recognized as one of the first Green Seal-certified hotels in the nation.