Park Hyatt Chicago REVIEW - MASTER THREAD
Jan 7, 2008, 2:44 am
#91
Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: West Coast USA
Programs: UA GS/4 MM, AA Exec Plat, Lifetime Hilton D, Hyatt G, Marriott Titanium earned Ambassador
Posts: 7,553
Park Hyatt Chicago. Flagship. Move the flag?
I am into the Park Hyatt Chicago for one night on a FFN. I had so looked forward to trying this Hotel even with the hot and cold posts. Now I understand. I'll keep you from one of my long detailed posts and just post a few items which frankly just do not make any sense. Especially if this is supposed to be the Flagship property for Hyatt. I've stayed in finer Hyatt properties around the world and that is without any doubt at all. So here they are-
My confirmations say- butler. Usually that means a butler or someone who will contact you once during your stay. At dinner last night talking about this my client said he did see information about a butler available to draw a bath for $100.
Diamond amenity. Upon arrival I was given a lake facing room which I appreciated. I called down about a late check-out and the agent offered noon. I had mentioned being a Diamond and she had to put me on hold to ask her sup. I was then granted a 3 PM check-out. I was not given an amenity card and also asked about the "upgrade" to a full breakfast. Another agent had no idea what I was talking about. Before leaving for dinner I went down early to ask another agent about the Diamond amenity since I had nothing. He found my envelope in the drawer and apologized.
LCD. I have a Sony tube tv. I thought one of the confirmations online under detail noted rooms had LCD flat panel tvs.
Towels. I used towels yesterday afternoon. When I came back from the bar my room had been attended to. My used towels were gone but not replaced. I have one face towel. The towels are also of a very low quality. Borrowed from the other Hyatts in Chicago? Probably. I hope. This is supposed to be a Park.
Elevator chime. There is nothing subtle about the elevator chime which can be clearly heard into the evening. Do not know if they adjust later in the evening.
Internet. Internet is comp but the cord they provide is so short you have little options on where you computer is. Fortunately I travel with my own cable.
Chair. For you work/desk area you have this old heavy chair with no wheels. You have to drag this thing around.
Carpet. I have carpet seams which are showing.
Water. You get Voss comp water which is nice. Only two. So before leaving I put the cap back on my open bottle for use later. When I returned it was gone and my unopen bottle was bedside. It would have been nice to have my other bottle.
Hair. There was personal hair on the duvet and bathroom areas.
All in all the Hotel is ok. And tired property which needs a remodel. It is in a good location but I would not stay again paid. I've been to better in Chicago for less which are more modern. Regards from Chicago.
My confirmations say- butler. Usually that means a butler or someone who will contact you once during your stay. At dinner last night talking about this my client said he did see information about a butler available to draw a bath for $100.
Diamond amenity. Upon arrival I was given a lake facing room which I appreciated. I called down about a late check-out and the agent offered noon. I had mentioned being a Diamond and she had to put me on hold to ask her sup. I was then granted a 3 PM check-out. I was not given an amenity card and also asked about the "upgrade" to a full breakfast. Another agent had no idea what I was talking about. Before leaving for dinner I went down early to ask another agent about the Diamond amenity since I had nothing. He found my envelope in the drawer and apologized.
LCD. I have a Sony tube tv. I thought one of the confirmations online under detail noted rooms had LCD flat panel tvs.
Towels. I used towels yesterday afternoon. When I came back from the bar my room had been attended to. My used towels were gone but not replaced. I have one face towel. The towels are also of a very low quality. Borrowed from the other Hyatts in Chicago? Probably. I hope. This is supposed to be a Park.
Elevator chime. There is nothing subtle about the elevator chime which can be clearly heard into the evening. Do not know if they adjust later in the evening.
Internet. Internet is comp but the cord they provide is so short you have little options on where you computer is. Fortunately I travel with my own cable.
Chair. For you work/desk area you have this old heavy chair with no wheels. You have to drag this thing around.
Carpet. I have carpet seams which are showing.
Water. You get Voss comp water which is nice. Only two. So before leaving I put the cap back on my open bottle for use later. When I returned it was gone and my unopen bottle was bedside. It would have been nice to have my other bottle.
Hair. There was personal hair on the duvet and bathroom areas.
All in all the Hotel is ok. And tired property which needs a remodel. It is in a good location but I would not stay again paid. I've been to better in Chicago for less which are more modern. Regards from Chicago.
Jan 7, 2008, 7:26 am
#93
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: Depends on the day!
Programs: Marriott/Lifetime Titanium Hyatt/Explorist, Hilton/Silver, IHG Spire,UA Gold
Posts: 17,832
I am into the Park Hyatt Chicago for one night on a FFN. I had so looked forward to trying this Hotel even with the hot and cold posts. Now I understand. I'll keep you from one of my long detailed posts and just post a few items which frankly just do not make any sense. Especially if this is supposed to be the Flagship property for Hyatt. I've stayed in finer Hyatt properties around the world and that is without any doubt at all. So here they are-
My confirmations say- butler. Usually that means a butler or someone who will contact you once during your stay. At dinner last night talking about this my client said he did see information about a butler available to draw a bath for $100.
Diamond amenity. Upon arrival I was given a lake facing room which I appreciated. I called down about a late check-out and the agent offered noon. I had mentioned being a Diamond and she had to put me on hold to ask her sup. I was then granted a 3 PM check-out. I was not given an amenity card and also asked about the "upgrade" to a full breakfast. Another agent had no idea what I was talking about. Before leaving for dinner I went down early to ask another agent about the Diamond amenity since I had nothing. He found my envelope in the drawer and apologized.
LCD. I have a Sony tube tv. I thought one of the confirmations online under detail noted rooms had LCD flat panel tvs.
Towels. I used towels yesterday afternoon. When I came back from the bar my room had been attended to. My used towels were gone but not replaced. I have one face towel. The towels are also of a very low quality. Borrowed from the other Hyatts in Chicago? Probably. I hope. This is supposed to be a Park.
Elevator chime. There is nothing subtle about the elevator chime which can be clearly heard into the evening. Do not know if they adjust later in the evening.
Internet. Internet is comp but the cord they provide is so short you have little options on where you computer is. Fortunately I travel with my own cable.
Chair. For you work/desk area you have this old heavy chair with no wheels. You have to drag this thing around.
Carpet. I have carpet seams which are showing.
Water. You get Voss comp water which is nice. Only two. So before leaving I put the cap back on my open bottle for use later. When I returned it was gone and my unopen bottle was bedside. It would have been nice to have my other bottle.
Hair. There was personal hair on the duvet and bathroom areas.
All in all the Hotel is ok. And tired property which needs a remodel. It is in a good location but I would not stay again paid. I've been to better in Chicago for less which are more modern. Regards from Chicago.
My confirmations say- butler. Usually that means a butler or someone who will contact you once during your stay. At dinner last night talking about this my client said he did see information about a butler available to draw a bath for $100.
Diamond amenity. Upon arrival I was given a lake facing room which I appreciated. I called down about a late check-out and the agent offered noon. I had mentioned being a Diamond and she had to put me on hold to ask her sup. I was then granted a 3 PM check-out. I was not given an amenity card and also asked about the "upgrade" to a full breakfast. Another agent had no idea what I was talking about. Before leaving for dinner I went down early to ask another agent about the Diamond amenity since I had nothing. He found my envelope in the drawer and apologized.
LCD. I have a Sony tube tv. I thought one of the confirmations online under detail noted rooms had LCD flat panel tvs.
Towels. I used towels yesterday afternoon. When I came back from the bar my room had been attended to. My used towels were gone but not replaced. I have one face towel. The towels are also of a very low quality. Borrowed from the other Hyatts in Chicago? Probably. I hope. This is supposed to be a Park.
Elevator chime. There is nothing subtle about the elevator chime which can be clearly heard into the evening. Do not know if they adjust later in the evening.
Internet. Internet is comp but the cord they provide is so short you have little options on where you computer is. Fortunately I travel with my own cable.
Chair. For you work/desk area you have this old heavy chair with no wheels. You have to drag this thing around.
Carpet. I have carpet seams which are showing.
Water. You get Voss comp water which is nice. Only two. So before leaving I put the cap back on my open bottle for use later. When I returned it was gone and my unopen bottle was bedside. It would have been nice to have my other bottle.
Hair. There was personal hair on the duvet and bathroom areas.
All in all the Hotel is ok. And tired property which needs a remodel. It is in a good location but I would not stay again paid. I've been to better in Chicago for less which are more modern. Regards from Chicago.
Sorry to hear about your experience. I am one of the folks here who really enjoys this hotel. Partly b/c they remember my wife and I and always try to take care of us...the one complaint I have consistently had though is the "forgetting" of the Diamond amenity...almost every time I have been there I have to ask...annoying!
Jan 7, 2008, 11:24 am
#94
Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: West Coast USA
Programs: UA GS/4 MM, AA Exec Plat, Lifetime Hilton D, Hyatt G, Marriott Titanium earned Ambassador
Posts: 7,553
Thank you.
We should not have to ask. If they have the envelope typed up already and you are a Diamond they should just be looking in the drawer. If the PH is reading. That would be the one to their right.
We should not have to ask. If they have the envelope typed up already and you are a Diamond they should just be looking in the drawer. If the PH is reading. That would be the one to their right.
Jan 7, 2008, 12:01 pm
#95
Ambassador: World of Hyatt
Join Date: Apr 2000
Location: San Diego,CA
Posts: 10,090
My neighbors kids just got back from their trip where they stayed in a youth hostel.
They too had a few holes in their sheets.
You evidently are in good company
Consider yourself lucky the hotel didn't ask you to share your room with others
Oh and please be kind before they turn it into a Le Meridien too
They too had a few holes in their sheets.
You evidently are in good company
Consider yourself lucky the hotel didn't ask you to share your room with others
Oh and please be kind before they turn it into a Le Meridien too
Jan 7, 2008, 6:19 pm
#96
Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: West Coast USA
Programs: UA GS/4 MM, AA Exec Plat, Lifetime Hilton D, Hyatt G, Marriott Titanium earned Ambassador
Posts: 7,553
I know your kidding and I did note a plaque dedicating the building to Jack Pritzker. They gotta know they have a quality issue going on at this property. Really. How can they not?
Jan 7, 2008, 10:07 pm
#98
Ambassador: World of Hyatt
Join Date: Apr 2000
Location: San Diego,CA
Posts: 10,090
On and Off topic plenty
Yes absolutely if you don't make light of it it gets depressing.
Quite frankly Hyatt isn't looking or in plain denial with their attention elsewhere.
There is a new CEO and a number of other major departures of key Exec folks at Hyatt HQ........
A few may be reading about Hyatts history as we speak
What I would tell them if they would listen is go back and listen to the voice of their customers.
Stop the meetings and research data and seek out long term relationships.Bring trust back..........
Early on when the Park Hyatt Chicago first opened both Hyatt and the hotel put an enormous amount of resources and efforts into making it a show place destination property.Welcome amenities that were custom created for Diamond members individually were rushed up to the rooms and suites.
Where the actual check in took place by a private escort team from the front desk.
Every preference was noted for guests and looked after.
It was a big deal just to stay there.
If I look at Hyatt on the whole they have lost track of the most valuable asset they have which are their employees.Morales are down.
Hyatt seems to have given up caring and minding details in and out of its hotels.
Failures and thousands of them are now common place in their hotels some without recourse for the average traveler.
One only need look to their brand and guest assurance policies of which there are none for the real truth about Hyatt these days. There was a time when Hyatt was the pillar of trust and out to please guests above and beyond. The change seems to be today what’s best for Hyatt. And my statement covers a wide spectrum of those concerns.......
IMO the decline of select Hyatt Hotels and especially the Park Hyatt brand in North America to some degree happened just after April 2005 when the new rules were announced in the Gold Passport program and shortly after the Freddie’s at The Grand Hyatt in NYC.
Up till then Hyatt could really do no wrong in my eyes.
And while there may be no correlation with the downhill slide corporate became controlling of the program
And everything regarding policies in Omaha and elsewhere in an overbearing way.
Unlike anything I have ever witnessed.
It was more then a policy change it was in places a major agressive business culture change.
And I go back with Hyatt to 1974 BG (BG) = Before Gold Passport
Hyatt went from a showplace model to one at times of take the money and run.
Today I see them operational at best and putting all waking resources in just getting Hyatt Place off the ground. I would be surprised if they have anyone in place watching over the QC they did in years past
They probably were eliminated in place of random surveys.
And because Hyatt rarely gets out here and defends itself except with sanitized screened emotionless answers it allows its customers or some of us who have known their brands for some time to speculate on what they are thinking.And forget about what we think our experiences tells us all we really need to know.
I like Hyatt though I mourn what the company has done to itself in places. Your review on the Park Hyatt is simply a sad commentary on a once great Brand
At least Amerisuites brand is looking a lot better if that’s any consolation.
And quite frankly Hyatt is very busy with more of those new souped up premium Courtyards with nicer flat screen TVs which to me is essentially what Hyatt Places are. And I take them happily on a given day in the right situation just to avoid some of the 50 dollar Hyatt parking charges that seem to be more common place these days.
Common Place perhaps a more fitting brand name for some select hotels I know
Quite frankly Hyatt isn't looking or in plain denial with their attention elsewhere.
There is a new CEO and a number of other major departures of key Exec folks at Hyatt HQ........
A few may be reading about Hyatts history as we speak
What I would tell them if they would listen is go back and listen to the voice of their customers.
Stop the meetings and research data and seek out long term relationships.Bring trust back..........
Early on when the Park Hyatt Chicago first opened both Hyatt and the hotel put an enormous amount of resources and efforts into making it a show place destination property.Welcome amenities that were custom created for Diamond members individually were rushed up to the rooms and suites.
Where the actual check in took place by a private escort team from the front desk.
Every preference was noted for guests and looked after.
It was a big deal just to stay there.
If I look at Hyatt on the whole they have lost track of the most valuable asset they have which are their employees.Morales are down.
Hyatt seems to have given up caring and minding details in and out of its hotels.
Failures and thousands of them are now common place in their hotels some without recourse for the average traveler.
One only need look to their brand and guest assurance policies of which there are none for the real truth about Hyatt these days. There was a time when Hyatt was the pillar of trust and out to please guests above and beyond. The change seems to be today what’s best for Hyatt. And my statement covers a wide spectrum of those concerns.......
IMO the decline of select Hyatt Hotels and especially the Park Hyatt brand in North America to some degree happened just after April 2005 when the new rules were announced in the Gold Passport program and shortly after the Freddie’s at The Grand Hyatt in NYC.
Up till then Hyatt could really do no wrong in my eyes.
And while there may be no correlation with the downhill slide corporate became controlling of the program
And everything regarding policies in Omaha and elsewhere in an overbearing way.
Unlike anything I have ever witnessed.
It was more then a policy change it was in places a major agressive business culture change.
And I go back with Hyatt to 1974 BG (BG) = Before Gold Passport
Hyatt went from a showplace model to one at times of take the money and run.
Today I see them operational at best and putting all waking resources in just getting Hyatt Place off the ground. I would be surprised if they have anyone in place watching over the QC they did in years past
They probably were eliminated in place of random surveys.
And because Hyatt rarely gets out here and defends itself except with sanitized screened emotionless answers it allows its customers or some of us who have known their brands for some time to speculate on what they are thinking.And forget about what we think our experiences tells us all we really need to know.
I like Hyatt though I mourn what the company has done to itself in places. Your review on the Park Hyatt is simply a sad commentary on a once great Brand
At least Amerisuites brand is looking a lot better if that’s any consolation.
And quite frankly Hyatt is very busy with more of those new souped up premium Courtyards with nicer flat screen TVs which to me is essentially what Hyatt Places are. And I take them happily on a given day in the right situation just to avoid some of the 50 dollar Hyatt parking charges that seem to be more common place these days.
Common Place perhaps a more fitting brand name for some select hotels I know
Jan 8, 2008, 7:06 am
#100
Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: West Coast USA
Programs: UA GS/4 MM, AA Exec Plat, Lifetime Hilton D, Hyatt G, Marriott Titanium earned Ambassador
Posts: 7,553
Wow. That was good. I was thinking about my stay at the PH on the way back to SFO on another old soul from Chicago- UA. Another company that has lost its' way. I've been disappointed with my PH of late. I think about my reports on PH Hamburg and PH Zurich. All three of these properties I had a desire to visit since they looked and sounded so nice. Only in the end to be disappointed. This week we leave for the GH Hong Kong and the GH Tokyo. Two pretty good service oriented hotels.
As for the Hyatt Place concentration. If Hyatt is listening or should I say reading. Why not spend a few bucks to get those room doors fixed so they close quietly versus slam shut? How about a several hundred dollars on those rank/dirty bathrooms you are trying to convert? I say trying since they have not accomplished anything with a little paint and wallpaper in the bathroom areas.
As for the Hyatt Place concentration. If Hyatt is listening or should I say reading. Why not spend a few bucks to get those room doors fixed so they close quietly versus slam shut? How about a several hundred dollars on those rank/dirty bathrooms you are trying to convert? I say trying since they have not accomplished anything with a little paint and wallpaper in the bathroom areas.
Jan 8, 2008, 1:16 pm
#101
Ambassador: World of Hyatt
Join Date: Apr 2000
Location: San Diego,CA
Posts: 10,090
Wow. That was good. I was thinking about my stay at the PH on the way back to SFO on another old soul from Chicago- UA. Another company that has lost its' way. I've been disappointed with my PH of late. I think about my reports on PH Hamburg and PH Zurich. All three of these properties I had a desire to visit since they looked and sounded so nice. Only in the end to be disappointed. This week we leave for the GH Hong Kong and the GH Tokyo. Two pretty good service oriented hotels.
As for the Hyatt Place concentration. If Hyatt is listening or should I say reading. Why not spend a few bucks to get those room doors fixed so they close quietly versus slam shut? How about a several hundred dollars on those rank/dirty bathrooms you are trying to convert? I say trying since they have not accomplished anything with a little paint and wallpaper in the bathroom areas.
As for the Hyatt Place concentration. If Hyatt is listening or should I say reading. Why not spend a few bucks to get those room doors fixed so they close quietly versus slam shut? How about a several hundred dollars on those rank/dirty bathrooms you are trying to convert? I say trying since they have not accomplished anything with a little paint and wallpaper in the bathroom areas.
They meet or exceed my expectations the way Hyatt once did in its prime when it was focused on luxury customers and long term relationships.
I do avoid some of the older IC properties.
However their service center for account management and promotional info is not in Hyatt’s league out in Omaha.
Lucikly as a Royal Ambassador I usually can bypass them and speak to folks that no what they are doing.
Priority Club is an excellent award winning program for a reason
I buy every time 100% in trust something I can not do at Hyatt.
Even on an award stay where my complimentary mini bar beverage benefits were denied InterContinental CS insisted on refunding 100% of my points.
And I had a fantastic suite that the hotel blocked months in advance
The hotel simply didn't have its training on top tier members nailed down though they were exceedingly polite.
I will spend any amount with them as they can be fully trusted to take care of guests...
Jan 12, 2008, 1:52 pm
#104
Moderator: Luxury Hotels and FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Sep 2002
Location: Palo Alto, California,USA
Posts: 17,856
IC Park Lane treated this (very short term, thanks FT!) Royal Ambassador horribly. The renovation didn't change the size of the rooms, nor the self-serving designation of 300 sqft bedrooms with no partitions as "suites." They did change one policy: now RAs no longer get club access. Way worse than the Hyatt Churchill.
I just got back from a two night stay at the PH Chicago. I had one breakfast with my Diamond coupon which, last time, could be used for the continental breakfast buffet OR as a menu credit for the equivalent amount. The latter option was denied to me this time (although when I argued, they gave in). Does anyone know if this is a change in policy?
I just got back from a two night stay at the PH Chicago. I had one breakfast with my Diamond coupon which, last time, could be used for the continental breakfast buffet OR as a menu credit for the equivalent amount. The latter option was denied to me this time (although when I argued, they gave in). Does anyone know if this is a change in policy?