Half a century ago, several architecturally significant buildings transformed Chicago’s skyline and helped reestablish the city as a world-class destination. About a year after the Sears Tower (now Willis Tower) rose as the world’s tallest building, Hyatt Regency Chicago opened in August 1974. A second tower was completed in 1980, making the hotel one of the city’s most ambitious developments, complete with an above-ground skyway and an underground concourse.
Today, the landmark hotel remains a major presence on East Wacker Drive along the Chicago River. With 2,032 guestrooms, convenient walking access to premier attractions like the Magnificent Mile, Navy Pier and Millennium Park, and 240,000 square feet of flexible meeting space, the property continues to serve both leisure and business travelers at the highest level.
© Hyatt Regency Chicago
A recent $150 million renovation raises the hotel’s standard even higher. Beyond extensive updates to guestrooms and suites, the project refreshed the lobby and revitalized the Regency and Crystal ballrooms. This latest investment follows a $168 million rejuvenation of lobby and meeting facilities, reinforcing the hotel’s reputation as a premier venue for large-scale conferences and events while maintaining the same attention to detail for smaller gatherings.
Guestrooms now feature a modern, uncluttered design that supports both work and relaxation. The new layout emphasizes open, flexible spaces, contemporary furniture, plush textiles and thoughtful amenities. Art installations and design touches pay homage to Chicago’s artistic and architectural heritage, with Art Deco accents and a color palette inspired by the city’s classic Greystone buildings.
© Hyatt Regency Chicago
While some of Chicago’s best steakhouses and boutique restaurants sit nearby, Hyatt Regency Chicago now hosts four distinctive dining concepts on-site. American Craft Kitchen & Bar serves farm-to-table dishes in an open setting framed by views of the city’s architecture. Stetson Modern Steak + Sushi focuses on sustainably sourced beef and seafood. BIG Bar, notable for housing the longest freestanding bar in North America, offers handcrafted cocktails, pub fare and views of the Chicago River. Market Chicago caters to convention attendees, business travelers and busy visitors with grab-and-go options, ready meals and Starbucks coffee.
© Hyatt Regency Chicago
Reflecting the original architects’ forward-looking vision, the hotel has long attracted events with a focus on the future. One notable example is the World Science Fiction Convention: the property served as host for the convention’s 40th, 49th, 58th, 70th and 80th editions in 1982, 1991, 2000, 2012 and 2022, respectively—underscoring the hotel’s enduring appeal to large, international gatherings and culturally significant events.