By { Beth Weitzman
Whether for business or pleasure, it’s always a delight to stay at a Park Hyatt property. The brand, which celebrates its 40th anniversary in 2020, brings together elegance and sophistication with modern design and amenities to provide the utmost in comfort and convenience. One of my favorites is Park Hyatt Chicago, the founding Park Hyatt hotel, which opened in 1980.
Centrally located, steps off Magnificent Mile—the city’s hub of culinary, shopping, dining and cultural attractions—Park Hyatt Chicago, designed by Lucien Lagrange Architects, occupies the first 18 floors of the Park Tower building overlooking the famous Water Tower Clock, Lake Michigan and the Gold Coast. Fine finishes and thoughtful details are evident throughout, from guest rooms to each of the plush common areas. An extensive collection of original black-and-white photography by local artists impresses at every turn. And despite its bustling location, the hotel offers an oasis of calm. Thoughtfully furnished guest rooms—including 198 rooms, 13 suites, a 1,900-square-foot presidential and 1,400-square-foot custom-designed Bottega Veneta Lake Suite—offer the comfort and sophistication of a Chicago pied-a-terre. All guest accommodations are spacious and boast comfy window seats offering stunning views. Bathrooms also impress with Le Lebo amenities, a makeup area, a two-sink vanity boasting imported marble, a flat-screen TV, glass-enclosed showers and an indulgent soaking tub with views of the Chicago skyline or Lake Michigan. Complimentary pressing of up to two items is included.
For pampering, NoMI Spa delights guests with customized massages, body therapies and facials (including HydraFacial). Keeping your fitness routine in check while here is easy. For starters, a fitness concierge is available to help with selecting gear, providing detailed trail maps for walking or running, as well as GPS watches. Especially nice in the colder months when outdoor activity is limited is the 24-hour StayFit fitness center, offering stunning views of the city skyline through the floor-to-ceiling picture windows with state-of-the-art cardio, strength equipment complete with flat-screen televisions and monitors, complimentary bottled water and fruit, and freshly scented cold towel service. Views can even be seen while swimming laps in the three-lane, indoor exercise pool.
Fine food and good libations are offered at the seventh-floor NoMi trio of offerings—NoMI Kitchen, NoMI Lounge, and NoMI Garden, all named for their iconic location on North Michigan Avenue. Skyline views are seen from just about every seat. Executive Chef Eric Damidot recently took the helm of the kitchen and continues the restaurants’ French flair and emphasis on dishes featuring seasonal, local produce and ingredients. NoMi Kitchen is the three-meal-a-day (plus decadent weekend brunch), go-to spot for locals and visitors alike. For solo biz travelers, NoMi Lounge, with its relaxed atmosphere and bar is a choice spot. The sushi is downright craveable! The outdoor rooftop bar is another great option when weather is cooperating. Serving up Southern French-inspired light fare, delightful French wines by the glass, and creative cocktails amid a gorgeous backdrop and 30-foot bar. Thanks to NoMi Kitchen, Park Hyatt Chicago is the best room service I’ve ever had. Since the restaurant is located on the seventh floor, its easy access to the rooms allows for super-quick service, meaning fresh, just rolled sushi and sizzling hot dishes.
An added bonus to the already awesome offerings here is complimentary morning coffee and tea in the lobby, and a courtesy car to nearby locations.
Part of the Park Hyatt’s 40th anniversary celebration is a continued collaboration with National Geographic. A newly launched Park Hyatt hub on the National Geographic website features branded content and an interactive map with all the Park Hyatt locations around the world, allowing travelers to take a self-guided tour of Insta-worthy spots ahead of time to help in their trip planning.