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The Authority On African-American Conventions, Incentives, & Leisure Travel |
PROPERTY PROFILE
HYATT RECENCY O’HARE
BY CHRIS J. WALKER
With the recent completion of a $60 million transformation, the Hyatt Regency O’Hare in Rosemont, Illinois is primed to be a major player in the realm of conventions, meetings and events. Conveniently located just five minutes from Chicago’s O’Hare International, the world’s foremost airport, the hotel facility originally constructed in 1971 is very sophisticated and world class. Yet, it could be also considered an easily accessible oasis from the pressures and difficulties of travel, with complimentary airport shuttles to and from the airport running every 15 minutes. Further enhancing the hotel’s appeal is its highly professional staff, which is well trained and adept at handling the demands of important occasions.
Most notably, the airport-based event and meeting center is a mid-size property with 1,100 amenity-filled rooms and includes 41 suites. With the new renovations completed, the Hyatt Regency O’Hare is perfect for galas, balls and other types of grand events, along with conferences, conventions and various types of meetings. The Hyatt Regency O’Hare incorporates 110,000 sq. ft. of flexible space, accented by a 30,000-sq. ft. Grand Ballroom and two others (Rosemont 15, 046 sq. ft. and International 10,956 sq. ft.), along with a 10,000-sq. ft foyer. Additionally, its newly created Hub Conference Center, designed for intimate functions, has 17 high-tech breakout enclaves and a dedicated Meeting Concierge. For added convenience, the hotel includes a 24-hour FedEx/Kinko’s business center and Wi-Fi throughout its premises.
The main goals of architectural firm, TVS Interiors, from Atlanta was to make the nearly 40-year-old hotel more open, cutting edge and also comfortable. They achieved those objectives by inserting a welcoming porte cochere, moving the check-in area to the lobby area (second floor) with 10-story atrium coves for lounging, connecting the adjacent Donald E. Stephens Convention Center (840,000 sq. ft. of space) with a skywalk and adding two new dining areas. The O’H American Grill is a top-flight restaurant serving comfort food from all over the country. In contrast, Red Bar, an Italian-influenced Trattoria, is sports oriented and heightened with 21 plasma screen monitors, eight double-sided large media screens and noted for mixing creative cocktails.
For upscale, exclusive small gatherings, or desired privacy, the VIP Regency Club provides an exclusive concierge, a lounge/study with a flat screen television, and reading selections. Furthermore, it has top-rated wines on display and available for purchase, with a variety of culinary options, ranging from continental breakfast to afternoon snacks. Other personalized services available through the Hyatt Regency O’Hare are town cars, late checkout, disability services, multilingual staff, video on demand and of course 24-hour room service. Not to be overlooked for coffee and tea drinkers is Perks, Coffee & More, which features gourmet java and a tempting variety of snacks. Chicago sports team wear is also sold there.
Health, fitness and relaxation needs can be fulfilled through the 24-hour Stay Fit Gym. It’s highlighted by state-of-the-art workout equipment and flat screen monitors. Around the hotel grounds are paths for running and walking, while golfers have two nearby 18-hole courses to choose from. They are White Pines (10 minutes away) and Kemper Lakes (35 minutes away). Of course, they are many others in the greater Chicago area, which is only a half hour away. There an extraordinary array of fine dining, shopping, sports events, music venues, theater and general sight seeing awaits.
One tour worth checking out, if time permits, is the Architectural Tour on the First Lady (312)-332-2505/ www.cruisechicago.com/tours.php. It entertainingly spotlights Chicago’s architectural wonders that have led some to call it “The Paris of the Plains.” For more information: (847) 696-1234/ www.ohare.hyatt.com.