The Hyatt Centric Chicago Loop is the first Centric branded property, opening in 2015 after an extensive renovation of a 1927 art deco office building designed by Frank Chase. The hotel has 257 rooms & suites (including 120 Kings, 27 Queens, 97 Double Queens, 12 Junior Suites, and 1 Presidential Suite) spread over 22 floors. When its opening was announced, Hyatt said, "The Hyatt Centric name was inspired by the brand's mission of putting its guest at the center of the action in the best destinations."
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Booking the Hyatt Centric Chicago Loop
The Hyatt Centric Chicago Loop is a Category 4 hotel, typically costing 15k - 18k points a night (depending on season). The cash price of $136 seemed like a better deal, so I booked this stay using points. Taxes & fees were around $24, making the per night cost $160, a reasonable rate for a mid-price Chicago hotel in April.
Hyatt Centric Chicago Loop Location
Located at 100 W. Monroe St. in Chicago's business neighborhood known as The Loop, the hotel is within walking distance of Millennium Park, the theater district and world-class shopping on State Street and Michigan Avenue. For me, it was a great location, as I needed to spend some time onsite at my employer's Chicago office, which is located less than 2 blocks from the hotel.
Hyatt Centric Chicago Loop Lobby & Check-in
On the day I arrived into Chicago, I was due at work for an important meeting at 8am, so I stopped at the hotel on my way into the office, with the intention of dropping off my suitcase, as it was only 6:30am. Surprisingly, I was advised that my room had been upgraded, and was ready. I was welcomed as a Hyatt Explorist, given the "lay of the land" about the features of the hotel, and offered two bottles of water.
King Deluxe Guest Room
Hyatt describes the hotel thus: "The modern and urban guest rooms balance the energy of the city with a calm, inviting respite through minimal but upscale features, which include unique bathroom designs with private showers and water closet areas."
I was assigned a King Deluxe Room on the 20th floor, with views out to the Willis Tower, just a few blocks away. When I walked in, I was impressed by the spaciousness of the room. Immediately to the right of the entry was a large, walk-in closet with shelving, and shelving. To the left was an alcove with a fridge, and coffee making facilities.
The room had a small table/desk space (one of my "must haves" when booking a hotel room is that there be a space to work - preferably a full desk, but if not, a table large enough to accommodate a laptop, and a comfortable chair).
The bathroom was also another surprise - it was very spacious, with a large vanity, shower, and toilet with a door for more privacy.
I did notice some peeling paint on the ceiling of the shower recess, but otherwise, the room was clean and did not disappoint.
Dining Options
The Hyatt Centric offers three options for dining:
AIRE - their seasonal rooftop bar. It was closed during my stay, so I was unable to visit.
Bandol Brasserie & Raw Bar located off the lobby of the hotel. If you're a Hyatt Globalist, breakfast at the restaurant is included as a perk. I had dropped down from Globalist to Explorist just a couple of days before, so my breakfast wasn't complimentary, but I enjoyed it nonetheless. So many hotels just offer buffet breakfasts, so it was nice to have an a la carte option.
"The Corner" - the Centric brand's equivalent to a lounge; this one is available to all guests, and was a great place to grab a light snack and drinks.
Other Amenities
As with many downtown Chicago hotels, the Hyatt Centric did not have a swimming pool. It did have a decently equipped gym. Surprisingly, although it was on the hotel's 5th floor, the gym didn't offer a great view. Despite that, it was well lit, and had a lovely photographic mural of the Chicago skyline and Lake Michigan.
Final Thoughts
I loved this hotel - I stayed here shortly after an extended stay at the Holiday Inn Express in Chicago's River North district, and the contrast between the hotels was like night and day. Both hotels were in buildings which were over 90 years old, but the Hyatt Centric felt much more modern, inviting, and especially roomy! Everything was larger in this hotel room, from the room itself, to the spacious bathroom and walk-in closet.
While I considered the location perfect for my needs, others might not like the Loop location, where things tend to shut down in the evenings and weekends. There are some great restaurants in the area, but there isn't the variety that you would get if you were staying in River North, for example.
What about you? Have you stayed at this location? What did you think of the hotel?
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