CHICAGO, Jan. 16 /PRNewswire/ -- In 2008, guests at the new Hotel Sax Chicago will find a new level of excitement that will stimulate their minds and amplify their hotel experience. "The Studio - experience by Microsoft" is a new entertainment lounge that offers guests the chance to experience the newest and most exciting entertainment and guest service technologies from Microsoft.

As part of its $25+ million renovation into one of the city's top luxury destinations, the Hotel Sax Chicago has joined forces with Microsoft's experiential branding team to provide unique technological amenities throughout the hotel. Providing a new level of value-added services, the most recent addition, The Studio - experience by Microsoft, is located on the hotel's sixth floor and is only accessible to hotel guests. It is open between 4pm and Midnight, seven days a week at no charge. This one-of-a-kind lounge features high-end laptop computers, Microsoft Zune MP3 players, Xbox gaming consoles, HD television screens, surround sound, movies and more.

Though the hotel first opened its doors in June 2007, management continues to unveil state-of-the-art entertainment amenities and unparalleled service. To create The Studio - experience by Microsoft, Hotel Sax Chicago's marketing and operations team worked with Microsoft's experiential branding team to provide an interactive environment that showcases the best in entertainment technologies. The Studio - experience by Microsoft offers patrons a private oasis where guests can play Xbox games, connect with other gamers around the world via the Xbox Live service, work in a social setting, download and listen to music from the hotel's music library via Microsoft's Zune music player or kick back and watch HDTV content and select movies in the home theater environment managed by Windows Media Center technology. Guests may also access local maps with suggestions for dining and entertainment via Windows Live services and hotel provided laptop computers.

Guests looking for an alternative entertainment experience will revel in all The Studio - experience by Microsoft has to offer. It showcases the latest in technological gaming such as Madden '08, Halo 3 and many socially-oriented and community games such as Activision's Guitar Hero, Rock Band, Scene It and Dance Dance Revolution. Tying the gaming experience together with movies, music and television is Windows Vista Media Center running on a home theater PC, interconnecting all the entertainment systems and allowing guests to interact and compete against one another.

Once in The Studio - experience by Microsoft, a Hotel Sax Chicago technology butler will be on service to help solve any problem, answer any questions or simply help guests relax as they order food or beverage selections off the menu of the Hotel's Crimson Lounge. White cushions and dark wood paneled walls line this gamer's heaven creating a space that feels intimate and modern. Suede couches and leather chairs, along with a plethora of pillows, offer a comfortable, classic lounge look. Specially designed LED lighting infuses the room with energy and intrigue. Five flat panel HD television screens and futuristic looking window seats add the final touch of comfort and tech flare.

"We're excited to offer guests a new source of entertainment within the comfort of the hotel," explained Mario Mazzini, General Manager of the Hotel Sax Chicago. "We hope to grow our relationship with Microsoft and continue to surprise our guests with these types of unexpected luxury and technological amenities."

The Studio - experience by Microsoft entertainment lounge is the perfect way for hotel guests to find entertainment outside of their rooms and interact with other guests, all within the comfort of the hotel. The space is perfect for business travelers, gamers or anyone who just wants to relax and watch a movie or the latest sporting event. For the socially-minded, the hotel will host regular movie nights, as well as competitive Guitar Hero, Rock Band and Scene It events. Kanye West, Samantha Ronson and Eddie Van Halen have already experienced the lounge during their stay at the Hotel Sax Chicago since its opening. Each has offered rave reviews in support of the concept. With the unveiling of The Studio - experience by Microsoft, the Hotel Sax Chicago with Microsoft has introduced the latest in guest service and hotel entertainment.

Capturing a seductive, yet vibrant ambiance, the Hotel Sax Chicago is the ultimate downtown Chicago luxury hotel destination. Located just steps away from the Chicago River in the city's celebrated Marina City, the 353-room hotel offers high-tech room amenities and meeting areas in a unique, urban resort setting, with access to six celebrated restaurants, a 25,000 square foot fitness facility, the 10 Pin upscale bowling lounge, and the world-renowned House of Blues music venue.

For room reservations, please call (877) 569-3742 or for more information visit the web site at http://www.hotelsaxchicago.com/.

Media Contact: Annie Neyman/Susan Schreiber Zapwater Communications annie@zapwater.com/susan@zapwater.com (312) 943-0333

CONTACT: Annie Neyman, annie@zapwater.com, or Susan Schreiber,
susan@zapwater.com, both of Zapwater Communications, for Hotel Sax Chicago,
+1-312-943-0333

Web site: http://www.hotelsaxchicago.com/