I am staying at the Hyatt Regency in Chicago (N. Michigan Ave.) area on a Priceline booking. I am a Gold Passport member. I have called and a very helpful rep linked my GP account number to my reservation number already.

I did a search here on this property and did not find much. The hotel reviews in Sheryl's website leave much to be desired on this property. I understand that a bunch of rooms have been renovated recently.

I don't care about or expect getting points or stay credit on a Priceline rate. But is there anything I can do to get a better room? A better room for me will be a larger renovated room primarily and if it has a lake view it will be groovy

I know about 1-800-CHECKIN, Should I call it or just try to be nice to the check in CSR? What is the ideal time to check in or is it a luck of the draw (whatever is open at the time)? Not totally clear on the benefits of Gold GP members...is there anything worthwile for the lowly nongoldnonplatinum members?

Which restaurants are good? How is the gym?

And some general location questions (realizing that the Travel forum may be a better place to post these):

How far is the hotel from the Amtrak station? How far from the nearest subway station?

Any comments/input greatly appreciated.

Points on

[This message has been edited by gpapadop (edited 07-18-2002).]