Fodor's Expert Review Park Hyatt Chicago

Anchoring Chicago's iconic Magnificent Mile and Water Tower Place is this luxury property, serving as the first Park Hyatt in the world founded by local dignitary Jay Pritzker. Steps away from the Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago, those with an artistic eye will appreciate the property's extensive catalog of original works curated from Pritzker's own collection.

YOU SHOULD KNOW Service goes the extra mile here where personalization is their specialty. Know your wife's favorite flower or your husband's favorite cocktail? Tip them off and it will be waiting for you upon arrival.

room

Standard rooms feel anything but standard--think cushy suites outfitted with natural palettes, pillow soft beds, Eames chairs, and sweeping city views. Electric-controlled black out windows and piercingly quiet padded walls create a serene getaway for light sleepers. Deep pockets can upgrade to stylish apartment-sized accommodations, including a Bottega Veneta designer suite.

Book the coveted rooms overlooking Water Tower Place for stunning city and lake views.

bathroom

Deep-set tubs aside an open partition look out into the room and panoramic city views (don't worry, you can close it off for privacy). Separate standing showers are stocked with Le Labo bath soaps and salts. Seated vanities feature dual sinks and television for leisurely primping.

lobby

Dark, warm lighting creates a quiet, sophisticated vibe that allows works from Pritzker's renowned art collection to stand out from contemporary artists like Sigmar Polke. Find complimentary coffee and tea service in the morning and afternoon refreshments in the sunnier street-facing lounge.

pool

A heated pool in the spa tends to draw lap swimmers, but tends to be low-traffic for family swim hours. Unwind in the jacuzzi, steam room, or hit the sun deck during warmer weather. Private locker rooms stocked with aromatherapy products mean you won't have to wander back to your room awkwardly in a towel.

dining

If you can't nab a room with a view of Water Tower Place, grab a table at NoMI Kitchen for the same experience with top-notch food. Expect seasonal, chef-driven dishes accented with selections an elegant sushi program. Save room for ridiculously good desserts, usually with creative, on-trend flavors you won't find elsewhere.

drinking

Passing the beautiful floor-to-ceiling wine shelves in NoMI's semi-private dining room, you'll have a pretty good idea of the extensive bottle list at award-winning bar, NoMI Lounge. Don't pass up creative seasonal cocktails or the select bites from the kitchen. City views overlooking Chicago Avenue are excellent year-round, particularly during the summer when the property's outdoor terrace opens up for rooftop imbibing.