Ambassador Chicago – JDV by Hyatt

The Ambassador Hotel in Chicago, a historic landmark hotel, seamlessly blends classic charm with modern amenities, providing a unique experience in the heart of Chicago, Illinois.

When I realized I had a free award night with Hyatt expiring (thanks to my previous stay at Grand Hyatt Berlin), I immediately knew that did NOT want to let a hard earned complimentary stay go unused. As I had been going back and forth about getting a reservation at Alinea before the end of the year, I decided that life is meant to be lived, said yes to myself, booked my dinner reservation for one at Alinea – and booked a stay.

Getting to the Hotel

After landing at Chicago O’Hare, I checked my options. An app ride from the airport to the hotel was going for $44. With just myself and a very small bag, that felt unnecessary. So, I opted to take the Blue Line to the Red Line to Gold Coast area.

The good thing about Chicago is that the public transportation reminds me of New York. Train service from the airport into the city is relatively straightforward. For $5, I took the Blue Line to Washington, walked underground to the Red Line’s Lake entrance, exited at Clark / Division and enjoyed the short 10 minute walk to the Ambassador.

This was the best solution – and most invigorating. The Chicago skyline was brilliantly beautify as my boots clicked along the sidewalk. From O’Hare to hotel, it was just about an hour between trains, walking and entering the lobby to check in.

Room + Stay

Now, I will say – my first impressions of the Ambassador Chicago were lovely.

The light neutral tones were beautiful and set the tone for a luxurious experience. Even my casual conversation with the front desk host during check in was great.

However – the room?

Well, the first room – even though it had a view of the city buildings – was simply not “it” for me.  It’s rare that I walk into a room and feel the brutal force of an energy that makes me feel physically uncomfortable. This – this was one of those times.

The excessive empty space, the lack of chair beyond the desk chair and the overall energy of the room was off.

Plus – for some reason, this fact it didn’t register with me mentally when I booked the room – there was tall grey carpet. Due to this, I could still notice stains that still held memories of what caused them.

I simply could not tune out was the fact that I greatly didn’t like the room. It felt – like something had happened in there and the energy was still present.

Another trip down to the front desk with a smile and short conversation later – and I was placed in a corner junior suite. This was better, as I enjoyed the layout much more. Especially, because there was less dead space. It’s one thing to have a suite. It’s another to have a suite designed decently, with proper flow and use of space.

The bed still reminded me of that Japanese style, close to the floor, design that experienced at Ace Hotel Kyoto, but I didn’t expect in Chicago. But, the suite was better designed than the other room.

Again, it didn’t need to be the Four Seasons Vail or Alila Napa Valley, I just wanted to be comfortable for a night.

Overall

Overall, I enjoyed the change in location from my last stay in Chicago, when I stayed at LondonHouse Chicago, Curio Collection by Hilton to dine at Smyth. Prior to that, I stayed a few nights at the then Conrad Chicago, which has now become the Residence Inn Chicago Downtown Magnificent Mile.

Would I stay in the Gold Coast area again? Maybe. I greatly enjoyed the local neighborhood vibe and how walkable I felt. The homes were architecturally beautiful and really gave me a sense of Chicago’s history.

But, what about the Ambassador Chicago? Well, I am content that I used this complimentary night to achieve a years long dining goal. However – for my next visit, I look forward to exploring more of what Chicago has to offer.

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