UPDATE: New Conrad Hotel May Bring Two Restaurants & A Bar Downtown

UPDATE: Reps from the hotel advise that the restaurants and bar plans are only preliminary. They continue to finalize their offerings and will have a more formal announcement by February. A rooftop bar is no guarantee. Full post for follows.

Hilton's bringing a new Conrad Hotel this spring near Michigan Avenue, and the 289-room hotel will include two restaurants and a rooftop bar. The downtown spot will stand at 101 E. Erie St. just west of the Mag Mile.

The hotel plans a ground floor café, and management says it will delve into River North's Italian heritage. Perhaps that's a nod to the old Italian community settled near Merchandise Mart? Cocktail parties from the 1950s and 1960s will influence the other restaurant, on the 20th floor, according to reps. The adjoining rooftop bar will showcase the city's skyline from three sides.

It's not the first Conrad in Chicago, a relatively new brand for Hilton. The Conrad Chicago at 521 N. Rush St. was re-dubbed as The Gwen in September, converted to a Starwood Hotel. Keep it here for more updates on the food and beverage options for the new project.