The nighttime view of the Wrigley Building and the Chicago River from a Hyatt Regency Chicago guest room, featuring the illuminated clock tower and light streaks from passing traffic.

Hyatt RegencyChicago, United StatesAugust 2022

Hyatt Regency Chicago Review

Name: Hyatt Regency Chicago
Address: 151 E Wacker Dr, Chicago, IL 60601, USA, Chicago, US

By the Globalist Notes coupleStayed, photographed, and reviewed in person

An urban hotel located directly on the Chicago Riverwalk, ideal for walking to major attractions and offering impressive, panoramic river views from guest rooms.

RomanticUrbanModern

Key Points from This Stay

Suite UpgradeJunior Suiteupgrade byGlobalist BenefitResort Fee$30waived byGlobalist Benefit

ParkingValet · $62waived byGlobalist BenefitValet parking fee$92waived byGlobalist Benefit

Indoor Pool

This Stay at a Glance

The Hyatt Regency Chicago is an unbeatable home base for exploring downtown. Situated right on the Chicago Riverwalk, it’s perfectly positioned for walking to major landmarks like Millennium Park, Cloud Gate, and the Magnificent Mile. During our visit in the sweltering heat of August, having the hotel as a central hub to easily transition between sightseeing and cooling off was the highlight of our trip.

We were assigned a high-floor Junior Suite with panoramic views of the Chicago River and the Wrigley Building. We enjoyed the vibrant riverfront scenery by day and the spectacular city lights by night directly from our room, which made a rooftop bar unnecessary. Rather than a resort-style property where you might spend your entire stay on-site, this is an optimal choice for travelers looking to explore downtown Chicago efficiently. Please note that the rooms have been renovated since our August 2022 stay, so check the official website for the most current interior details.

A view of the Chicago skyline from a Hyatt Regency Chicago guest room, featuring the Wrigley Building clock tower, the bridge over the Chicago River, and surrounding skyscrapers. Kayaks are visible on the river below on a clear day. — The view of the Chicago River and the Wrigley Building from our guest room. Taking in the city's architecture from above was a highlight of our stay.

The spacious, open-concept lobby of the Hyatt Regency Chicago. The view looks down from the second-floor bar and lounge area toward the ground-floor seating, with high ceilings, grid-pattern lighting, and floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the city. — The expansive, airy lobby at the Hyatt Regency Chicago makes for a refreshing arrival. The layout flows directly into the second-floor bar, offering a clear sense of the hotel's lively atmosphere.

Room Upgrade Experience

Room on this stayJunior Suite

Our Junior Suite was on a high floor, offering panoramic views of the Chicago River and the Wrigley Building. While the bedroom and living area weren't fully partitioned, the space in front of the bed was generous, and the efficient layout of the daybed and work desk made it well-suited for both work and downtime.

The living area featured two facing sofas and a glass table, providing plenty of room for conversation or a quick meal. Watching the riverboats pass by and seeing the riverside lights at night made the room an excellent vantage point, effectively eliminating the need to visit a separate rooftop bar.

A view from a Hyatt Regency Chicago guest room overlooking the Chicago River, the Wrigley Building, and the surrounding skyline. Sightseeing boats drift along the river as traffic and pedestrians cross the bridge below. — During our August 2022 stay in a Junior Suite at Hyatt Regency Chicago, we enjoyed this view of the Chicago River and the Wrigley Building from our room.

The living area of a Junior Suite at Hyatt Regency Chicago, featuring two facing brown sofas, a glass coffee table, and large windows overlooking the city skyline. — The living room of our Junior Suite in August 2022. The spacious layout provided a comfortable spot to relax while taking in the city views.

The living area of a Junior Suite at the Hyatt Regency Chicago, featuring two brown sofas facing each other with a glass coffee table in the center. Floor-to-ceiling windows offer a view of the city skyline. — The living room of our Junior Suite during our August 2022 stay, which featured sweeping views of the city's high-rises.

Interior of a Junior Suite at Hyatt Regency Chicago, featuring a king bed with white linens and a brown daybed sofa. The bed is framed by a wooden headboard with integrated lighting, with an information card placed on the mattress. — The bedroom in our Junior Suite during our August 2022 stay at Hyatt Regency Chicago. The daybed at the foot of the bed offered a nice spot for relaxing.

Interior of the Junior Suite at Hyatt Regency Chicago, showing a king bed, a brown daybed, and a desk. Large windows on the right overlook downtown Chicago. — The Junior Suite during our August 2022 stay. The layout provided plenty of space, and the desk by the window made for a functional setup for both work and downtime.

Living area of the Junior Suite at Hyatt Regency Chicago, featuring two facing brown sofas, a glass coffee table, and views of the Chicago skyline. — The living room of our Junior Suite during our August 2022 stay at Hyatt Regency Chicago, which offered views of the city skyline.

No Lounge

Lounge access was not available on this stay.

Pools & Facilities Experience

Indoor pool

This property functions less as a resort with extensive amenities and more as a convenient base for exploring downtown Chicago. The highlight of our trip was using the hotel as a 'base camp' to move freely between sightseeing and resting, even in the hot and humid Chicago summer. While the hotel does have an indoor pool and fitness center, we didn't use them, as we were focused on exploring the city.

Service Impressions

Service rating not recordedService notes are still being written.

Resort Fee & Parking Check

Parking typeValet parkingParking fee$62Valet parking fee$92Resort fee$30

We booked with points and utilized the Globalist complimentary parking benefit. Given that valet parking fees in downtown Chicago were as high as $92 at the time, this was a significant value. It was incredibly convenient to leave our car securely at the hotel and explore major attractions like Millennium Park, the Chicago Riverwalk, and the Magnificent Mile entirely on foot.

Late checkout was honored on this stay: 4 PM

Before You Book

Hyatt Regency Chicago is an ideal base for a walking-focused trip. Its location right next to the Chicago Riverwalk made it easy to return to the hotel for a break during our sightseeing before heading back out. For Globalists, the combination of room upgrades and savings on steep parking fees is a major advantage.

However, if you are looking for a resort-style stay where you spend most of your time on-property, you may want to consider other options. Note that pets—other than service animals—are not permitted, so travelers with pets should verify this policy before booking.

Location & Getting Around

151 E Wacker Dr, Chicago, IL 60601, USA

Chicago Riverwalk

Chicago, IL 60601, USA

The Chicago Riverwalk is a must-visit when you're in town. It offers a quiet, peaceful atmosphere for a morning stroll, while the evening brings a shift in energy; the brilliant city lights and passing river cruises create an experience that feels entirely different from the daytime.

Millennium Park

Chicago, IL 60602, USA

Millennium Park and Cloud Gate are iconic Chicago landmarks. The park is perfect for a stroll, anchored by the sculpture locals affectionately call 'The Bean.'

Starbucks Reserve Roastery

646 N Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60611, USA

The Starbucks Reserve Roastery Chicago is a Michigan Avenue landmark, setting itself apart from standard locations with its expansive scale and exclusive coffee menu. It’s more than just a cafe; this massive facility offers a firsthand look at the roasting process, making it a great spot for a break or a unique coffee experience while exploring downtown Chicago.