In and Around Chicago’s Loop

by Paxton Kelly on July 21, 2016 in Travels,
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Planning a trip to the Windy City this summer, but not sure where to stay? Don’t sweat it! We’ll get you in the loop on Chicago’s finest. Literally though … the Hyatt Centric The Loop Chicago is smack dab center in the loop of Chicago where there’s an adventure at every turn.

Hyatt Hotels and Resorts, globally known hotel chain, decided to change things up back in 2015 with a new concept: Hyatt Centric. This lifestyle branch of the company opened a number of boutique hotels in metropolitan cities-Chicago, Houston, Paris, New York-with the idea in mind to cater to both business clientele and touristy travelers.

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Contemporary designs make up the rooms at Hyatt Centric The Loop Chicago. Photo Credit: Gregory T. Deininger

The Hyatt Centric The Loop Chicago resides in a renovated 1927 office building at Monroe and Clark streets; made up of 257 rooms, 2,500 sq ft of flexible meeting and event space, a rooftop bar, 24 hour fitness center and Cochon Volant restaurant. From spacious standard rooms with views of downtown Chicago to suites with apartment-style settings, the accommodations will take your breath away with their simplistic, modern designs created by Chicago’s Gary Lee Partners.

Residing within the loop, the Hyatt Centric is surrounded by numerous places and attractions, so the hotel created a Chicago city guide for guests to navigate their way around. From night owl adventures and local restaurants to retail therapy and artistic exhibitions, they’ve created guides suited for every type of visitor. We highly suggest taking a walk just down the road to Millennium Park-famously known for the bean-shaped sculpture known as Cloud Gate-or jump aboard one of Chicago’s First Lady Cruises for an Architectural Boat Tour.

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Take in the stunning Chicago skyline from rooftop bar, AIRE. Photo Credit: Hyatt Centric The Loop Chicago

No need to even leave the hotel for fine dining or a trendy drink hotspot. On the ground floor, you have Cochon Volant, a french brasserie, bar and bakery designed by Chicago’s Studio K, that offers an extensive menu. Their breakfast is to die for! If you want to start your day off with a quenched appetite, the Corned Beef Hash or Monsieur Foster waffles-made from scratch-with bananas, french caramel and candied walnuts, will do the trick. The bar stays open until 11 a.m., so treat yourself to a nightcap before heading upstairs for bed.

In every metropolitan city, nothing beats that gorgeous skyline view and AIRE can give you just that. Take in downtown Chicago from up above at the hotel’s chic rooftop bar, with an impressive list of craft cocktails and wines to be coupled with light, seasonal bites. Either pull up a seat at the bar, order bottle service at a private table or lounge on cushioned seating surrounding sleek firepits, and take in one of three-sided city views.

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Now that’s a big fish! Photo Credit: Paxton Kelly

If you do feel the urge to venture past the revolving doors of the Hyatt Centric The Loop for dinner, we highly suggest River Roast, a short distance away and residing along the Chicago River. This riverfront gastropub with its American tavern fare is the perfect gathering spot to connect with old friends and make new ones. “The focal point is the center of the table, not on your phones,” says Executive Chef John Hogan. “We’re bringing back Sunday night dinner, seven days a week.”

River Roast has a way of making you feel like you’re sitting at your mother’s table; hot home cooked meals with friends and family surrounding you. Chefs Tony Mantuano and John Hogan have a wonderful habit of walking around to each table to see how everything tastes and welcome you to their home. If you’re lucky, Chef Hogan may even sing you a sweet tune right on spot! (we can vouch; it’s truly a treat) We suggest starting off with a sharable board like Hogan’s Charcuterie or the Slow Ravioli made with spinach pasta and snails-don’t knock it until you’ve tried it. For the main course, you can choose from one of five roasts-from Big Fish to Rack of Pork-which are carved table-side, along with a selection of savory, seasoned veggies for your side. The Mexican Street Corn is mouthwateringly delicious!

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Dine in the dining room, at the bar or outside along the riverfront. Photo Credit: River Roast

There are plenty of happenings at River Roast on a weekly basis. Every Monday-Thursday after 9 p.m., enjoy a late night burger for just $9! Blues & Brunch takes place every Saturday and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. with live performances from Chicago Blues Musicians. Chef Hogan is a blues man himself and will often step out from behind the stove and join in with the band! Then of course, the weekly happy hour takes place Monday-Thursday from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. with $5 drafts and $7 cocktails. We suggest a Revolution Brewing brew!

There’s something about summertime in Chicago that truly makes it a great place to be this time of year, but let’s be honest, anytime in Chicago is a good time. Book your stay at the Hyatt Centric The Loop today and be sure to make a reservation at River Roast!