I have tended to avoid this property, due to the overall 'convention' feel to it, but I had to stay there last night (ps- I was using a free weekend stay), and found some interesting changes. As a Diamond, upon checking in I was handed the amenity card (as usual), and then told please wait here while I get the hotel manager who wants to 'greet' you. The manager than walks over, shakes my hand and tells me how happy she is to have me staying at their property. She then hands me an envelope with my name on it and my room key & a note about the RC hours inside. I then proceed up to my room in the West tower, but not on the RC floor (I did have access). No real improvement in rooms, I was given an end room with a view of the river, and if I stood at a far angle I could make out a sliver of the lake.
The RC club is still the same, although now there are 3 computer terminal set up for guests to browse the web etc.
Overall, while I believe they are trying--I wouldn't go out of my way to stay there, I still prefer the Printers Row or the newer Rosemont Hyatt, and of course the expensive Chicago Park Hyatt.