Illinois
Set on 88 acres of a forest preserve in Oak Brook, about 20 miles west of downtown Chicago, Hyatt Lodge Oak Brook is undergoing a renovation to its guest rooms and corridor spaces. The renovation is expected to be completed in early May. Refreshments to the 218 guest rooms are rooted in prairie-style design, including murals inspired by the hotel’s surrounding foliage. The hardwood floors were preserved to maintain the property’s 1980s character. The sculptural lighting, plush seating and refreshed bathrooms in guest rooms intend to create a spa-like sense of calm. The guest room corridors are being fully upgraded with a modern LED lighting system.
The hotel has five different spaces for meetings including a 15,000-square-foot conference center, a 5,100-square-foot ballroom and breakout rooms. The largest capacity in these spaces is 500 guests. The Hyatt property also features three restaurants—Lakeside Private Dining Room, Hearth Lounge and Water’s Edge and Lakeside Patio—as well as an indoor pool and fitness center.
Nebraska
Residence Inn by Marriott Lincoln Downtown is a new property located at the gateway of Downtown Lincoln and the Haymarket District. The hotel is located one block from Pinnacle Bank Arena and is the closest property to Memorial Stadium. The 122-room hotel is designed for longer stays, with each room featuring a kitchen and work area. Other amenities include a fitness center, guest laundry, market, valet parking and an outdoor patio with a firepit and two barbecues. Meeting space at the hotel includes one 336-square-foot boardroom for 24 attendees.
[Related: Indianapolis to Open Ritz-Carlton and Minneapolis’ Marriott Conference Center Rebrand]
On February 16, Omaha’s Metropolitan Entertainment & Convention Authority (MECA) held a topping out ceremony to commemorate placing the final beam in the construction for the CHI Health Center Omaha convention center expansion project. The $200 million renovation will add 90,000 square feet of space, bringing the center’s total square footage to 420,000. The expansion will also increase the total number of meeting rooms to 41, adding 25 new spaces for groups to make their own. The two-level addition on the building’s east side will offer views of the Missouri River through modern, floor-to-ceiling glass walls. Other additions at the convention center include updated flooring, woodwork and bathrooms.
[Related: New University of Kansas Conf. Center; Midwest Renovation Updates]
Historic Hotel by Henry Ford
Detroit’s Dearborn Inn was originally built in 1931 by Henry Ford—the founder of Ford Motor Company. The hotel originally served as one of the country’s first airport hotels, located less than 10 miles from Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (DTW). Over time, the property welcomed visionary minds and cultural icons including Walt Disney, Orville Wright, Norman Rockwell and Bette Davis.
In March 2025, the hotel reopened after an extensive renovation. More recently, Dearborn Inn unveiled newly renovated spaces for meetings and events. The hotel boasts more than 16,000 square feet of space for 850 guests. The largest space is the 7,500-square-foot Dearborn Ballroom.
Also new to the 23-acre property are 18 additional accommodations for guests: Colonial replica Homes inspired by figures from American literary history including Edgar Allan Poe and Walt Whitman.
The Marriott Autograph Collection Hotel has two dining concepts—Four Vagabonds and Clara’s Table. Groups can take advantage of catering options offered by Clara’s Table as well as Four Vagabonds’ Private Dining Room for up to 40 guests.
