Review: Park Hyatt Chicago

On my recent trip to Chicago, I had the privilege of staying at the newly renovated Park Hyatt. It’s among the nicest hotels I’ve stayed at in the past five years.

Despite having (according to an employee, at least) the worst room in the building, I was blown away by its spaciousness and thoughtful design. The service was similarly exceptional, as were the facilities. 

Booking the Park Hyatt Chicago

For one night in a standard room, I redeemed 29,000 World of Hyatt points. Given cash rates were around $700 per night, I thought this was good value. Since the Park Hyatt Chicago is a Category 6 property, you can find rooms for as low as 21,000 points per night during off-peak periods.

Hyatt has just two transfer partners, so if you don’t have enough Hyatt points on hand for a redemption, you can transfer Chase Ultimate Rewards or Bilt Rewards Points.

Location

The Park Hyatt occupies floors 2-18 of the Park Tower skyscraper, located at 800 North Michigan Avenue in Chicago’s ritzy Magnificent Mile neighborhood. The entrance sits underneath an imposing curved glass and metal awning.

Lobby & check-in

Walking into the front door, you’ll immediately enter the main lobby which looks modern and elegant.

To the left of the entrance, you’ll find a much cozier but no less gorgeous sitting room with plenty of seating and two large windows.

I think this space is very well done and a comfortable place to read or work.

Room

I was assigned room 1709. When I was given the room key, I actually got an apology from the front desk employee, who told me that although he tried to upgrade me, a completely full house meant I was in an entry-level room. As I opened the door to 1709, expecting the worse, I was pleasantly surprised by a spacious, airy, and sun-filled room.

The focal point of the room is a large rectangular window and a leather bench running its length.

In front of the window is a small table and two comfortable chairs that match the color of the pillows on the window bench.

The king-size bed is supremely comfortable and the white linens were super soft.

On the bedside table is a tablet that displays the time and the weather, lets you play music, and connects to the guest services desk. I thought the light from the tablet might be annoying at night, but it dimmed enough in the dark that I could barely tell it was on.

On the other bedside table is a set of buttons to control lights and the electronic window shades. It was really nice to be able to control the shades from the bed.

In front of the bed is a smart TV, which allows you to Chromecast or AirPlay content from your own device.

Next to the TV is a cupboard with various glasses and mugs, bottles of wine, free water, and old-fashioned mix, as well as a Nespresso machine.

Below that is a drawer containing some of the most overpriced snacks I’ve ever come across. 

Just look at these prices!

Below the drawer is a refrigerated drawer with various alcoholic beverages and Evian water.

Directly across from the entrance of the room is the bathroom. It’s equipped with two sinks facing one another, a separate room with a toilet, and a very spacious rain shower. 

The toiletries are produced by Le Labo, one of my very favorite perfume brands. 

Gym

I went to the gym twice during my stay, and both times it was empty. Near the entrance, you’ll find a number of cardio machines, including treadmills, a Stairmaster, a rowing machine, and a Peloton.

Moving further into the gym, you’ll see free weights, as well as a few machines.

There was also a device called a Tonal, but I couldn’t get it to work.

Pool & spa

Next to the gym is the Nomi Spa, with massages costing $195 for 50 minutes or $275 for 80 minutes. Facials are also available, and range in price from $200 to $375.

Next to the spa are steam rooms and saunas in the men’s and women’s changing rooms. 

A large pool sits on the side of the building and is flanked by five large windows looking out over downtown. 

There’s also a rather sad-looking hot tub that could fit a maximum of three people comfortably.

Restaurant & bar

Though three restaurants are listed on the Park Hyatt’s website, The Lounge, The Garden, and The Kitchen, the first two have the same menu. The Lounge and The Garden are more casual than The Kitchen and the food is more or less what you’d expect from a bistro at a high-end hotel–unadventurous and expensive. The views from The Garden are probably worth the price and, on a warm day, the vibe is worth the price.

The Kitchen is the more upmarket option, with refined American fare and a sushi bar. I didn’t get to eat here, but I’d strongly urge hotel guests, especially those visiting Chicago for a short time, to venture into the West Loop for far more interesting food options at a similar or better price.

Service

This is where the hotel truly shined. From the moment I arrived, I was treated with warm, personalized attention. The staff greeted me by name each time I entered and exited the hotel, pretty impressive considering there are 182 rooms at the property. 

One great example of the impeccable service I was provided was when I mentioned during check-in that I’d just realized I’d left my nail clippers at my previous hotel. Around 30 minutes later, a housekeeper knocked on my door with a pair of nail clippers in Walgreens packaging. Obviously, someone had run to a nearby Walgreens, purchased the clippers, and come back in the span of half an hour. Pretty cool.

Conclusion

I’m not easy to impress, but the Park Hyatt Chicago was the real deal. Sure, I was given what they said was the “worst room” in the place, but, honestly, it was a knockout–spacious, stylish, and super comfortable. The lobby was an elegant spot to get work done and The Garden is as gorgeous a breakfast setting as any you’d find in the city.

But what made the stay truly stand out was the next-level service. I mean, the staff remembered my name every time I walked through the door. And when I mentioned forgetting my nail clippers? Bam, thirty minutes later, a brand new pair shows up at my door. Who does that? 

From start to finish, my stay was a pleasure, and I can confidently say that the Park Hyatt Chicago is worth those Hyatt points you’ve got stashed away.