Hyatt Place River North: Chicago's Chicest Stay (Unbeatable Deals Inside!)
Hyatt Place River North: Chicago's Chicest Stay (But Is It Really Chic?) – A Messy, Honest Review
Alright, buckle up, buttercups, because I'm about to spill the beans (and maybe some coffee, because that's a real possibility for me) on the Hyatt Place River North in Chicago. They call it "chic" and promise "unbeatable deals." Well, let's unpack that, shall we? And be warned, this isn't your sterile, corporate brochure read. This is real life.
(SEO & Metadata Time - Gotta Play the Game!)
- Keywords: Hyatt Place River North, Chicago, Hotel Review, Accessibility, Spa, Fitness Center, Restaurants, River North, Deals, Wi-Fi, Cleanliness, Safety, Kid-Friendly, Pet-Friendly * (even though pets aren't currently allowed, gotta cover all bases!)
- Meta Description: A messy, honest review of Hyatt Place River North in Chicago! We dive into accessibility, amenities like the spa and fitness center, dining options, cleanliness, and safety. Plus, we'll tackle the "chic" factor head-on. Spoiler: It's complicated.
(Getting Started: First Impressions & the Lobby – Or, Where's the Chic??)
Okay, so the first thing that hits you is… well, it's nice. Clean, modern, minimalist-ish. The lobby is spacious but, let's be honest, it doesn't scream "chic" to me. Feels more like "efficient hotel prototype." Then again, maybe I'm just a sucker for a bit of personality. I walked in, tired from a flight, looking for a solid welcome. The staff were… okay. Polite, efficient. Not exactly overflowing with Chicago charm. No warm fuzzy feelings. No "Welcome to the Windy City, friend!" Just "Here's your key. Enjoy." (Meh, I was hopeful, but nothing outstanding, like a slightly under-seasoned soup.)
Accessibility – A Mixed Bag (Which, Let's Be Real, is the Story of Life, Isn't It?)
Okay, HUGE shoutout to the hotel for aiming at accessibility. The website says they've got facilities for disabled guests, and that's important. I'm happy that's on the radar. The elevator was easy to find and maneuver in, which always helps. They list having accessible rooms and… that's good, but it's also kind of the minimum in this day and age, right? I hope they're actually accessible - I didn't need one myself, but I'd hate to vouch for something I can't personally test.
Internet – Oh, the Glorious Internet!
Okay, free Wi-Fi in all rooms! That's a win. Massive win. It worked well for the most part, which is a crucial thing. I work online. I need to connect, that's a massive priority. The hotel also has internet access. I didn't see anyone using the LAN, which, let's be honest, feels a bit… 2005.
The Room - Clean, but is it… Soulful?
The room itself was clean. Clean. I'm a germaphobe, so that's a HUGE plus. They really made an effort. The sheets felt fresh. The bathroom was spotless. No mystery stains. Gold star for hygiene. But… I'm gonna be real, it felt a little… sterile. Like a very well-designed, but uninspired, hospital room. (I’m also the type of person that can get freaked out by how clean things are, like, too clean. It always makes me wonder what they're hiding… haha. This is going to be an emotional rollercoaster).
It had all the basics, though. The bed was comfortable, the AC worked. The blackout curtains were a godsend. Thank you, blackout curtains, for saving my sleep schedule! The little coffee maker, the in-room safe – all standard. I'd prefer it if it had a little more personality, a little more color, maybe even a tiny plant that hasn't already died… but hey, these are minor complaints.
Dining - Let's Talk Food! (My Happy Place - or Potential Disaster)
So, here's where things get interesting. They have a restaurant. They serve breakfast! Breakfast buffets… those are a gamble, aren't they? I ate something called "Asian Breakfast" and was pleasantly surprised. I ate a Western breakfast as well. A bit of a mix, I would say. All things considered, it was pretty good. They also offer room service, which is fantastic when you're exhausted and don't want to leave the room. You could grab a snack bar to take to your room as well. I didn't try the pool bar.
Let's talk about the Coffee Shop. Coffee is essential. I got my fix. The one saving thing for me? The coffee was good. It wasn't gourmet, but it was decent. A welcome and necessary part of the stay.
Things to Do & Ways to Relax: The Spa & The Gym – Or, My Attempt to Be a Better Person (Spoiler: It Didn't Quite Work)
Okay, here's the kicker. They advertised a spa. I got excited. I pictured myself, swaddled in a fluffy robe, sipping cucumber water. Nope. Turns out, there's no spa. Oops! False advertising, people! Big letdown.
The gym was decent. It had treadmills, weights… all the usual stuff you find in such establishments. I tried to work out. I really did. But, let's be honest, I'm on vacation. So, I did the minimum, then went back to my room to watch TV. (I thought about the sauna and steamroom and decided I didn't have the energy).
Cleanliness & Safety – Crucial in These Times (And Every Time, Really!)
They clearly take cleanliness seriously. I saw staff constantly cleaning common areas. They proudly advertised antiviral cleaning products, which is reassuring. Hand sanitizer dispensers were everywhere. They offer that "room sanitization opt-out" option – which is cool if you don't want them in your room and want to ensure your space is secure. No complaints there, I'd say. Safety first!
Services & Conveniences – The Little Things (Which Sometimes Matter a Lot)
They offered a lot of services and conveniences! They had a business center, a concierge, and a currency exchange. Daily housekeeping and laundry services were available. A doorman was there to help. Luggage storage! All the usual suspects.
For the Kids – Kinda?
They advertised being family-friendly, so I guess there are kids' facilities.
Getting Around – Getting You Where You Need to Go
They offer airport transfer and (paid) valet parking. A car park is available on-site.
And Now for the Verdict: Chic? Maybe. Worth It? Possibly.
So, is the Hyatt Place River North "chic"? I'd say… maybe. It's definitely modern and well-maintained. But it lacks that certain something, that je ne sais quoi that makes a place truly memorable. However, it's clean, convenient, and the location is fantastic. It feels safe.
Was it worth the price? That depends. Did I get a "deal"? Absolutely not, prices were pretty high.
Final Thoughts:
This is a solid hotel, for sure. It's reliable. It's clean. It gets the job done. But it's not a place that will set your soul on fire. If you're looking for a comfortable, convenient base for exploring Chicago, and don't mind paying a premium, the Hyatt Place River North is perfectly acceptable. But if you're seeking true "chic," be prepared for a minor disappointment. And maybe bring your own fluffy robe.
Gettysburg's BEST Kept Secret: Days Inn Review (You WON'T Believe This!)
Okay, buckle up, buttercup. This isn't your sanitized, corporate-approved itinerary. This is me, at the Hyatt Place Chicago/River North, trying to conquer the Windy City with a suitcase full of questionable decisions and a heart full of hope. And a desperate need for more coffee. Consider this my travel journal, unfiltered and probably over-caffeinated.
Hyatt Place Chicago/River North: Chaos and Croissants (and Coffee…lots of coffee)
Day 1: Arrival and the "Oh God, I'm in Chicago" Moment
- 1:00 PM - Arrival & Check-In (Attempt): Right, so my flight was delayed. Naturally. Landed at O'Hare, wrestled my luggage (which, by the way, seems to have gained 5 pounds of something on the flight), and finally, finally made it to the Hyatt Place. Checked in. The room is…fine. Perfectly adequate for my shenanigans. The first thing the AC should to cool down. It's a sweltering summer day (or at least it felt that way). The lobby is bright and airy, like a giant, beige, very modern waiting room. I feel like a hamster in a stylish cage.
- 1:30 PM - Coffee Crisis: Okay, first things first. Coffee. The complimentary coffee in the lobby sounds…weak. I need something that can kickstart a zombie apocalypse. Found a decent coffee shop down the street (shoutout to Dollop Coffee Co. - lifesavers). Ordered a large (and I mean LARGE) iced latte, and felt the world shift back into focus. Ahhh, that’s better.
- 2:30 PM - River North Ramble (or rather, stumble): Armed with caffeine and a general lack of a plan, I decided to just wander around River North. The architecture is stunning, seriously, I almost tripped over a fire hydrant ogling the buildings. Found myself wandering down a hidden alley, and nearly walked directly into a photoshoot. Awkward. Very awkward.
- 4:00 PM - Magnificent Mile Mayhem (or "Overwhelmed by Retail Therapy"): The Magnificent Mile. Oh, the Magnificent Mile. So many stores. So many beautiful, shiny things that I absolutely don't need. I window-shopped for about an hour, fighting the urge to buy a ridiculously expensive handbag and a pair of shoes I’d probably only wear once. Victory! (Or at least a temporary truce).
- 6:00 PM - Dinner Disaster (and Delicious Redemption): Dinner was…an adventure. I thought I found a cool, trendy spot. Turns out, it was way too trendy for my taste. The menu was indecipherable, and the music was so loud, I felt like I was trapped in a rave. After 20 minutes. I bailed. Found a pizza place (Lou Malnati's Pizzeria, you magnificent beast!) and inhaled a deep-dish like I hadn't eaten in days. Heaven. Absolute, cheesy, tomato-sauce-covered heaven.
- 8:00 PM - Rooftop Revelation (and a Mild Panic Attack): Spotted a rooftop bar a few blocks from the hotel and thought, Why not? The view was breathtaking (seriously, jaw-dropping!), but the thought of the height combined with my exhaustion made my stomach do a flip-flop. Had a glass of wine, took a deep breath, and managed to enjoy the view (and the people-watching).
- 9:30 PM - Bedtime (and a looming fear of jet lag): Back at the hotel, collapsed on the bed, ready to pass out. Jet lag is starting to creep in. I hope I sleep. I really really hope I sleep.
Day 2: Art, Architecture, and Accidental Adventures
- 8:00 AM - Coffee Round Two (and Breakfast Buffet Battle): Coffee. Again. This time, I braved the hotel breakfast. It was…fine. The oatmeal was surprisingly good, but the scrambled eggs looked a little…yellow.
- 9:00 AM - Art Institute of Chicago: The Good, The Great, and the “I Don’t Get It”: The Art Institute is amazing. I wandered around for hours, getting lost in Van Gogh's brushstrokes and Monet's water lilies. The scale of everything is unreal. I’ve always loved art museums because they really force you to stand and think. It's almost a spiritual experience to spend time in a museum. I could spend a whole day there. I even attempted to understand some of the more abstract pieces, (I’m still not sure about the "concept" of a blank canvas, but hey, what do I know?).
- 12:00 PM - Lunch Mishap (but with a Silver Lining): Planned on eating at a cute little cafe near the museum. Closed. (RAGE!) Ended up grabbing a hot dog from a street vendor. It was amazing. Chicago hot dogs are legendary.
- 1:00 PM - Architectural Boat Tour: The Watery Way to Awesome: BOOK THIS. Seriously. SO worth it. The boat tour gives you a fantastic perspective on the city's incredible architecture. The guide was knowledgeable and funny, and I leaned over the railing, snapping photos like a crazed tourist.
- 3:00 PM - Unexpected Discovery (and a Chocolate Emergency): While wandering the streets, I stumbled upon a small chocolate shop, L.A. Burdick. My heart skipped a beat! (Okay, maybe not skipped, but definitely did a little flutter). Bought a selection of chocolates that were so delicious, they almost made me cry. Almost.
- 4:00 PM - Riverwalk Stroll (and People-Watching Gold): The Riverwalk is a must-do. Saw a street performer doing some crazy juggling, watched some people doing yoga, and just soaked up the atmosphere. It’s like the city’s living room.
- 6:00 PM - Dinner Debacle (Round 2): Decided to try a different type of cuisine, but I made a mistake. I thought I was going to enjoy it, but it was so busy and I got stuck with a dish that wasn't exactly my thing. I ended up leaving most of it.
- 7:30 PM - Blues Bar Blues (and a Moment of Pure Joy): Found a tiny, smoky blues bar. The music was incredible. The atmosphere was electric. It didn't pay to go out for Blues music. After the first song, I knew I was in my element. And I forgot about everything else in the world. It was perfect.
- 9:30 PM - Sleep and Repeat? (Maybe.) Back to the hotel. I'm actually still buzzed from the Blues, and debating whether to order room service. Or maybe just a whole pizza. Tomorrow: more chaos, more coffee, and the eternal quest for the perfect Chicago hot dog.
Day 3: The Final Day (and a Last-Ditch Attempt to Be a Local)
- 8:00 AM - Departure and Nostalgia: The last day. Sigh. Got up, packed. Went downstairs to eat a breakfast with more of a sadness instead of hunger. Still no desire to try those scrambled eggs. I should have gone to the breakfast restaurant around the corner.
- 9:00 AM - Final Shopping: Last chance to buy those overpriced souvenirs. Wandered through some of the shops for last-minute presents. This time I actually succeeded in buying a gift for my mom!
- 10:00 AM - Second Architectural Tour: A second tour, but this time it was land, not water. This was a last-minute call, but it actually felt better. Especially because I got to see my favorite building in the city.
- 12:00 PM - One Last Meal and a Tear: It was time to eat lunch, and it was a sad one. I had to get the hell outta there. I also realized how much I was going to miss the place.
- 1:00 PM - Departed: Sigh, it's time to go.
So that was it. My Chicago adventure. Flawed, caffeine-fueled, and probably a little bit embarrassing. But also, unforgettable. I’m exhausted, my feet hurt, and my wallet is lighter, but for the first time in a while, I feel alive. And that, my friends, is what a good trip is all about. Now, time to board the plane and start planning my next adventure.
Banning's Best Kept Secret: Days Inn & Casino Fun!
So, Hyatt Place River North: Is it REALLY as "chic" as they claim? Because I'm a little cynical about hotels...
Alright, *chic*. That word. It's overused, right? Like, everything's *chic* now. But… yeah, I'd say this place leans into it. The lobby is cool. Not like, "trying too hard cool," but more "effortlessly-chic-with-a-hint-of-art-gallery" cool. Think exposed brick, local art (which, hey, actually looked good!), and enough comfy seating to stage a small rebellion. Now, I went during a blizzard (Chicago, baby!), and honestly, just the *warmth* of the lobby, the smell of coffee, and the whole vibe just made my grumpy snowbound mood vanish. It’s a decent start. (Though, let's be real, the "chic" vibe could also be totally dependent on who you ask. My friend Becky, who thinks anything without a chandelier is a tragedy, probably wouldn’t agree. Bless her heart.)
What are the rooms like? Cozy? Cramped? Does the bed feel like a cloud or a concrete slab?
Okay, let's talk rooms. They’re… solid. Not super-huge, but definitely not a shoebox. I'm not a minimalist, so storage space is key, and they had enough. The bed? Oh man, the bed! It wasn't *cloud*, but it was definitely a *very* comfortable cloud-adjacent experience. I slept like a log, which, considering I was battling jet lag and a raging sweet-tooth from too many Garrett’s Popcorn tins, is saying something. I *hate* a bad hotel bed. Seriously, it can ruin the whole stay. So, good job, Hyatt Place. You passed the bed test with flying colours. Bathroom’s clean, well-lit, and the shower pressure’s decent which is crucial (again, ask Becky, she has VERY STRONG OPINIONS on water pressure).
Breakfast: Yay or Nay? Is it just sad pastries and lukewarm coffee?
Breakfast! Okay, honesty time: I'm a breakfast *person*. I need my eggs, my bacon, my potentially-unhealthy-carb-load to start the day. The Hyatt Place breakfast is… *above average*. They had the usual suspects: cereal, yogurt, fruit. What made it sing, though, was the made-to-order egg station. Fresh omelets? Yes, please! Now look, it's not a five-star brunch buffet, but it’s perfectly acceptable, and the coffee wasn’t terrible. (But I am a coffee snob and usually need a *serious* caffeine fix later.) The best part? The breakfast area wasn't a crowded nightmare. Which, after braving the Chicago cold, was a HUGE plus. (Side note: bring your own maple syrup. Hotel syrup is *always* questionable.)
Okay, let's talk location. Is it actually in River North, or is it a bait-and-switch? And how easy is it to get around the city?
No bait-and-switch here! It's *actually* in River North. Seriously, step out of the hotel and… boom, you're surrounded by restaurants, bars, and art galleries. Walking distance to a LOT of things. Magnificent Mile is a short walk (and you'll need it to burn off all the deep-dish pizza you’ll inevitably inhale). Public transit is easy to access. There's an El station nearby. (I'm a big fan of the El. It's an experience, let's put it that way. Sometimes you see things…but that's Chicago for you.) Cabs and ride-shares are plentiful, obviously. Honestly? Location is a huge win. It's central, it's easy, and you're in the thick of all the fun stuff.
Any hidden costs or annoying surprises I should know about?
Okay, let's get real. Hotels always find ways to get your money. (It's kinda their job.) Parking is a bit pricey, but that's Chicago in general. Check the fine print on the deals. Be careful about those minibar prices! Always. I’ve done the math, I've cried the tears. And the "free Wi-Fi"? Fast, and reliable, which is a godsend. Aside from the usual hotel-y upcharges, I didn't encounter anything outrageous. I was actually pleasantly surprised. I hate hidden fees more than a grumpy toddler hates naptime.
What about the staff? Are they friendly? Unhelpful? Just plain rude?
The staff? Honestly, they were great. Super friendly, efficient, and helpful. They actually *seemed* happy to be there, which is a rare and beautiful thing in the service industry, in my experience. I had a slight issue with my TV remote (first world problems, I know), and they fixed it immediately. The front desk was always cheerful and able to offer suggestions. I'd go back just based on the quality of customer service alone. One guy, I think his name was Mark, was especially helpful. He even gave me a few insider restaurant tips that turned out to be golden. So, yeah, no complaints there. This is important! (Especially after the rude-staff experience at that other hotel I won’t name... *shudders*)
Okay, let's talk about 'deals'. You mentioned some "unbeatable deals." What's the catch?
"Unbeatable deals," huh? Okay, confession: I *love* a good deal. Like, I will spend an embarrassingly long time hunting for discounts. I saw some stuff running at the time I went. Definitely check the Hyatt's website directly. Sometimes you find bundled offers, things like "free breakfast" or "parking included" or a *very* aggressive rate based on seasonal things like the weather, or, you know, events or holidays. Look for those. Read the fine print, as always. And be flexible with your dates. Staying mid-week instead of on a weekend can often shave off a serious chunk of change. And seriously, even without a deal, the price feels reasonable for what you get. I mean, compared to some of the other hotels I've stayed in in Chicago... it's a steal! (Almost literally…I still have my eye on that local art in the lobby.)
I'm a foodie. Is this hotel a good base for exploring Chicago's culinary scene?
Are you a foodie? Oh, you're in luck! The hotel is a *fantastic* base for exploring Chicago's food scene. Like, seriously, you can stumble out of the hotel and drown in deliciousness. River North itself is packed with amazing restaurants – from high-end steakhouses to hip, casual eateries. Then there's all of downtown, the Magnificent Mile, and quick access to other neighborhoods.Budget Hotel Guru
Post a Comment for "Hyatt Place River North: Chicago's Chicest Stay (Unbeatable Deals Inside!)"