Description: Ok, so I admit I stayed at this hotel on my Dad's dime, so cost was not an issue for me, but if you enjoy and can afford ritzy hotels (with lots of people), you may want to consider staying at the Hyatt Regency Chicago. This hotel, ideally located in the heart of the city, has a plethora of amenities for all types of travelers.
Parking is $45 per night with in/out privileges, and there is non-Hyatt parking available nearby for $16 per 24 hours without in/out privileges. Valet parking is around $30.
Once inside, I was first overwhelmed by the sheer number of people in the lobby and check-in areas alone. This is a HUGE hotel comprised of two massive towers. My family (Dad, Mom, sister) and I waited about 15 minutes in a large line at check-out since the express check-in/check-out machines were out of order. We were told by an apologetic reservations associate that the only room available to us had one king-size bed, but that cots could be brought up for my sister and me. Our insistence that this would not do fell on deaf ears as there was a convention at the hotel that weekend (note to self—hotels with convention centers: great for meetings and events, bad for the typical tourist).
We reluctantly made the trek to our room in the West Tower, but when we actually saw the size of the room, we knew we needed to get tough with the hotel staff. After some skilled complaining by my father, the reservations associate relented and gave us a junior suite (cha-ching). This luxurious room was complete with two swiveling televisions, a king-size bed, couch, additional sinks, a fridge and a desk. And best of all, we had an incredible view of the Chicago River, the Magnificent Mile and even Lake Michigan.
More about the hotel…
The lobby/check-in area is located on two floors, and includes a casual restaurant, so-so gift shop and a very large bar/lounge called The Bar at 151; the place to party at night. There are five dining choices in total, from a chop house to Italian to a pub and piano bar. If I were you, I would do as I did and check out the abundance of other restaurants within blocks of the hotel.
The hotel also boasts a spa and small gym (opens early/closed late) with a fair amount of cardio machines, and a decent set of weight machines and free weights. Bonus—you can watch TV on all of the weight machines! Finally, there seemed to be a full array of business services including wireless access in the lobby and rooms, business supplies, equipment loans, and secretarial assistance.
Make sure you give the parking staff plenty of notice when you are ready to get your car back…we waited more than thirty minutes for ours at check-out time on a Sunday.
Check for specials, get more info or make a reservation at chicagoregency.hyatt.com.
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