Illinois
Situated along the iconic Chicago Riverwalk with views of both the Chicago River and Lake Michigan is the city’s biggest hotel and the largest Hyatt in the world, Hyatt Regency Chicago. The hotel offers 2,032 guest rooms and suites within walking distance of popular Chicago attractions, including the Magnificent Mile, Navy Pier and Millennium Park.
Hyatt Regency Chicago plans to reveal the completion of a transformative $150 million phased renovation this spring. The project encompassed each of the property’s guest rooms and suites as well as the Regency and Crystal Ballrooms. Prior to the hotel’s current renovations, the latest update to Illinois’ largest hotel came in 2013 with a $168 million lobby and meeting space rejuvenation. In less than 10 years, more than $318 million has been invested in the hotel.
Following completion this spring, Hyatt Regency Chicago’s re-energized guest rooms will feature a simple and open design with contemporary furniture in an uncluttered space intentionally creating a sense of calm. Art installments throughout represent the rich history of the Windy City and design elements feature graphic patterns of Chicago’s Art Deco, while the color palette pays homage to Chicago’s Greystones.
Hyatt Regency Chicago offers 240,000 square feet of meeting space, including four elegant ballrooms ranging in size from 2,652 square feet up to 24,282 square feet, with capacities between 90 to 3,000 guests. The 9,853-square-foot Crystal Ballroom—Chicago’s only street-level ballroom with views of Tribune Tower and the iconic Wrigley Building—and the 16,560-square-foot Regency Ballroom will both be enhanced with modern finishes and a neutral color palette for a fresh take on gatherings. The renovations include new architectural lighting, fresh flooring, wall coverings, bathrooms, furniture and curated artwork in prefunction spaces. The new design draws inspiration from the city itself, with nods to Chicago’s innovative and urban heritage through Greystone colors and art reflecting 360 years of significant events in the city’s history.
[Related: Lake Geneva's Latest Renovations and More News in MidAmerica]
Located in Chicago’s River North neighborhood, known for being home to dozens of high-end art and design galleries, is the unique 21c Museum Hotel Chicago, a property that blends the roles of museums and hotels and displays a vast collection of 21st century art throughout its lobby, common areas and venue spaces.
The hotel, which offers 297 guest rooms and suites, earned the No. 9 spot in Condé Nast Traveler’s 2023 Readers’ Choice Awards for the top hotels in Chicago for its “all-in-one experience.” The hotel’s sleek guest rooms and art galleries all under one roof make for a unique stay, and dining at Lure Fishbar offers guests a taste of world-class seafood and sushi, premium steaks, burgers and more.
21c Museum Hotel Chicago offers more than 10,000 square feet of multi-venue gallery space for meetings and events, a full-service 24-hour business center and state-of-the-art audiovisual equipment through Encore. The hotel’s prime venue is its Main Gallery, a 2,660-square-foot space with a skylight drawing in natural light against white walls adorned with artwork. The space can accommodate up to 250 guests while the hotel itself can host groups from eight to 300.
[Related: The Latest New and Renovated Properties in MidAmerica (October 2023)]
Ohio
Taking over the space that once housed Napa Kitchen & Bar at 101 North Summit St. inside the Hiltons of Toledo Downtown complex is a fresh new dining concept. Assembly American Brasserie, which opened its doors on January 23, promises an experience that marries the heart of Midwest hospitality with the refined simplicity of a Brasserie-inspired menu.
The restaurant, offering lunch and dinner on weekdays with plans to introduce a special brunch menu for weekends, boasts an industrial chic design inspired by the idea of building or creating something that “fits together” to serve as a hub for visitors and locals alike in a casual and approachable setting. The menu features an eclectic selection of brasserie-style fare made with local ingredients, like starters such as mussels, pork belly, a bistro beet salad and butternut caramelized onion soup.
Assembly American Brasserie can seat 120 in the main dining room and offers a 16-seat private dining room and 45-seat semi-private dining area with capabilities to host intimate gatherings to larger groups. The restaurant is also adjacent to the 217-room Hilton Garden Inn Toledo Downtown, which is located next to Glass City Convention Center and within five minutes of Huntington Center. The hotel offers more than 8,000 square feet of meetings and events space, including the 5,561-square-foot Pavilion Ballroom that can seat 400 in banquet rounds or host 550 reception-style.
