The Lost City of Pompeii Comes to Chicago this Fall

One of the world's most famous volcanoes, Mount Vesuvius, and the city of Pompeii are the focal points of one of the year's most highly-anticipated exhibits, Pompeii: Stories from an Eruption at the Field Museum in Chicago from October 22, 2005 through March 26, 2006. The Millennium Knickerbocker Hotel is offering the opportunity for its guests to learn about this cataclysmic event in history with its Pompeii Package, which includes overnight accommodations, two tickets to the exhibit, full-course American breakfast for two in the hotel's NiX Bistro, and evening turndown service.

Rates for the package begin at $209 from October 21, 2005, through December 11, 2005. From December 12, 2005, through March 2006, the package rates start at $149. Rates will vary by season and day of the week. For reservations call 800-621-8140 or visit www.millenniumhotels.com.

About the Pompeii: Stories from an Eruption Exhibit
The city of Pompeii, Herculaneum and many smaller villages around the Bay of Naples were among the richest agricultural and port regions of the Roman Empire. They were destroyed by volcanic lava from the erupting Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD and remained buried under the volcanic ash for 16 centuries until their rediscovery in the 17th century.

The Pompeii: Stories from an Eruption Exhibit tells the heart-rending story of the inhabitants who lost their lives and the society that was destroyed in the epic disaster. The exhibit features poignant human casts, valuable jewelry, coins and silver, brilliantly colored frescoes and mosaics and everyday objects such as tools, keys. This remarkable exhibit will provide visitors a window into a world once thought lost.

For more information on the Field Museum and exhibit visit www.fieldmuseum.org.

About the Millennium Knickerbocker Hotel
A venerable establishment among Chicago hotels, The Millennium Knickerbocker has a storied and intriguing past. The landmark hotel was constructed in 1927 for a then-staggering amount of $3 million. Millennium Hotels and Resorts purchased the hotel in 2000 and made a substantial investment to preserve this historic building for future generations of Chicagoans and guests. The recent renovation of all 305 guestrooms, in a luxurious European style, maintains the hotel's timeless elegance while providing state-of-the-art guest accommodations. The Millennium Knickerbocker Hotel is a four-diamond AAA rated hotel and is a member of the Historic Hotels of America. The Millennium Knickerbocker celebrated its 75th anniversary in 2002, making it one of the city's most historic hotels.

Interestingly, during the Prohibition, the hotel's penthouse, which houses two small ballrooms, served as a casino and a secret doorway leading away from the casino to the floor below was later discovered. Al Capone was rumored to be a frequent visitor to the hotel at that time. In the 1970s, the hotel also served as the Chicago outpost of the rollicking Playboy Towers and Playmate Bar.

The Millennium Knickerbocker today has the feel of a boutique hotel, providing quality and personalized service with the ability to meet modern needs. A contemporary restaurant, NiX, and the Martini Bar located in the lobby means guests can enjoy a meal or cocktail without leaving the comfortable confines of the hotel.

The hotel's 18,000 square feet of meeting space includes the renowned 5,000 square-foot Crystal Ballroom featuring a gilded, 28-foot-high domed ceiling; two Tower Suite meeting rooms on the top floor; eight conference parlors; and an executive boardroom.

The hotel is located downtown, just off the Magnificent Mile, Chicago's famous entertainment, shopping and dining district and home to the city's famous Water Tower landmark. With such a prime location it is no surprise that many luminaries have stayed at the Millennium Knickerbocker including former presidents Richard Nixon and John F. Kennedy (under the assumed name of Dave Powers), the Rolling Stones, Muhammad Ali and actress Daryl Hannah, who resided at the hotel as a child.

For more information please visit www.millenniumhotels.com or www.maritim.com.

SOURCE Millennium Hotels