At Hotel EMC2 in Chicago, science meets hospitality in unusual ways. From laboratory-themed décor to robot room service delivered by Cleo and Leo, the hotel blends technology with playful design.
Meeting the robots at Hotel EMC2
The lift stops unexpectedly on the 9th floor. Someone is getting in on the way up.
The doors open and Cleo rolls inside. She is undeniably cute. She is also a robot.
This is a typical moment at Chicago‘s Hotel EMC2, where two robots named Cleo and Leo deliver room service around the building.
The science-inspired design at Hotel EMC2
The hotel proudly embraces a strong science and creativity theme. Its restaurant is named after Albert Einstein, while microscopes have been converted into decorative lamps.
In the bathrooms, rose-gold poles hold glass test tubes filled with paper flowers.
By the entrance, a quote from Leonardo da Vinci summarises the concept:
“Study the science of art. Study the art of science. Develop your senses. Learn how to see. Realise that everything connects to everything else.”
Five great things to do in Chicago
- 🏙️ Marvel at the skyscrapers – on a Chicago River architecture cruise.
- 🖼️ Take an interiors architecture tour – to see stunning glass art and mosaics.
- 🍕 Taste Chicago’s favourite dishes – on a city favourites food tour.
- 🌆 Visit the Willis Tower observation deck – and see the city from above.
- 🕵️ Discover Chicago’s gangster heritage – on a crime and mob tour.
Robot room service at Hotel EMC2
High-minded ideas about science and creativity quickly take a back seat once guests notice the robots moving around the hotel.
They are a clear gimmick, but an extremely entertaining one.
Cleo and Leo deliver items to guest rooms, such as towels, bottles of water or toiletries that travellers may have forgotten.
In practice, the system also encourages curious guests to request items simply to see how the robots work.
How the Hotel EMC2 robot delivery works
Requests can be made by phone or text message.
Shortly afterwards, a notification appears on the television inside the room announcing that Cleo or Leo has arrived.
Opening the door reveals a small robot waiting outside.
In simple terms, the robot resembles a bin on wheels. It travels along the corridors while making cheerful electronic sounds reminiscent of R2-D2 from Star Wars.
What happens when the robot arrives
When Cleo arrives, she makes a cheerful sound and lifts her lid to reveal the delivery inside.
On this occasion, the compartment contains a towel, a bottle of water and a toothbrush.
The robot appears eager to complete the task, almost like a dog proudly carrying a stick.
Once the items have been removed, she turns around and heads back towards the lift.
Why book a stay at Hotel EMC2?
- 🤖 Robot Butlers (Leo & Cleo): Experience the future with autonomous robotic attendants that deliver towels, water, and other guest essentials directly to your room.
- 🔬 Art-and-Science Theme: Immerse yourself in a uniquely themed boutique environment dedicated to discovery, featuring design elements inspired by Einstein and a stunning 12,000-book library.
- 🏙️ Prime Streeterville Location: Stay just one block away from the Magnificent Mile, placing you within easy walking distance of Navy Pier, the Museum of Contemporary Art, and world-class shopping.
- 🍽️ The Albert Restaurant: Dine in a library-inspired “mad lab” atmosphere at the on-site restaurant, which serves seasonal contemporary American cuisine with an Italian flair.
- 🛁 Innovative “WetLab” Showers: Enjoy well-designed rooms featuring glass-enclosed private showers, Amazon Alexa connectivity, and unique brass gramophones for phone amplification.
How the robots interact with guests
The screen on the front of the robot functions as a face.
When entering the lift with other guests, a message appears:
“Pardon me, I’m on a delivery.”
Inside the lift, a short video plays showing Leo and Cleo finishing a day of work delivering flowers and meeting each other afterwards.
The clip suggests a gentle romance between the two robots.
Why book the Big Bus Chicago Hop-On Hop-Off Tour?
- 🚌 Unlimited Hop-On Hop-Off: Explore the Windy City at your own pace with a pass that allows you to join and rejoin the tour at any of the 11+ strategically located stops.
- 🏙️ Iconic Chicago Sightseeing: See the city’s most famous landmarks, including the Navy Pier, Skydeck Chicago (Willis Tower), the Magnificent Mile, and Millennium Park.
- 🎧 Informative Audio Commentary: Learn about Chicago’s rich history, world-class architecture, and vibrant culture through entertaining narration available in multiple languages.
- 📸 Unobstructed Top-Deck Views: Ride on an open-top, double-decker bus to capture perfect photos of the city’s towering skyscrapers and the beautiful Lake Michigan shoreline.
- ⏱️ Flexible Ticket Options: Choose a 24, 48, or 72-hour pass to perfectly fit your travel itinerary, with the freedom to spend as much time as you like at each attraction.
The technology behind the robots
The technology that powers the system is impressive.
The robots connect with the hotel’s television system, communicate with the lifts and navigate the corridors independently.
Yet despite this advanced integration, the robots rarely feel like serious pieces of machinery.
Instead, they behave more like friendly pets roaming the building.
Why the robots are so popular with guests
For all the talk about the relationship between science and art, the true appeal of the robots lies somewhere else entirely.
Their success comes from simple human sentimentality.
Watching them roll along the corridors, making cheerful noises and delivering towels, tends to make guests smile.
If that results in hundreds of unnecessary towel deliveries each week, the hotel appears perfectly happy with the trade-off.
Nearby attractions near Hotel EMC2
- Millennium Park: Home to the famous Cloud Gate sculpture, often called “The Bean”.
- Art Institute of Chicago: One of the most important art museums in the United States.
- Navy Pier: A busy lakeside attraction with restaurants, rides and views over Lake Michigan.
- Magnificent Mile: Chicago’s main shopping district along Michigan Avenue.
- Chicago Riverwalk: A pedestrian waterfront area lined with restaurants and boat tour docks.
Hotel EMC2 visitor information
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Where is Hotel EMC2? | Hotel EMC2 is located in downtown Chicago, Illinois, close to the Magnificent Mile and Lake Michigan. |
| Does Hotel EMC2 really use robots? | Yes. Two robots named Cleo and Leo deliver items such as towels and toiletries to guest rooms. |
| What is the theme of Hotel EMC2? | The hotel combines science and art, reflected in laboratory-style décor and references to famous scientists. |
| Is Hotel EMC2 near Chicago attractions? | Yes. The hotel is within walking distance of Millennium Park, the Art Institute of Chicago and the Magnificent Mile. |
| Who are Cleo and Leo? | Cleo and Leo are delivery robots that transport room service items around the hotel. |
More Chicago travel
Other Chicago travel articles on Planet Whitley include:
- Experiencing different pizza styles in Chicago’s West Loop.
- A guide to Chicago’s best neighbourhoods for visitors.
- Practical guide to visiting the Shedd Aquarium.
- A guide to parking at the Field Museum.
- Practical guide to visiting the Chicago Children’s Museum on Navy Pier.
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