CHICAGO, January 5, 2016 – Sofitel Chicago Water Tower is bringing their version of Paris’ Pont des Arts “Love Locks” bridge to the Windy City. As homage to the famous bridge in Paris, romantics can attach locks to an interactive display at the entrance of the hotel declaring their eternal love and friendship throughout the entire month of February. Locks can be purchased at the hotel for $5 each or couples can bring their own. At the end of the month, the display will be taken down and stored until the following February when it returns with all of its locks from previous years.
Those looking for a grander Love Locks experience have two options to choose from:
- Café des Architectes – All patrons that purchase two entrees throughout the month of February will receive a padlock and permanent marker for customizing. A special Valentine’s Day prix fixe menu will be available for dinner starting at 5pm from February 12 – 14.
- Love Locks Hotel Package (valued at $7,000) – This package includes accommodations at Sofitel Chicago Water Tower’s luxurious Presidential Suite, a brilliant diamond and platinum heart lock pendant necklace, padlock for interactive exhibit and a welcome bottle of Dom Pérignon.*
Since 2008, tourists flocked to the Pont des Arts bridge in Paris, in order to leave the “love locks” padlocks in the grating of the bridge as a gesture of a couple’s eternal love. Locks were personalized with a short note or the names of those that were declaring their love. It is estimated by the city that at its pique the bridge held over 800,000 locks weighing about 45 tons. The overwhelming amount of love locks eventually compromised the integrity of the bridge and in June of 2015, locks were taken down and replaced with panels displaying local artwork. Sofitel Chicago Water Tower is looking to bring the romantic tradition alive again at their hotel already rich with French heritage.
* Must book at least 6 days in advance of arrival date. Reservation must be fully prepaid upon time of booking. Bookable by calling Sofitel Chicago Water Tower directly at 877.813.7700. Package available the month of February. Based upon availability.