Hyatt Regency Chicago

The Hyatt Regency Chicago is a 365-foot-tall (111 m) Hyatt hotel on East Wacker Drive in Chicago, Illinois. The hotel operates over 2,019 guest rooms in two different towers which were constructed in 1974 and 1980. The towers are connected by both an above-ground skyway and an underground concourse. This underground concourse is considered to be part of the Chicago Pedway. The hotel has a multi-level conference center which includes a 25,000-square-foot (2,300 m²) ballroom, and 85,000 square feet (7,900 m²) of meeting space. The conference center has been home to such events as the 40th, 49th, 58th, 70th and 80th World Science Fiction Conventions in 1982, 1991, 2000, 2012, and 2022 respectively.^[1]

Hyatt Regency Chicago
Hyatt Regency Chicago East and West towers
Location in Downtown Chicago
Hotel chain	Hyatt Hotels Corporation
General information
Location	151 East Wacker Dr, Chicago, Illinois
Coordinates	41°53′14″N 87°37′19″W
Opening	1974 (west) 1980 (east)
Owner	SunStone Hospitality
Height	365 ft (111 m)
Technical details
Floor count	34 (East Tower) 36 (West Tower)
Other information
Number of rooms	2,032
Number of restaurants	2
Number of bars	2
Parking	$84 Overnight Valet Parking; Self-park at 111 E Wacker Dr Garage
Website
https://www.hyatt.com/hyatt-regency/en-US/chirc-hyatt-regency-chicago

The West tower includes the Regency Club on the 35th floor. Other amenities include a fitness center, a game area, two full-service restaurants, and a bar.

Rooms facing north have an unobstructed view of the Chicago River. Rooms facing east may be able to see Lake Michigan, but the view is obstructed by both Columbus Plaza and Three Illinois Center. Rooms facing west have a view of Illinois Center. Rooms facing south may be able to see other areas of The Loop, but may be obstructed by the Park Millennium Condominiums or Illinois Center. All rooms have a view of the streets below.

History

History The hotel officially opened in August 1974 with the West Tower. <ref>"Throwback Thursday – Hyatt Regency Chicago". Epstein Global. April 22, 2015. Retrieved September 16, 2025.</ref> An East Tower was added in 1980, expanding capacity and forming the structure seen today with two interconnected towers. <ref>"Throwback Thursday – Hyatt Regency Chicago (East Tower Addition)". Epstein Global. April 22, 2015. Retrieved September 16, 2025.</ref> In 2024, a US$150 million renovation was completed, updating all 2,032 rooms and suites, the Regency and Crystal Ballrooms, meeting rooms, public areas (concourse, pre-function spaces), finishes, lighting, and bathrooms. <ref>"Hyatt Regency Chicago Announces the Completion of $150 Million Renovation". FacilitiesOnline. June 14, 2024. Retrieved September 16, 2025.</ref> Further renovations are planned (or underway) for the Grand Ballroom (24,000 sq ft) and surrounding restrooms/pre-function space, with expected completion in early 2026.^{[citation needed]}

Location and Context

The Hyatt Regency Chicago is located in the heart of downtown Chicago, along East Wacker Drive and adjacent to the Chicago River. Its position provides direct access to the Chicago Riverwalk and proximity to several major cultural, recreational, and entertainment landmarks, including: Chicago Riverwalk – Immediately outside the hotel; a popular area for leisure walks, dining, and riverfront views. Millennium Park – Approximately a 10-minute walk, known for attractions such as Cloud Gate (“The Bean”) and seasonal events. Art Institute of Chicago – Roughly 10–12 minutes on foot, located near Millennium Park. Navy Pier – Around a 25-minute walk or a short car ride; a family-oriented lakefront attraction. Magnificent Mile / Michigan Avenue (Chicago) shopping – About a 10-minute walk, a well-known retail corridor. Grant Park and the Museum Campus (home to the Shedd Aquarium, Field Museum, and Adler Planetarium) – Approximately 20–25 minutes walking or about 10 minutes by car. Chicago Theatre and State Street – Roughly 10–15 minutes on foot, frequented by guests attending shows or live events.

Facilities

Rooms & Suites: 2,032 guestrooms, including about 95 suites, with city, river, and lake views.^[2]

Dining: Four on-site restaurants / bars: 1. Stetsons Modern Steak + Sushi 2. American Craft Kitchen & Bar 3. Market Chicago 4. BIG Bar

Meeting & Event Space: Approximately 240,000 sq ft of flexible space, with multiple ballrooms (Regency, Crystal, Grand etc.), conference rooms, pre-function areas, and public / concourse meeting zones.^[3]

Amenities & Recreation: 24-hour fitness center; prime location near major parks and trails (Grant Park, Millennium Park, Maggie Daley Park, Lakefront Trail); “walking distance” access to lakefront and beaches.

Popular culture

The West Tower was a filming location for the 1977 film Rollercoaster.^[4]