We recently spent a few weeks in Chicago and went with two properties from the Hyatt chain for our stay. While Chicago has more than 20 Hyatt properties, we narrowed it down to Park Hyatt Chicago and Thompson Chicago, splitting our stay between them.
So far, this has been our second hotel stay at the property from the Thompson collection (you can read about our stay in Mexico at The Cape, a Thompson hotel here), and we were eager to check this Thompson out.
Opened in 2013, Thompson Chicago offers 247 rooms and suites to choose from and is conveniently located in Downtown Chicago, near the Magnificent Mile and Lake Michigan. Let’s take a closer look at what this hotel has to offer.
Booking
We booked our stay at Thompson Chicago by redeeming Hyatt points and a Free Night Award Certificate. Since Thompson Chicago is a Category 4 Hotel, and it is worth 15k Hyatt Points per night on a Standard Night (12k Hyatt Points per night on an Off-peak night and 18k Hyatt Points on a Peak Night, respectively).
Along with Hyatt Points, we redeemed our Free Night Award Certificate. There are several ways to earn a Free Night Award Certificate:
- When you stay 30 nights at Hyatt, you get a Category 1-4 Free Night Certificate that must be redeemed within 180 days of its issuance.
- When you stay 60 nights at Hyatt, you get a Category 1-7 Free Night Certificate that must be redeemed within 180 days of its issuance.
- If you have a Chase World of Hyatt Credit Card, you receive a Category 1-4 Free Night Certificate annually, usually within 60 days after your account anniversary. This Certificate can be redeemed within a year of its issuance.
- You can earn a Category 1-4 Free Night Certificate when you spend $15,000 on your Chase World of Hyatt Credit Card in a calendar year. This Certificate can be redeemed within a year of its issuance.
- Finally, when you stay at five different Hyatt brands (such as Hyatt Regency, Andaz, JdV, Grand Hyatt, and others), you get a Category 1-4 Free Night Certificate. This Certificate can be redeemed within a year of its issuance.
Parking
Thompson Chicago offers valet parking for a $75 daily fee. This fee was waived for us as Globalists.
Nearby self-parking is available at 1030 N State St. and 900 N Michigan Ave. To secure your spot in advance, use a parking app like SpotHero or ParkWhiz.
Check-in
In the late afternoon, we arrived at the hotel and handed our car to the valet before heading to the check-in area. As we entered the lobby, we were welcomed with dim lighting and stylish mid-century modern decor.
We had a somewhat awkward encounter with the concierge at check-in. First, we were greeted and offered some water right away. Afterward, when we wondered if we could get upgraded to a suite, the lady informed us that, unfortunately, nothing was available for our dates. While we pointed out that the app actually showed availability for a few of their suites (Junior Suite and Thompson Suite), she said not to look there and that “she got something special for us.” Without telling us what room we were getting, she gave us the keys, and we went upstairs to find out that we did indeed get the Junior Suite.
Don’t get me wrong, we were grateful for the upgrade, and having extra space while traveling with the little ones is always appreciated (especially when the upgrade is complimentary). But why such secrecy and the sudden appearance of a suite? It would have been nice to discuss our options and name things as they were.
Globalist Upgrade
We got upgraded to a corner 450 sq. ft. Junior Suite with an ADA Shower on the 18th floor with panoramic city views.
This suite featured midcentury modern furniture, floor-to-ceiling windows, a king-size bed in the bedroom, a living area, and a separate work desk.
The room seemed a little dated but was nice and clean nonetheless.
We had requested a roll-away bed and a crib for the girls, and they fit perfectly in the living room.
Bathroom
The bathroom featured 1 sink counter and a shower.
Dining
Nico Osteria is a restaurant on the ground floor offering both indoor and outdoor dining for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Outdoor seating is available after 9 a.m.
Breakfast at Nico Osteria
💡 Good to know
What does a Globalist breakfast include at Thompson Chicago?
Breakfast is served at Nico Osteria and is complimentary for two adults and two children. The breakfast included the highest a la carte item, coffee, tea, juice, taxes, and gratuity. It was only valid for the room occupied by the Globalist. The listed items were per person, and any additional items would be charged. If the breakfast was used on the day of arrival, the guest forfeited breakfast on the day of departure.
Now, about the breakfast, they did not have a kids menu (nor pancakes or waffles whatsoever), but offered some tasty pastries. The girls enjoyed their croissants and side of fresh fruit.
Some of the items from the breakfast menu did not taste as good as they looked. And some days, the service could have been better, with a 45-minute wait, forgotten items, and not a single word of apology (but let’s say that was just one server’s incompetence and not the restaurant’s feature).
Dinner at Nico Osteria
Salone Nico
Salone Nice is a midcentury modern wine bar and cocktail lounge located on the first floor of the hotel. It was a perfect cozy space to grab a drink or an appetizer. It wasn’t overly crowded, so you were able to find a seat immediately.
Amenities
Pool / spa
Unfortunately there is no onsite pool or spa at Thompson Chicago.
Fitness center
There is a 24/7 fitness center onsite. The fitness center is quite small with just a few cardio machines and light weights, but it provides the essentials for a quick workout.
WiFi
Complimentary high-speed wireless internet is offered throughout the hotel. The WiFi connection was reliable during our stay.
Pet friendly
Thompson Chicago is a pet-friendly hotel, allowing dogs under 50 lbs for an additional fee. Pet amenities like beds, bowls and waste bags are provided.
Accessibility
Several accessible rooms are available, including the ADA shower junior suite that we stayed in. Wheelchair ramps provide access around the property.
Area attractions
Located in the heart of the city, Thompson Chicago is just a short walk from Millennium Park, Oak Street Beach (this beach has soft sand, spacious pedestrian paths, volleyball courts, and stunning views of the Chicago skyline), and various dining options. It is ideally located to experience Chicago with its world-class museums, stunning skyscraper views, and unique culinary offerings. You can read more about kid-friendly things to do in Chicago here.
On Points With Kids Summary
We redeemed 48,000 Hyatt points and a Free Night Award Certificate for four nights at Thompson Chicago. The cash rate for our stay was $1,908.08 ($477.02 per night on average, including taxes and fees), which equals 2.89 cents per point, a decent value.
You can apply for the following credit cards to earn Hyatt points that can be redeemed at Thompson Chicago:
- Chase Sapphire Preferred Credit Card application (Chase Ultimate Rewards points can be transferred to the World of Hyatt program)
- Chase World of Hyatt Business Credit Card application
