Burr Ridge Swingers Party Prompts Criticism

BURR RIDGE, IL – In February, Burr Ridge Trustee Tony Schiappa denounced "inaccurate rumors" on social media about alleged "adult activities" at a local hotel.

He did not name the hotel.

But former Trustee Zach Mottl and others have gone online in the last couple of weeks to say that Schiappa was wrong. They pointed to a swingers party that took place at a local hotel.

On the weekend of April 29, the Red Party was held at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Burr Ridge.

Two people answering the hotel's phone at different times confirmed the event was taking place. One acknowledged it was a party for swingers. The hotel's general manager did not return a message for comment.

The event was held by Friends Night Out, which describes itself as a members-only lifestyle club.

"We host events where normal, everyday people can dress sexy and enjoy a private night out," its website says.

Before the event, critics of village officials posted screenshots of the party's advertisements.

One of the ads said, "FNO takes over the entire hotel on Saturday, April 30th. You don't want to miss this one." The Saturday Room & Play all-access ticket cost $200.

Schiappa brought up the issue of rumors about a hotel during a January meeting of the Economic Development Committee, meeting minutes show. He said such rumors could hurt the village's business environment.

Schiappa said a hotel manager told him about social media rumors about the alleged "adult activities." The manager said the rumors were inaccurate and harmed the business' reputation, Schiappa said.

Schiappa recommended that "they speak to the Police Department to see if there was anything they could do about their concerns or just to document them," according to the minutes.

Schiappa said social media rumors affect other businesses in the area.

In an interview last week, Schiappa said he was unaware of the party at Crowne Plaza. He said he had not heard any complaints about it and did not indicate which hotel he had been referring to in January.

"I'm Catholic. I go to church. That's not who I am. People who look for that stuff have alternative lifestyles. I don't look for it. That's why I don't know about it," Schiappa said. "What they do in their own room is what they do. If they want to lead a life like that, that's who they are. I don't look for that stuff. I'd rather read the Bible."