Chicago Athletic Association Hotel

The Chicago Athletic Association is a unique historic structure that has been thoughtfully restored and remodeled with both comfort and character in mind. It is an elegant and FUN place to stay. Ideally located on Michigan Ave across from Millenium Park there is plenty to do right in the hotel. I love the Drawing Room/Lobby space as a place to visit in comfort and have drinks and conversation or just relax. The game room looks like a great place to play and hang out with friends. I love the Cherry Circle Room, a hidden gem, which was closed for remodeling on this visit. The Cindy's Rooftop Cafe is a unique dining destination with sensational views, ambience AND a great menu. I will stay here any time my wife and I look to have an overnight visit (or longer) to downtown Chicago.

This is a gorgeous, historic and elegant hotel. No argument. It's a destination in and of itself. The game room is a lot of fun; when you can play or get near the games. There are constantly people in and out of the lower lobby which is loud and cold. The upper lobby where the check in desk is located, allows for non-guests to sit and do work, etc, which takes up space from paying guests who would like to enjoy scenery of the library. The sleeping room we had was fine. It was an interior room (that I knew I was booking when I used points) but it was NOTHING like the photos on the hotel website. It was cramped, very dark, stark and there is no where to put anything. There is an open clothes rack with some hangers on it, but that's it. Large suitcases will be a hinderance. Zero storage in the bathroom, save for a slim shelf above the toilet. If you have more then 2 people or are staying more then a night or 2, be prepared to get creative. The rooms aren't very quiet either. You can hear the El all night long, doors slamming and general noise throughout the night. The advertised "rainfall shower" was anything but. It was a mess of lots of drips/spray, but eventually got the job done. (13th floor room) It's not a romantic shower in the least. The elevators are slow. You need to use specific ones in order to move about the property. If you're expecting to be able to sit in the game room or the lounge and have a drink, or play some games, be prepared to wait, for it to be loud and crowded. Cindy's (rooftop) is apparently a highlight for people to see. Beware - it's so crowded, even in mid-day that it's hard to get near the bar. It's a much smaller space then it looks in the photos. And if you're planning to stay at the hotel to go to Cindy's, the space does accept buy-outs which means it is not guaranteed to even be open if you're there. (It's independent of Hyatt) The service at the hotel was exceptional, the room and public spaces were very clean and well cared for, and the concierge was cheerful and helpful. The location can't be beat. I won't stay here again since it's just too busy of a hotel. None of these are strikes against the hotel, just some tips when booking that are honest and dependable from a TA in the business who stays at and tours a lot of hotels.

I’m writing this review while lying awake in my room, listening to the windows rattle from the bass of a wedding reception below us. We chose to upgrade our room at the Chicago Athletic Association, assuming it would offer a more elevated experience. Unfortunately, we weren’t aware that the upgrade placed us 2 floors above the ballroom. Had we known, we would have made a different choice. The music has been nonstop, and the bass is strong enough to vibrate through the walls and shake the glass. This isn’t faint event noise — it feels like being inside the venue. It has made it impossible to sleep. travel frequently for work, including to cities like New York and Los Angeles, so normal street noise and sirens don’t bother me. The hotel seems well insulated from outside city sounds but unfortunately, not from their own ballroom. I reached out to the staff to ask if there was an end time to the reception because the noise level was so disruptive At one point, I left my room and sat in the lobby for over an hour because it was quieter there than where I was supposed to be sleeping. When you’re staying at a hotel of this caliber, especially one positioned as luxury, the expectation of being able to rest at night doesn’t feel unreasonable. The building is stunning. The design and atmosphere are beautiful. But none of that compensates for a night without sleep. At minimum, guests should be informed if their room is located above an active event space, particularly on weekends when weddings are common, so they can make an informed decision. Bare minimum the hotel should proactively offer complimentary earplugs as they know this is an ongoing issue as seen in reviews dating back years. If you’re considering staying here, I strongly recommend confirming your room’s proximity to the ballroom before checking in or consider looking elsewhere. I wish I had booked elsewhere.

The hotel was perfect, great location with many amenities within the confines of the hotel. Great staff and superb hospitality.

Stayed here a few years and wanted to see a special exhibit at the Art Institute which is basically across the street. Got a high floor room (17th flood). Small but adequate room facing another building but very comfortable. This hotel is close to just about everything. I parked a few blocks away and walked to avoid high parking fee. Friendly staff. Old building which still has old world charm and amenities. Cool game room on the second floor as well as a great place to hang out in the lobby. Highly recommend.