Arrival/Check-in: I arrived late morning after a short flight from Boston. It was my first visit to Chicago, and I was eager to discover what inspires so many people to rave about the city. My first hint came as soon as the taxi stopped: the doorman opened the cab door and greeted me by name, an unexpectedly warm and personal welcome. Check-in was efficient and straightforward. Before long I was opening the door to my guestroom. (30/30)
Guest Quarters: The moment I entered my room I was struck by a full wall of windows framing an exceptional view of the landmark Chicago Water Tower and Lake Michigan beyond. A helpful bellman pointed out notable nearby sights, including Oprah Winfrey’s residence to the left and Macy’s diagonally across the street. The desk was thoughtfully positioned to make the most of the view. The décor combined soothing creams and browns, creating a calm, comfortable atmosphere. In keeping with a common contemporary hotel design, the bathroom and bedroom were separated by a louvered window; the louvers could be opened to let daylight into the bathroom or closed for privacy. One morning, while getting dressed, I noticed a shadow at the window and realized a window washer’s platform had paused at my level — a surprising, slightly amusing close encounter that prompted me to grab my robe. (29/30)
Services/Amenities: I had to head out for a meeting shortly after checking in and left a few items on the bed for pressing. I called housekeeping to request service and returned to find everything neatly pressed and hanging in the closet. The hotel’s compact yet well-equipped fitness room overlooks an indoor pool and the skyline beyond, offering a pleasant view I enjoyed from the elliptical each morning. Although I usually order room service for breakfast while traveling, the dining room’s bright atmosphere and panoramic views convinced me to dine there every morning instead. I also spent an afternoon on the rooftop patio with a glass of wine, taking in more of the stunning cityscape. The one notable drawback was a connectivity issue: in-room Internet access failed for the duration of my two-night stay. To work online, I had to take my laptop down to the lobby where the WiFi signal was available. The hotel offered a room change, but by the time they explored options there wasn’t a simple fix and I was preparing to depart. (38/40)
The Experience: Park Hyatt Chicago is a welcoming hotel in an excellent location. It offers the comfort and thoughtful service that make it easy for business travelers to feel at home whenever they visit the city.
Total Score: 97/100
Park Hyatt Chicago
800 N. Michigan Ave.
Chicago, IL 60611
tel 312 335 1234