It’s hard to make your mark in Chicago, architecturally speaking. The city rose, literally, from the ashes of the Chicago Fire in 1871, and it’s where the skyscraper was born. It boasts one of the world’s most iconic skylines and a thriving cultural scene that drew unprecedented visitor numbers in 2023 (more than 50 million), according to Choose Chicago.
Rising 1,191 feet over Lake Michigan, the shimmering, blue-glass Vista Tower that now houses the new St. Regis Chicago is the city’s most prominent architectural addition in decades. It’s also the tallest building in the world designed by a female architect (Jeanne Gang).
After a seven-year build and numerous false starts — due to supply chain issues, a buyout of the original Chinese developer (Wanda Vista Hotels) and tumultuous restaurant changes from The Alinea Group to Lettuce Entertain You — the highly anticipated St. Regis hotel and residential combination finally opened in May 2023.
Like every other Chicagoan, I watched with keen interest for years as this glossy, superlative-loaded building slowly redefined Chicago’s skyline. As the first property from the venerable St. Regis brand in the Midwest and one of just a few luxury hotels to open in the city in over a decade, St. Regis Chicago was one of the most talked-about hotel debuts in the U.S. in 2023.
With so many other high-end hotels and luxury brands in the city to choose from, though, how does it stack up? Here’s everything you need to know before booking a stay at the St. Regis Chicago.
Getting there
The St. Regis Chicago is in Lakeshore East, a residential development at the confounding intersection of Wacker and Columbus drives. It is not easy for taxi or Uber drivers to find due to the city’s multilevel, one-way streets.
Overlooking Lake Michigan and the Chicago River, with Millennium Park (famous for Anish Kapoor’s beloved “Bean” sculpture and Frank Gehry’s Jay Pritzker Pavilion) just south, the property is surrounded by water and parks. Top retail hubs like the glitzy Magnificent Mile and Oak Street boutiques lie just north, and the theaters and historic buildings of the Loop are a 25-minute walk away.
A taxi from O’Hare International Airport (ORD) will cost you between $40 and $50, and the ride generally takes around 45 minutes. However, the 18-mile journey can take up to 90 minutes, depending on the traffic.
If you are traveling light, you could take the Blue Line “L” train ($2.50) all the way (around 50 minutes). You’ll need to walk around 17 minutes from the Washington “L” Stop and then possibly change terminals (the station is on the lower concourse of terminals one, two and three).
From Midway International Airport (MDW), it will also take around 45 minutes in a taxi (around $40-50). You could feasibly take the Orange Line “L” train ($2.50) to the State/Lake “L,” but again, it’s a 15-minute walk and a total transit time of just more than an hour.
Booking
There are 15 room and suite categories to choose from at St. Regis Chicago, mostly distinguished in the entry-level categories by their views (park, city or lake). Rates for an entry-level superior room start at $490 per night (or 54,000 Marriott Bonvoy points), soaring to around $877 in July and August (or 72,000 points).
Deluxe ($711) and grand deluxe (from $760) rooms are around 500 square feet and have small sitting areas with brown leather chairs and prime river views; the main difference in this category is that Grand Deluxe rooms can accommodate a rollaway bed for a third guest.
If you want to splurge on a suite, you’ll have no shortage of options. Rates start at $1,275 for a one-bedroom Metropolitan Suite with a separate living area and $3,700 for the lavish two-bedroom Caroline Astor Suite with a spacious living area and a gorgeous marble bathroom with a colossal freestanding tub. Searching random dates throughout the year, I was unable to find points availability for any of the suites, though you might be able to pay a base rate in cash and upgrade using points.
If you are traveling with pets, there is a nonrefundable fee of $150 per stay, per room.
Marriott Bonvoy cardholders can earn and burn points on any number of cobranded credit cards, including options that confer automatic Marriott Bonvoy elite status for value-added benefits. These include:
Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card: Earn 6 points per dollar spent on eligible purchases at hotels participating in the Marriott Bonvoy program, automatic Platinum Elite status and 25 elite night credits per year toward a higher tier.
Marriott Bonvoy Bevy™ American Express® Card: Earn 6 points per dollar spent on eligible purchases at hotels participating in the Marriott Bonvoy program, automatic Gold Elite status and 15 elite night credits per year toward a higher tier.
Marriott Bonvoy Bountiful Card: Earn 6 points per dollar spent on eligible purchases at hotels participating in the Marriott Bonvoy program, automatic Gold Elite status and 15 elite night credits per year toward a higher tier.
Marriott Bonvoy Business® American Express® Card: Earn 6 points per dollar spent on eligible purchases at hotels participating in the Marriott Bonvoy program, automatic Gold Elite status and 15 elite night credits per year toward a higher tier.
Marriott Bonvoy Boundless Credit Card: Earn 6 points per dollar spent on eligible purchases at hotels participating in the Marriott Bonvoy program, automatic Silver Elite status and 15 elite night credits per year toward a higher tier.
Marriott Bonvoy Bold Credit Card: Earn 3 points per dollar spent on eligible purchases at hotels participating in the Marriott Bonvoy program, automatic Silver Elite status and 15 elite night credits per year toward a higher tier.
It’s worth noting that the latest limited-time offer for the Marriott Boundless credit card is the highest welcome offer that we’ve ever seen: five free night awards (each night valued up to 50,000 points) after you spend $5,000 on purchases in your first three months from your account opening. TPG’s valuations put the total five free night awards at a maximum of 250,000 Marriott Bonvoy points at $2,100.
Standout features
Every staff member — from the bellhops and butlers to housekeepers and spa therapists — was warm, attentive and unfailingly keen to connect with guests.
The on-vacation vibes at the beautiful swimming pool on the 10th floor will appeal to both families and lap swimmers. Best of all, it opens onto a terrace with beverage service during summer.
Vibrant dining options include a Japanese restaurant and a soon-to-open Tuscan steakhouse from restaurant group Lettuce Entertain You draws locals and hotel guests alike.
Compelling modern architecture and design are underpinned by a sense of timeless tradition, notably with time-honored St. Regis signature rituals like the locally inspired 1871 Bloody Mary, 5 p.m. Champagne sabrage and dedicated butler service.
The property appeals to families, couples and business travelers, which creates a lively, unpretentious ambience that feels especially fitting for its Midwest location.
Great Marriott Bonvoy points redemptions (especially off-peak).
Caveats
It’s close to big-name attractions like Millennium Park and the Magnificent Mile. However, the hotel’s immediate area lacks the dynamism and energy of city neighborhoods — such as River North, Streeterville and the Gold Coast — where The Langham, The Peninsula, The Ritz-Carlton, Four Seasons and other luxury hotels are.
There were a couple of design flaws in the bathroom; there was no obvious place to keep towels, so they were stored in the walk-in closet and bench in the shower.
Cash rates, which average over $700 per night, are high compared to its luxury competitors. Looking at rates for a random weekday stay in January, the Four Seasons was $200 per night cheaper.
Vibe
Behind the St. Regis Chicago’s striking, modern exterior, the timeless rituals and impeccable service associated with the brand become immediately apparent. First, there’s a warm greeting from the bell staff, then a flute of Champagne served during check-in, followed by a meet-and-greet and orientation from your dedicated butler, who will happily help you unpack.
The ground floor lobby sets the tone for a sophisticated urban retreat that takes its cues from Chicago’s storied history. Understated gray sofas, sleek marble accents and modern art pieces create a welcoming space that exudes a sense of elegance and refinement.
Overall, St. Regis Chicago offers a luxurious and memorable stay in the heart of the city. With its stunning architecture, attentive service, and convenient location, it’s a standout choice for travelers looking to experience the best of Chicago.