What it's like staying at the historic Chicago Athletic Association, part of Hyatt's Unbound Collection - The Points Guy (2024)

I'm a sucker for hotels full of history. As such, the Chicago Athletic Association has been on my radar for some time.

I had a brief stop in Chicago while researching my story about Frontier Airlines' GoWild! Pass, which lets you fly around the country for less, so I booked a two-night stay while visiting the Windy City.

I've heard nothing but great things about the World of Hyatt program, so I was eager to see if the hype was real. Since the hotel is under the Hyatt umbrella, it made it a no-brainer choice all the way around.

Here's what you need to know about the Chicago Athletic Association to decide if it is the right Chicago hotel for your next trip to the Windy City.

Quick take

Built in 1893 as an exclusive athletic and social club on Michigan Avenue, the 11-story Chicago Athletic Association opened just months before the city's world's fair took place that same year. With a 3,000-member roster, it was one of the country's most elite clubs.

The design was inspired by the Doge's Palace in Venice, Italy. After the club folded in 2007 following an impressive 114 years, a team led by investor John Pritzker meticulously restored the building to its former glory. It reopened in 2015 as a boutique hotel and joined the World of Hyatt family four years later in 2019.

There's no denying the property's rich history, but it also is hard to beat the location steps away from Millennium Park. Plus, you'll find the Art Institute of Chicago and various restaurants and shops within walking distance.

I noticed quite a mix of patrons — couples, friend groups, solo travelers and a handful of families — during my stay. The atmosphere felt clubby but not ostentatious in the least.

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It's a pet-friendly property, with no weight limit imposed (though there is a two-pet maximum). Guests can also enjoy free use of Heritage bikes during spring and summer stays (weather permitting). Other amenities include concierge services, complimentary Wi-Fi and 24-hour valet parking with unlimited in-and-out privileges ($72 per night per vehicle).

Getting there

It was a fairly easy 30-minute Uber ride (about $36) from Chicago's Midway International Airport (MDW), which sits 10 miles southwest of the city. However, it may take longer (up to an hour) with heavy traffic.

You can also take the L train from both MDW and Chicago's O'Hare International Airport (ORD), which is probably the better option if you're arriving during rush hour.

From MDW, you'll want to hop on the Orange Line and take it toward the Loop. Once you get off at the Washington/Wabash stop, go one block east on Madison Street toward Michigan Avenue to reach the hotel's side entrance. You can also turn the corner onto Michigan Avenue and enter through the main doors.

If you're coming from ORD, take the Blue Line toward Forest Park and hop off at the Washington stop in the Loop. Walk three blocks east on Washington Street toward Millennium Park, then turn right on Michigan Avenue.

Related: 10 US airports with great public transportation options

Booking details

You'll want to book directly with Hyatt or on the hotel's website to earn and redeem World of Hyatt points.

Select American Express cardholders can book via American Express' The Hotel Collection to receive various perks like a room upgrade at check-in (when available) and a hotel credit worth up to $100 — but keep in mind that booking this way will not earn you World of Hyatt points or qualifying nights. Chase cardholders who have access to , can book via that program for its elitelike perks such as daily breakfast for two, room upgrades (when available) and early check-in and late checkout when stays are booked through the portal. There are generally mixed reports on receiving elite status credit through that program, too, so factor that into how you book.

World of Hyatt Credit Card holders can earn 4 points per dollar spent on Hyatt stays and experiences booked with the card.

For my two-night stay, I decided to book a one-queen interior-view room for $299 per night (which would have been 20,000 World of Hyatt points per night), though you can find rates starting from $200 or 17,000 World of Hyatt points per night at off-peak travel times.

Note that on top of the nightly rate, guests are charged a $30 "Founders Fee" every night of their stay. This is the Chicago Athletic Association's version of a resort fee and covers perks like a welcome glass of Champagne and a 10% discount at Fairgrounds, the on-site coffee shop.

If you book your stay with World of Hyatt points, you won't have to worry about paying this fee or other add-on charges like taxes and destination fees.

Related: Is the World of Hyatt credit card worth the annual fee?

Standout features

• The well-executed preservation and renovation of this landmark building manage the right amount of modernity and legacy.
• Every staff member I engaged with was amiable and helpful.
• Cindy's, the rooftop restaurant, offers creative co*cktails, a lively atmosphere and panoramic views that can't be missed.
• Guests have access to the world's only Shake Shack in-room dining service.

Drawbacks

• The lobby is always buzzing with both guests and nonguests, meaning you'll need to head there early to find a quiet nook.
• There is no pool or spa here, so if those amenities are important to you, you may want to stay elsewhere.
• Lobby furniture and rugs are starting to show some wear and tear.
• Finding the well-equipped fitness center is a bit challenging due to the mazelike hallways and limited signage.

The vibe

My Uber driver dropped me off at the hotel's side entrance on East Madison Street, so I missed out on being greeted by the expansive space with mosaic floors, marble columns and a grand staircase you see when you come through the ground-floor Michigan Avenue entrance. Instead, I traversed a dark hallway through the Game Room to the check-in area on the second floor.

Once I stepped foot in the main lobby area, I found myself impressed by the cool setting. The soaring ceiling offset the lobby's dim lighting, heavy furnishings and dark wood, creating a cozy and moody atmosphere that wasn't the least bit claustrophobic.

Couples and friends huddled in oversize leather couches, chatting over co*cktails or coffee, and spectacular carved stone fireplaces, elaborate millwork, stained-glass windows and terrazzo floors created an opulent, intimate atmosphere you would expect at an exclusive club.

The room

My 248-square-foot room with one queen-size bed was ample space for me. I don't usually sleep well in hotels, but my stay here was a rare exception. The bed was super comfortable, with Egyptian cotton linens and pillows that somehow managed to be both perfectly firm and soft. I didn't even have to use my sleep mask, thanks to the thick velvet blackout curtains.

The room served as an homage to the building's history, offering subtle nods to the property's athletic roots in the decor and amenities, such as the 42-inch flat-screen TV and a work desk. There were brass fixtures and vintage athletic gear, and I was low-key obsessed with the humorous artwork. Some of the furnishings could benefit from a refresh, though, as I noticed nicks on the nightstand and the bathroom door.

The bathroom, like the rest of the room, was spacious enough but only had a single vanity. It worked well for me but it could be challenging to share the space with another person. Counter space was limited, so I couldn't store my makeup bag and toiletries in the bathroom, which was a minor inconvenience.

The walk-in shower was spacious, though, and came outfitted with C.O. Bigelow toiletries. The black-and-white design featuring walls of subway tile was on brand for a vintage athletic club.

Other room amenities included an iron and ironing board, a hair dryer, a minifridge and coffee and tea accessories. I especially loved the cheeky "Quality laundry service (jock straps extra)" message on the provided laundry bag.

Food and drinks

Though my stay was brief, I did get to sample the hotel's culinary offerings in the Drawing Room lobby area.

The layout of the lobby made it difficult for me to figure out where to sit and secure service. It wasn't terribly crowded, so I settled in at a side table by the windows. Several minutes went by before a server acknowledged me, though once I was greeted, they explained they were the only server working at that time (other than the new server they were training).

Menu staples during my visit ranged from morning classics like Belgian waffles and breakfast sandwiches to various sandwiches, dips and salads to enjoy later in the day. I ordered the grilled veggie sandwich on focaccia bread, which came with mixed greens, for $17. The portion was perfect, and I found the combination of vegetables, pesto, garlic aioli and mozzarella cheese to be very tasty.

Other dining options at the Chicago Athletic Association include:

• Cindy's: You'll want to book a table at this popular rooftop terrace restaurant at least a month before you arrive, as the venue has a top-notch modern American menu and fantastic views of Millennium Park. The bar was full when I arrived, but the host led me to a high-top table reserved for hotel guests.
• Game Room: Grab some pub-style fare and play pool, bocce, shuffleboard and more at this casual spot. It's ideal for groups, so be sure to check it out if you have a travel companion in tow.
• Milk Room: Off to the side between the lobby and Game Room, this former speak-easy club that members used during Prohibition is the place to go for breakfast and coffee on Sunday mornings. In the evening, it transforms into an eight-seat microbar offering rare whiskies, tasting flights and vintage craft co*cktails.
• Cherry Circle Room: Near the lobby, this cozy fine dining spot serves dinner and brunch on Saturdays and Sundays. The wine list, including a reserve list, is impressive.
• Shake Shack: I have few regrets in life, and not carving out time to eat here during my brief Chicago visit is one of them. An outpost of New York City's wildly popular hot dog stand, the Shake Shack menu features burgers, hot dogs, chicken sandwiches and, well, shakes. And yes, you can get it via room service!
• Fairgrounds: Get your caffeine fix here before heading out to explore the city. The menu includes an array of coffee drinks and teas, plus pastries and snacks. You can also purchase bags of coffee and other items.

Related: Why I love hotel bars, especially when I travel solo

Amenities and service

While a spa and pool aren't available at the Chicago Athletic Association, the daily Founders Fee charge covers other amenities you may want to take advantage of during your stay.

To start, there's the Topgolf Swing Suite, the first of its kind in Chicago. The suite includes two indoor golf and interactive gaming simulator bays. Guests can book a four-hour session for up to eight people. Walk-ins are accepted, but reservations are highly recommended for this popular venue.

If your stay is in spring or summer, make use of the hotel's complimentary bikes. They're provided by Heritage, which produces the only Chicago-made bikes since Schwinn ceased production in the city in 1982.

As for what to expect when it comes to service, know that you'll likely have mostly positive interactions with the property's staff. Despite encountering slow (albeit friendly) service in the Drawing Room, the service was otherwise top-notch during my visit.

Out and about

The hotel's prime location makes it easy to explore Millennium Park, the Chicago Cultural Center, Michigan Avenue's shops and many of downtown's dining spots on foot.

I particularly enjoyed perusing Buddy in the Chicago Cultural Center. This shop by Public Media Institute, a local nonprofit that showcases community-based art, offers a fantastic selection of works by the city's artists and small manufacturers. It's the ideal spot to check out for a unique memento to bring home with you.

Other noteworthy places within walking distance of the hotel include the Art Institute of Chicago and the Chicago Theatre (where many of the Windy City's top performances are hosted).

Related: Ferris Bueller's Chicago: Reliving the '80s in a city that never stands still

Accessibility

Accessibility can be a challenge for historic hotels, but the Chicago Athletic Association does its best to make stays for travelers with disabilities as hassle-free and comfortable as possible.

The property offers accessible guest rooms with mobility features like roll-in showers, handlebars and 32-inch-wide doorways. Additionally, public spaces and all on-site restaurants are accessible, and Braille is included on directional signage and guest room numbers.

Checking out

My flight home was painfully early at 5:45 a.m., so I checked out at the extremely early hour of 3:30 a.m. Thankfully, the front desk is always staffed, so checking out before sunrise was easy ... and came with the added benefit of no lines or wait.

Overall, I enjoyed my stay at the Chicago Athletic Association and certainly plan to visit again — hopefully, after I've earned Hyatt Globalist status and can enjoy perks like complimentary room upgrades and free breakfast. But the next time I walk through the property's doors, whether I have Globalist status or not, one thing is for certain: I won't leave without trying out the hotel's Shake Shack room service.