Illinois
Chicago’s largest hotel and the largest Hyatt in the world, Hyatt Regency Chicago, completed a $150 million renovation in time for the hotel’s 50th anniversary this year. The extensive transformation project included each of the downtown property’s 2,032 guest rooms and suites as well as the Regency and Crystal Ballrooms.
Hyatt Regency Chicago’s re-energized guest rooms feature an open design, contemporary furniture and plush comforts intended to create an intentional sense of calm. Uncluttered spaces were thoughtfully curated for work, socializing and flexibility, and the rich history of the Windy City is represented in art installations throughout, with design elements featuring graphic patterns of Chicago’s Art Deco era and a color palette paying homage to the city’s Greystones.
The Regency and Crystal Ballrooms feature modern finishes and a neutral color palette as well as new architectural lighting, fresh flooring, wall coverings, bathrooms, furniture and curated artwork in prefunction spaces. Designed by Ealain Studio, the refreshed spaces draw inspiration from the city itself, taking cues from Chicago’s innovative urban heritage and including colors and art installments that represent 360 years of significant events in Chicago’s history.
Hyatt Regency Chicago’s renovations to its Grand Ballroom, in addition to several smaller event spaces, are slated for completion in 2025.
[Related: Hyatt Regency Chicago Debuts $150 Million Renovation]
Michigan
Courtyard by Marriott Detroit Downtown announced the completion of a significant renovation that transformed both the interior and exterior of the downtown hotel. The 260-room property resides inside the Millender Center, which connects to the Renaissance Center, Millender Center Detroit People Mover station and the Coleman A. Young Municipal Center via an enclosed skyway.
Guests staying at Courtyard by Marriott Detroit Downtown will be greeted by a refreshed lobby that now presents a more modern look and feel. The hotel’s 260 guest rooms have been completely renovated with upgraded fixtures and a contemporary design that aims to help guests feel at home while on the road.
Courtyard by Marriott Detroit Downtown also offers guests access to a spacious indoor pool, sauna and completely upgraded fitness amenities unique to the property. The hotel now has an elevated COR fitness center inclusive of sleek locker rooms, a cardio center overlooking the city and Detroit River, a yoga studio and free weights suited for all fitness levels.
The property also kept business travelers and meeting planners in mind throughout the renovation, introducing new ergonomic workplaces and reimagined existing spaces that now include individual breakout rooms, mid-sized meeting rooms and large conference rooms. All spaces are fully equipped with NodesNow, an all-in-one meeting ecosystem that includes 86-inch 4K display projection screens with multi-touch interface for smarter meetings.
[Related: The Historic Hotel Cleveland's Renovation and Developments in Chicago]
Wisconsin
The AAA Four-Diamond Grand Geneva Resort & Spa, a Marcus Hotels & Resorts destination located in Lake Geneva, completed a full renovation of its meeting and event spaces in May, just in time for the 30th anniversary of the resort. The project encompassed five large ballrooms, four boardrooms, the ballroom foyer and public restrooms at the resort, which sits about 40 miles southwest of Milwaukee and 65 miles northwest of Chicago.
The updated boardrooms and ballrooms at Grand Geneva Resort & Spa have been completely reimagined with contemporary designs that provide a warm, sophisticated atmosphere for all gatherings. From the Evergreen Ballroom, with lake views and space for up to 360 guests, to the Grand Ballroom—the largest traditional venue, accommodating up to 576 guests—every space has been transformed with new layouts and decor.
The resort’s Bay Boardrooms, hosting up to 12 guests each, have also been upgraded with the latest technology, large-screen televisions and a fresh, professional design. With state-of-the-art sound systems and modern furnishings, the contemporary ballroom designs and meeting spaces now complement the resort’s 358 rooms and suites, which were updated in 2023.
Grand Geneva Resort & Spa offers more than 62,000 square feet of meeting and event space, and in 2019 completed the renovation of its largest conference space, the Forum Convention Center, featuring over 13,000 square feet space and seating for up to 1,800 people.
