Photo: Sheraton Hotels
Rising along the Chicago River in the heart of downtown, the Sheraton Grand Chicago Riverwalk is one of the city’s largest and most prominent luxury properties. With over 1,200 guestrooms, expansive meeting spaces, and sweeping views of the skyline and Lake Michigan, the hotel balances a contemporary aesthetic with timeless hospitality. Its scale and reputation make operational efficiency and guest comfort equally critical, setting a high bar for any new technology investment.
As one of Starwood Hotels & Resorts’ flagship properties, the Sheraton Grand Chicago Riverwalk sought a solution that aligned sustainability with financial performance. Owned by Tishman Hotels, the property turned to Telkonet’s Energy Management System to reduce operating costs without compromising guest comfort.
“From a guest comfort perspective, we wanted high-end energy management technology throughout all of our guestrooms,” said Ryan Egan, Chief Engineer at Sheraton Chicago. “We also required an attractive ROI for the project to make sense financially. After qualifying for a substantial rebate through the ComEd Smart Ideas for Your Business® program, the installation was the clear choice.”
Intelligent control, measurable insight
With smart thermostats installed in each guestroom, the hotel gained precise control over HVAC performance and energy usage. The EMS platform delivers real-time room-by-room data, enabling engineering staff to track performance, respond to guest requests, and identify units in need of preventive maintenance.
“With the EMS platform, I have complete control of individual HVAC units to maintain consistent comfort for our guests,” said Egan. “And with a 30-month payback, we’ll soon be able to make additional improvements that further enhance the guest experience.”
Sustainable, lasting results
- 37% reduction in annual guestroom electricity costs – from $452,637.88 to $287,168.66
- 30-month ROI through energy savings and rebates
- Recognition as part of Retrofit Chicago’s Commercial Building Initiative
By pairing measurable savings with a seamless guest experience, the Sheraton Grand Chicago Riverwalk established itself as a leader in sustainable hospitality in one of the nation’s most competitive urban markets.