Hyatt Gold Passport - Hyatt Chicago Magnificent Mile REVIEW - MASTER THREAD

a new Hyatt property in Chicago as of 4 days ago (according to Hyatt agent).

Anyone stay yet? I'm curious as I've got a booking for the end of June. I think this property used to be a Wyndham.

Hyatt Chicago Magnificent Mile
633 North Saint Clair Street,
Chicago, Illinois, USA 60611
Tel: 312 573 0300

a new Hyatt property in Chicago as of 4 days ago (according to Hyatt agent).

Anyone stay yet? I'm curious as I've got a booking for the end of June. I think this property used to be a Wyndham.

Hyatt Chicago Magnificent Mile
633 North Saint Clair Street,
Chicago, Illinois, USA 60611
Tel: 312 573 0300

anyone know what tier it is? I can see its booking at hyatt.com, but I don't see the option of booking it using hyatt points.

anyone know what tier it is? cat 4

I too have a 2 night stay booked here for early July. So any feedback would be most appreciated.

FWIW, I used a Diamond suite upgrade, and it booked into the "Executive King". Apparently a 735 sq ft one room suite.

http://chicagomagnificentmile.hyatt.com/hyatt/hotels-chicagomagnificentmile/rooms/room-description.jsp?chooseLocale=&start=9

FWIW, I used a Diamond suite upgrade, and it booked into the "Executive King". Apparently a 735 sq ft one room suite.

Huh. I tried to apply a suite upgrade and was told it wasn't possible at that property. I may need to call back. Thanks.

My rate in July is non-refundable, but I'd still like to hear a review if anyone's stayed here.

Huh. I tried to apply a suite upgrade and was told it wasn't possible at that property. I may need to call back. Thanks.

My rate in July is non-refundable, but I'd still like to hear a review if anyone's stayed here.
Pleasure! I guess they may have loaded that option recently only....

Anyways, I hope it works for you.

Huh. I tried to apply a suite upgrade and was told it wasn't possible at that property. I may need to call back. Thanks.

My rate in July is non-refundable, but I'd still like to hear a review if anyone's stayed here.


Hi!

This hotel accepts the Diamond Suite upgrade awards. The award is valid for an Executive Suite at the hotel. If you PM your dates, we can check availability for you.

Sincerely,

Nick B.

Also looking forward to some feedback as staying here for 2 nights in late July on my first visit to Chicago.

THIS HOTEL IS NOT AT ALL UP TO HYATT STANDARDS!!

We stayed on the 14th floor, hallway carpet looks like something out of a total dive of a hotel, room carpet is marginally better.

Room is dated from the 50s, no Hyatt touches that I could see/feel.

Hotel personnel do not have the Hyatt touch that I've come to expect.

I did not have to use parking so can't comment on cost(s).

I'm hoping to speak with a mgr today to find out if they have plans to renovate because this place needs it !!

THIS HOTEL IS NOT AT ALL UP TO HYATT STANDARDS!!

We stayed on the 14th floor, hallway carpet looks like something out of a total dive of a hotel, room carpet is marginally better.

Room is dated from the 50s, no Hyatt touches that I could see/feel.

Hotel personnel do not have the Hyatt touch that I've come to expect.

I did not have to use parking so can't comment on cost(s).

I'm hoping to speak with a mgr today to find out if they have plans to renovate because this place needs it !!

It's a great location and I'm sure they will bring it up to Hyatt Standards. I stayed here years ago as a Wyndham and it wasn't bad. Sounds like it took a dive.

It's a great location and I'm sure they will bring it up to Hyatt Standards. I stayed here years ago as a Wyndham and it wasn't bad. Sounds like it took a dive.hotel hasn't been renovated in 10 years.

Spoke with a mgr.

There is NO lounge/RC at this time. Property currently has bids out to renovate but that isn't scheduled to start until Dec 2012.

Diamonds will get free full breakfast in the restaurant using coupons.

The restaurant/lounge on the 2nd floor actually looked pretty inviting with big picture windows looking onto St Claire & the Red Roof Inn:)

Free internet provided to Plats & Diamonds.

The valet is HORRIBLE, 3 of the most inept workers I've run into. Turns out the valet is contracted out to 3rd party. Mgr I spoke with said that is an ongoing complaint by many guests.

Yikes, thanks for the update!

Just cancelled my reservation here for next week, and got my suite upgrade back.

Sweet Willie - I am in downtown till Tuesday, let me know if you want to meet for a drink or meal. :)

Sounds terrible. How many Hyatts does Chicago really need? Does this make it 4 or 5 in all?

Just looking at the photos online I have no idea why anyone would want to say here... looks very Marriott 1980s

Yikes, thanks for the update!

Just cancelled my reservation here for next week, and got my suite upgrade back.

Sweet Willie - I am in downtown till Tuesday, let me know if you want to meet for a drink or meal. :)

THIS HOTEL IS NOT AT ALL UP TO HYATT STANDARDS!!

We stayed on the 14th floor, hallway carpet looks like something out of a total dive of a hotel, room carpet is marginally better.

Room is dated from the 50s, no Hyatt touches that I could see/feel.

Hotel personnel do not have the Hyatt touch that I've come to expect.
Thanks for the feedback!

:( Sounds bad but just curious how much was your rate? Surprised as the reviews on the hotels whilst not glowing (especially when some have paid $300 a night) aren't as harsh as yours.

I can book it for US$135 a night which seems a decent rate for Chicago and the location. By way of explanation this is not a romantic getaway, just a boozy weekend to see a footie match so more a case of somewhere to put the head down rather than looking to be pampered. My friend is staying at the nearby Marriott using points so it's convenient location wise.

So is it avoid at all costs or just not up to the usual Hyatt standards and okay at a low price?

but I just stayed at this property - really not all that great except for the location. I understand that the staff is all undergoing training as this used to be a Wyndham until it transferred over but seriously - everything asked was met wtih the answer "no." I would definitely recommend staying elsewhere until they get their act together. The only good folks I've encountered were the guys at the luggage/storage part and that was a bit of a struggle as well.

So is it avoid at all costs or just not up to the usual Hyatt standards and okay at a low price?great question.

I'm not above a 'divey' hotel if it suits my needs (just stayed at a Red Roof Inn for ~$45 as every other chain in the town I was in was $110+ a night), I've seen plenty of dives and I'm VERY cost concious.

If staying with Mrs Sweet Willie on a nice weekend, this property is not worth it IMO. We used our annual free night due to the Hyatt CC and I was not pleased in the least w/my redemption.

While riding in the elevator, there were 3 women in the elevator & I asked the question, "is this hotel kind of scummy?" Each one answered "YES!" and went on to say how their associates are staying at X or Y property & it is so much nicer etc etc.

For your 'guy' purposes, it would be ok.

Now that the low bar has been set, your stay probably will be more than acceptable:D

Cheers for those. I don't mind basic but clean but "kind of scummy" put me off in case this guy meets a gal. :) For a few $$ more decided to opt for the nearby Courtyard which has pretty positive reviews on here.

hotel hasn't been renovated in 10 years.

Spoke with a mgr.

There is NO lounge/RC at this time. Property currently has bids out to renovate but that isn't scheduled to start until Dec 2012.

Diamonds will get free full breakfast in the restaurant using coupons.

The restaurant/lounge on the 2nd floor actually looked pretty inviting with big picture windows looking onto St Claire & the Red Roof Inn:)

Free internet provided to Plats & Diamonds.

The valet is HORRIBLE, 3 of the most inept workers I've run into. Turns out the valet is contracted out to 3rd party. Mgr I spoke with said that is an ongoing complaint by many guests.

I wonder if Platinums get free breakfast vouchers?

I am using an otherwise expiring Cat 1-4 certificate at this hotel next week. It is the only Cat. 1-4 available in downtown.

I don't need much for the short stay so I don't care about the mediocre reviews. I would like a free breakfast, though.

I wonder if Platinums get free breakfast vouchers?this Plat did not receive breakfast vouchers (Diamonds will), so if you do, please advise this thread, thanks.

this Plat did not receive breakfast vouchers (Diamonds will), so if you do, please advise this thread, thanks.

I did not receive breakfast vouchers, even though I did ask.

On the positive side, I found the hotel to be better than the reviews indicate. Typical urban hotel that was as good as any of the Chicago Hiltons, Embassy Suites, Doubletrees or Westins that I have stayed in. Not as good as as the (somewhat) nearby Homewood Suites, though.

The Hyatt room I received has a sofa area and a marble bathroom. Nothing too fancy, but an above-average room for a big city. Everyone I enountered was friendly.

So this hotel is essentially a franchise?

http://articles.chicagotribune.com/2012-05-03/business/ct-biz-0504-new-hyatt-20120503_1_sunstone-hotel-investors-hyatt-hotels-ken-cruse

Sounds like a part of the $25M refurb money should be spent on Gold Passport compliance training.....

Sorry, but I'm not sure why there is even a discussion regarding breakfast vouchers for Plats as that is not a benefit of being Plat...

Sorry, but I'm not sure why there is even a discussion regarding breakfast vouchers for Plats as that is not a benefit of being Plat...

I am not terribly experienced with the Hyatt program, having recently earned my points from the Chase Hyatt card and transfers from Chase Ultimate Rewards. It has been my experience with Hilton Gold and Starwood Gold (the mid-tiers of these programs) that some of the hotels issue breakfast certificates to mid-tier members and some hotels do not (although the Hilton breakfast certs are almost always for continental breakfasts). I received breakfast certificates the short time I was a Diamond with Hyatt during the Diamond trial.

Asking a broad question, has anyone received a breakfast certificate as a Hyatt Platinum from any Hyatt hotel, or is this just a Diamond benefit?

Sorry, but I'm not sure why there is even a discussion regarding breakfast vouchers for Plats as that is not a benefit of being Plat...I recall receiving breakfast vouchers from a few properties as a Plat years ago.

So someone asks the question, if the info doesn't suit your needs, move on.@:-)

I am not terribly experienced with the Hyatt program, having recently earned my points from the Chase Hyatt card and transfers from Chase Ultimate Rewards. It has been my experience with Hilton Gold and Starwood Gold (the mid-tiers of these programs) that some of the hotels issue breakfast certificates to mid-tier members and some hotels do not (although the Hilton breakfast certs are almost always for continental breakfasts). I received breakfast certificates the short time I was a Diamond with Hyatt during the Diamond trial.

Asking a broad question, has anyone received a breakfast certificate as a Hyatt Platinum from any Hyatt hotel, or is this just a Diamond benefit?

From T&Cs - Hyatt Plats do not get breakfast, Hyatt Diamonds do, Hilton Golds do, SPG Golds do not, SPG Plats can choose continental breakfast in place of welcome amenity points.

Of course, some properties may go above and beyond the T&Cs. For example, SPG hotels in BKK, gave Plats the full buffet breakfast even before the option started this year.

That said, let's get back on topic for the thread - reviews of stays and questions on the property.

Just checked in with my family for a quick one night stay...a little business for me in the AM, then headed to meet the family at the museum of science and industry in the morning. After reading the reviews here I was hardly looking forward to my stay...something must be going on in Chicago, b/c most major chains were sold out and those available were 300+...so I chose this Hyatt due to the rate and location.
PLEASANTLY SURPRISED!
-Valet was fast and efficient and offered to help with bags, but we didn't need help.
-Lobby is clean and sleek if a little dated, but nothing awful at all...take the lobby up to the 2nd floor and go to check in.
-Check in was VERY fast and efficient and was recognized as a Diamond immediately. Got two coupons for breakfast and presented with the standard amenity card...took the points. She gave me what I thought was a standard note from the GM and off to room 1704 we went.
-Common areas that we observed were very clean and well lit.
-Got to the room and noticed we only had 3 large towels...there are 4 of us in the room, so I called for more towels and within a minute or two opened the door to head to dinner...a staff member was at the door with the towels..NICE! Dropped him a few bucks and he was courteous and appreciative.
-Room is very big and clean...a little dated, and the furniture is a little worn, but really nothing to complain about. Tube TV in the armoir...the standard older hotel set up. The two beds are fulls, not queens, but are very comfy. No robe, but I'm guessing that changes with the re-do.
-Took a look at the note from the GM...very well written, and almost over the top apologetic about the hotel not being up to Hyatt standards...as a Diamond, I'm receiving 1,000GP points as a token for this stay, and any other that I make prior to the remodel...SWEET!
-After dinner, I stopped in the bar to pick up some wine for the wife and I to enjoy with our sprinkles cupcakes with the kids. They enjoyed the two free bottles of water in the room with theirs.;) Bar/Restaurant had a decent crowd and a nice city view.
-On my way back up to my room, an employee addressed me as Mr. DeRousse and handed me a survey to fill out...it's a brief one page survey and for that I will get 1,000 points...and if I had a team member I could refer, I would get an additional 250 when they booked a room! They are clearly trying to appeal to the consulting set...smart move, IMHO.

The remodel will get under way shortly...with the attitude of management and this hotels location...this is gonna be one heck of a hotel! Love having another great option in Chicago!
Cheers to the staff and management for getting off to a great start!

Very impressive that they are making changes. Extremely nice they gave you points for staying there. Perhaps they read our comments here?

Just checked in with my family for a quick one night stay...a little business for me in the AM, then headed to meet the family at the museum of science and industry in the morning. After reading the reviews here I was hardly looking forward to my stay...something must be going on in Chicago, b/c most major chains were sold out and those available were 300+...so I chose this Hyatt due to the rate and location.
PLEASANTLY SURPRISED!
-Valet was fast and efficient and offered to help with bags, but we didn't need help.
-Lobby is clean and sleek if a little dated, but nothing awful at all...take the lobby up to the 2nd floor and go to check in.
-Check in was VERY fast and efficient and was recognized as a Diamond immediately. Got two coupons for breakfast and presented with the standard amenity card...took the points. She gave me what I thought was a standard note from the GM and off to room 1704 we went.
-Common areas that we observed were very clean and well lit.
-Got to the room and noticed we only had 3 large towels...there are 4 of us in the room, so I called for more towels and within a minute or two opened the door to head to dinner...a staff member was at the door with the towels..NICE! Dropped him a few bucks and he was courteous and appreciative.
-Room is very big and clean...a little dated, and the furniture is a little worn, but really nothing to complain about. Tube TV in the armoir...the standard older hotel set up. The two beds are fulls, not queens, but are very comfy. No robe, but I'm guessing that changes with the re-do.
-Took a look at the note from the GM...very well written, and almost over the top apologetic about the hotel not being up to Hyatt standards...as a Diamond, I'm receiving 1,000GP points as a token for this stay, and any other that I make prior to the remodel...SWEET!
-After dinner, I stopped in the bar to pick up some wine for the wife and I to enjoy with our sprinkles cupcakes with the kids. They enjoyed the two free bottles of water in the room with theirs.;) Bar/Restaurant had a decent crowd and a nice city view.
-On my way back up to my room, an employee addressed me as Mr. DeRousse and handed me a survey to fill out...it's a brief one page survey and for that I will get 1,000 points...and if I had a team member I could refer, I would get an additional 250 when they booked a room! They are clearly trying to appeal to the consulting set...smart move, IMHO.

The remodel will get under way shortly...with the attitude of management and this hotels location...this is gonna be one heck of a hotel! Love having another great option in Chicago!
Cheers to the staff and management for getting off to a great start!

Stayed at this property last week for one night and I was very well treated as a Diamond member.
Was assigned a comfortable corner room that did not look shabby at all, although just dated.
As I checked in I was handed a letter from management thanking me for staying with this new Hyatt family member and offering me an extra 1000 points since remodeling was overdue and had not started yet.
Furthermore during the evening I was given a survey to fill out, regarding my travel pattern in the Chicago area, and was promised another 1000 points to entice me to respond.
All in all a 3000 points bonus (including the Diamond amenity) for this stay.

However while the stay has posted to my account with the Diamond amenity included, I am still waiting for the other 2000 points promised to appear.

I stayed one night last week and got upgraded to a suite which is always welcomed.
Nothing fancy but appreciated the bigger space.
I was promised 1000 points like others but still has not posted yet.
Will wait to see if it posts as well.

Bonus points still haven't posted...:(

I hate having to call/email to ask for them as I feel like I'm being greedy, but I was promised the points.

I'll share this in case anyone staying there shortly and wanting to take advantage:

http://www.travelzoo.com/local-deals/Chicago/Restaurant/24327

For $39, 2 can dine at Caliterra at the Hyatt Chicago Magnificent Mile, regularly up to $79

Enjoy a 3-course dinner near Michigan Avenue for less than $20 per person
Metromix says Caliterra "sizzles and smokes while the dining room hums with conversation"

Gayot calls Caliterra "comfortable and casually intimate"

Got 1,000 of my bonus points to post after contacting the hotel...I'm giving up the ghost on the second bonus points that I was promised. :(

I was also promised 1,000 points at check-in during a stay earlier this month due to the upcoming remodeling. The points did not post, but a call to GP took care of it. The agent was surprised and had not heard of this before, but he added the points.

I am liking this property. A lot. The staff are really friendly and helpful and they are taking great care of me.

As Arnie would say, I'll be back!

I'm still waiting for my 1000 points, and I'm just dragging my feet because I don't feel like calling them yet.

Does anyone know when the renovations will begin. I have a 2 night stay in Chicago in mid-Dec and I'm debating between this hotel and the Regency (2 adults and 2 smaller children). Any info or advice which one to pick would be appreciated.

I don't know what to say about this hotel. The room is definitely old and weary, but the friendliness of the staffs actually made up for it. In addition, the location is so much better compared to the Hyatt Regency Chicago.

I don't know what to say about this hotel. The room is definitely old and weary, but the friendliness of the staffs actually made up for it. In addition, the location is so much better compared to the Hyatt Regency Chicago.

Is only the location better or also the hotel in a better condition then the HR?

Is only the location better or also the hotel in a better condition then the HR?

Hyatt MM's location (in the middle of Magnificent Mile) is better than HR (at the end corner of Wacker). Condition-wise, HR is much better than Hyatt MM. The room just looks old and the furniture and wallpapers are weary. Probably the worst aspect is the fact that the TV is still tube :rolleyes: However, the room is slightly larger and the staffs are more friendly at Hyatt MM. So it boils down to your personal preferences.

Does anyone know when the renovations will begin. I have a 2 night stay in Chicago in mid-Dec and I'm debating between this hotel and the Regency (2 adults and 2 smaller children). Any info or advice which one to pick would be appreciated.

Renovations are due to begin after the first of the year so you will not be affected by construction, if that is your concern.:)

Hyatt MM's location (in the middle of Magnificent Mile) is better than HR (at the end corner of Wacker).for many that may be the case but just FYI for those not familiar w/Chicago, if one is attending an event at Millennium or Grant Park, going to the Art Institute, HR on Wacker is an easy walk to these destinations.

Just to echo some of the other posts here, I think the MM vs the HR in Chicago is all about certain trade-offs:

MM has a more attentive staff and the feeling of a better guest-to-staff ratio
HR has nicer rooms and a better feel; MM 'feels' like another hotel chain still to me
HR is only in a better location if your primary goal is to walk to Millennium Park or the Art Institute

Just completed two short stays here, and overall, my impression is that the hotel has a lot of potential. Staff was, as others have mentioned, friendly and helpful across the board. They are also very much up on the Hyatt way of doing things, at this point; they were very quick to recognize my Diamond status, presented printed amenity cards, had no issues with Diamond late checkout, etc.

Location is very convenient to North Michigan Ave and there's lots of good dining nearby. (As a heads up to anyone traveling to points north in Chicago -- the express bus routes that pick up on northbound Michigan and jump right on Lake Shore Drive are one of the CTA's best kept secrets, and rival the 'L' for convenience at many times of day.)

There are now drawings and sample boards up in the lobby showing the materials for the newly renovated rooms. The furnishings in the current rooms are indeed tired, but seemed well maintained for their age.

The biggest positive I can see here is that each floor of the hotel appears to have four large, real suites -- each with a moderate-size bedroom separated from a cavernous living room by French doors. I was upgraded to one of these rooms on both stays, without using any certificates. (The footprint of the building is such that these rooms must be on just about every floor, as there'd be no good way to use the space otherwise. It's an odd building in a lot of ways.) I look forward to seeing what these rooms look like renovated. Another big plus -- Quince and Bergamot products in these suites.

My only real complaint was breakfast -- though the menu is Hyatt standard, the recipes don't seem to be quite yet. My omelette on the first stay was overcooked and delivered without the relish that was listed; on the second stay, I ordered corned beef hash, and was served a baffling dish consisting of giant pieces of bell pepper mixed with hash browns and too much oil, topped with sandwich-style shaved corned beef and poached eggs, in a miniature skillet. Had I been paying for it I'd almost certainly have sent it back. The free breakfast is by coupon, and doesn't indicate whether the gratuity is included.

It doesn't sound as if they plan a Regency Club, which is fine by me; it'll be nice to have an option in Chicago serving Diamonds a "real" breakfast.

On the whole, though, I think this property will turn out to be a great addition to the Hyatt portfolio in Chicago. Would love to see them replicate this in more cities nationwide!

Hugely unimpressed by the property having stayed as a Diamond. Wyndham always looked solid to me from outside. While hotel has the location to its advantage - one block east of Michigan Avenue, and across from the Northwestern Memorial Hospital, the room and staff attitude hardly warrant full-service Hyatt brand name. The renovation is underway, and the gym has been redone and looks really attractive. Their restaurant was closed, so the breakfast is setup in one of the conference rooms and consists of stale croissants, small other pastries, basic bread, roast potatoes, scrambled eggs, bacon, yogurts, and fruit (such as tasteless hard honeydew and watermelon, and stale-looking pineapple). I felt sorry for the people who ate their, including myself, although they did give an option to order room-service breakfast and that might have been a better option if you have time.

Room itself was basic, small, and old-fashioned, including extinct-type of TV in a dresser. No premium channels, such as HBO, Showtime which is a standard in basic hotels by now. The bed was uncomfortably hard. Cleaning lady did not put a regular bar of soap or shower gel, and just left a face bar. Writing pad paper was not re-filled, and only had 3 sheets remaining. Room was clean, and there were two small bottles of complimentary water. In the morning hours, cleaning lady would avoid any eye-contact in the corridor. The elevators would require keys at some times, such as 3pm, but not at others, such as 8am.

Due to renovation there is no business center or computer available for guest-use. Their multimillion dollar renovation plan did not prioritize the need for a couple-hundred dollar PC with an attached printer for guests' use. However, they were happy to provide with a flyer listing nearby Fedex Kinko locations. Seriously, how long has Hyatt been managing this property now?

One positive thing was good internet speed at night (18.6Mbs down, 17.86Mbs up), but I would not bank on Hyatt keeping it as opposed to reducing the speed to a more standard level as soon as they get on top of things.

The Streeteville and River North locations in Chicago had experienced something of a mini boom in hotel development in recent years, and unless you are interested in a couple thousand points, it seems you would be much better-off by choosing a near-by independent designer hotel. (Dana, Wit were readily available for similar price through "hotel tonight" app on my dates).

How is that rebuild coming? I will be in Chicago Monday and need to choose somewhere to stay. My last stay here was fine but the place was indeed dated...

Any current visits to this property? I will be heading to Chicago this summer with BossLady to attend The Impressionism, Fashion, and Modernity exhibit http://www.artic.edu/exhibition/impressionism-fashion-and-modernity . I know the Wacker HR is closer to the museum but she also likes to go shopping.

Just completed 5 nights here. Beautiful hotel, got a great jr. suite upgrade as a Platinum. The remodel here was wonderful, I had a HUGE tv, probably 50", marble bathroom, sofa with table, etc. The rooms feature the motion detected lights under the night stands which is handy for walking around in the middle of the night. The restaurant and lobby were not complete, but they did open the lobby officially on my last day there. Staff was great, most of them remembered my name after one interaction. The hotel is one block off Michigan Ave. for shopping. The only downside is that the hotel is across the street from Northwestern University Hospital. My room overlooked the ER entrance for Ambulances. I typically heard at least one per hour during daylight hours. I was surprised that I usually only heard one or two in the overnight hours, so it did not disturb my sleep. They even put a box of ear plugs on my night stand in case I needed them, but I did not. Highly recommend this hotel, I will definitely be back on my next trip to Chicago!

Thank you for the report ziggy2