Owned by the Hyatt Corporation itself, the Park Hyatt Chicago is a showpiece property for the brand. And it does not disappoint. Aside from showstopping views of Lake Michigan and the city skyline, Park Hyatt Chicago is fresh from a total renovation and with a new general manager who knows a thing or two about operating properties with true hospitality.
Rike Erdbrink, General Manager, Park Hyatt Chicago, explains how the renovation unfolded and what it means for the property’s valued guests. Over a hospitality career that spans nearly two decades with Hyatt, Rike has overseen multiple openings across the globe, with a variety of roles at Grand Hyatt Hong Kong, Andaz Capital Gate in Abu Dhabi, Grand Hyatt Sanya Haitang Bay Resort & Spa and the Hyatt Regency in Beijing. Overseeing the renovation for Park Hyatt Chicago, Rike is thrilled to welcome both new and returning guests to a contemporary respite in the heart of downtown Chicago.
Tell us about the 2023 renovation.
Following a $60 million renovation of guest rooms and public spaces, we revealed a renewed Park Hyatt Chicago that seamlessly blends a sense of place and culture – all without compromising the property’s original mission of offering understated luxury.
As part of the refresh, Park Hyatt Chicago’s suite selection nearly tripled – going from 13 to 36 spacious suites – including the new Wellbeing and Mindfulness Suites that highlight an array of specialty amenities that embody our elevated approach to well-being. Both suites feature AI-powered Bryte Balance Mattresses and deep soaking bathtubs, while the 830 sq. ft. Wellbeing Suite features cutting-edge exercise equipment from Tonal, sound healing machine, bath salts, and essential oils for a restful night sleep.
Meanwhile, the 481 sq. ft. Mindfulness Suite boasts yoga accessories, hand weights and an open-air terrace. With these additional wellbeing-focused suites, we are directly complementing Hyatt’s overarching purpose of care, which seamlessly comes through in our guest experience in our rooms and beyond. Other changes included guest rooms receiving Lutron intuitive control systems and triple pane windows for better soundproofing.
The hotel has some notable artwork, tell us about it.
Park Hyatt is known for cultivating world-renowned art collections throughout each property. Specifically, Park Hyatt Chicago prides itself on celebrating the diverse and vibrant Chicago artist community. Earlier this spring, the property launched the NoMI Gallery on the seventh floor. The first 25-piece exhibition titled “Not Your Mother’s Dining Room” by local artist Stef Ross adorns the walls leading to NoMI Restaurant and NoMI Spa.
Additional pieces located across Park Hyatt Chicago include “The Broken Five” by local Chicagoan Rashid Johnson, custom woven metal sculptures from Eric Gushee, and curated Chicago art on display in every guest room and suite. Many pieces come from the Pritzker family’s personal collection, a unique feature of the hotel that often draws in local art lovers.
What is your favorite feature of the hotel?
Each room and suite across the hotel is outfitted with a window seat. This is a great place for guests to sit and relax as a reading nook. If I had to pick an absolute favorite, it would be the window seat in our Lake View Suite.
Is World of Hyatt an important part of the hotel’s business?
The hotel holds a lot of high-level conference business that takes advantage of the lower-level conference space. It feels quite private and away from the main hotel facilities. World of Hyatt is another big draw for both consumer and group business. It is a popular redemption stay for members given the hotel’s ideal location for business and leisure guests. Following the renovation, the category tier may soon rise in the coming year to match the beautifully remodeled design.
