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With echoes of billiard balls, poker chips, and clinking glasses frozen within its walls, this 1890’s Venetian Gothic landmark in the Chicago Loop springs back to life as an incomparable historic downtown Chicago hotel—where the spirit of play reigns supreme. After all, this is the city where the can-and-will-do attitude of Ernie “Let’s Play Two!” Banks lives on, where the father of Chicago blues, Muddy Waters, shook all night long at the Checkerboard Lounge, and Sir Duke tickled the ivories at The Blue Note. And this is the club whose historic members swam with five-time Olympic gold medalist Johnny Weissmuller—a.k.a. the original Hollywood Tarzan—and watched their fellow member Pudge Heffelfinger own so much end zone, he became football’s first pro. Today, Chicago Athletic Association is both a stunning hotel offering outstanding guest rooms and a historic monument to the big-shouldered, switch hitting spirit that defines our city with a downtown location in the Chicago Loop.
Chicago Athletic Association Hotel
12 S Michigan Avenue
Chicago, Illinois
60603
Nearest Airport: MDW
The Chicago Athletic Association was absolutely beautiful to visit and even better to spend a coupe of nights with. We checked in late after a rough bout of flight delays and enjoyed seeing such a lively atmosphere upon our arrival - they were killing it with 2 weddings that night and 2 more that they were preparing for the next day! There was a little confusion over what was included with my AmEx travel booking and they so gracefully explained everything to me and I didn't feel like I was missing a thing (in everyone else's defense, nobody else did anything wrong, I just misunderstood something on the website). Our room was perfect and my Mom and I loved seeing the restored vintage furniture pieces in the room. These complimented the modern amenities and unique lines utilized in the pieces they selected as appointments in each room. Housekeeping was absolutely lovely to interact with in the hallways and our room was maintained very well while we were there for the weekend. My Mom enjoyed her English muffin on the second floor for breakfast and I even believe I heard her say that her scrambled eggs were the best she has ever had. My bagel and lox were exactly what they should have been - classic! To get a little sugar in before a hot, busy day on the town, I had the mixed fruit side dish. I don't know if I've ever enjoyed a fruit plate more than this loaded-down dish with huge blackberries, sweet blueberries, and ripe raspberries, with banana and thinly-sliced, crisp apples playing the perfect supporting role. Generally simple, but rarely executed right - CAA nailed it! My Mom has already booked her stay for a trip to Chicago with her husband in October 2025 and I think she's also loaded up her online cart with items from the online shop to remember how special all of the details were for us. I could write doubly this much on the history and architecture of this magnificent Chicago treasure, but I've got to get back to work. Thank you, Hyatt, for acquiring this elegant old gal and opening her up to the public for all of us to enjoy. Whether you're stopping in during an architecture tour, peeking in as you stroll down Michigan Ave. by Millennium Park, or making the best choice and checking in, the Chicago Athletic Association does NOT disappoint.
alcmclocklin - Atlanta, Georgia
Beautiful hotel full of charm and character. Incredible location for exploring downtown. Rooms are clean and comfortable and unique!
Dogrivergirl
Not an enjoyable hotel for its class. I'd recommend either saving yourself money or looking at other options. Perhaps if you choose to stay here, you, too, can write your review while you wait 10 minutes or more for the elevator to arrive at your floor.
Dustin W
This hotel has gorgeous rooms & building. Very helpful friendly staff. It is in a great location for walking to many sites. Fun place for family with free games. It is a bit noisy on Michigan Avenue but that is the price you pay to be in a central location. A wonderful hotel.
Dana G - Graham
Very nice hotel, great location, friendly staff and around great restaurants. I had no expectation upon my arrival as I was going for business. The hotel was very cool and recently updated with lots to do onsite and in the surrounding area. Also, Fairgrounds Coffee & Tea onsite was excellent very morning.
Brian M
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