Which Hyatt to stay at?

Looking to stay in Chicago a few days, will be our 1st time there. We are thinking of either Park Hyatt or Hyatt Regency.

Which would be the better location to stay at? I think the Hyatt Regency is closer to the parks and Park Hyatt is at the northern end more. I understand the hotel conditions are totally different, but location wise, which would be better?

Would the closer walking distance to the park be more beneficial? (not sure how far is it really from each hotel) we would not be renting a car, and probably would not be traveling that far from downtown.

Also is there certain areas you would suggest to avoid for safety reasons if any?

Which Hyatt to stay at?

Both properties are fine. Hyatt Regency is closer to Millennium Park. If you plan on spending a considerable amount of time in the MP area, Hyatt Regency would be better choice. The areas where downtown hotels are located are fine from a safety standpoint. As in any other major city, common sense prevails.

www.transitchicago.com for public transit information. A CTA visitor might come in handy for your visit.

Which Hyatt to stay at?

They are less than a mile apart so I wouldn%26#39;t worry too much about distance. But let me say this: there would be no question at all on where I would stay--the Park Hyatt would be my choice no matter what. It%26#39;s a far far far better property. Newer, more beautiful and the Hyatt on Wacker is old, huge and you will probably get lost going to your room, It%26#39;s not at all personal. I personally just hate the Hyatt on Wacker. I think Dick Cheney sent some terrorists to stay there and they would rather be water boarded.

Yeah if I can, I would like to stay at Park Hyatt, but the cost is like double or triple.

Also, would you recommend going to Chicago on a weekend when there is an event going on? I read there is Venetian Nights, Taste of Chicago etc...would it be too busy?

We are not that into drinking and the whole nightclub scene, so finding stuff to do be great, during day and night.

Chicago is definitely busier during big events like those you mentioned. But I like to be there during those events. Of course, filling your days on non-event weekends shouldn%26#39;t be an issue either. There%26#39;s always a lot going on. Whether it%26#39;s ';too crowded'; is entirely dependent on your travel tastes. I know people who I would never, ever travel to Chicago with during an event like the taste, but others who would have a blast.

I will also say that I am a fan of the Hyatt Regency. I can%26#39;t compare it to the Park Hyatt, but I%26#39;m usually looking for affordable convenient comfort, and that%26#39;s what you get at the Hyatt Regency. The location is fantastic - about a mile to the top of Michigan Ave, a mile or so to the museum campus. Easy access to multiple el lines and bus lines. It%26#39;s big and impersonal, but I%26#39;ve never gotten lost going to my room, and the rooms are large and comfortable. Corporate, sure, but comfy beds and plenty of furniture for lounging. Since I%26#39;ve gotten it more than once for roughly $100/night, that works for me.

Must it be a Hyatt? If you cannot afford the Park Hyatt, the Hyatt Regency is not the best choice. There are many more hotels with grat rates in the area.

Hyatt was our first choices jsut for collecting points purposes. I seen a few deals on travelzoo etc on other hotels that are not bad. But most hotels I looked at seem to be either at north end (near park hyatt) or the south end closer to the parks (regency).

Keep in mind, downtown is not spread out. It%26#39;s very easy to get around. Millennium Park is actually towards the center. Here%26#39;s a map - transitchicago.com/assets/鈥?00806D.htm

The Park Hyatt is a favorite of mine--the atmosphere is peaceful and the service is wonderful. Bathrooms are cool and the beds are so comfortable. I love the location--right at the Water Tower amid the best shopping and great restaurants, and a walk to the Loop isn%26#39;t too far.