Luxury Stays and Getaways: Hyatt Lodge Oak Brook Chicago Is a Serene Lakefront Hideaway
Hyatt Lodge Oak Brook Chicago is a private hideaway nestled in the heart of Oak Brook, Illinois.
There is a certain serenity you can find just outside the bustling metropolis of Chicago. It’s at a hotel in Oak Brook, one that is hugged by a lake and whose grounds are filled with trees, water fountains and walking paths.
Hyatt Lodge Oak Brook Chicago resides in a building originally designed for the training of fast-food executives at the famous McDonald’s University. Remnants of that use can be found in art work in the hotel’s hallways, but it is now completely devoted to providing guests with a warm and beautiful place to stay.
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Nor should it surprise anyone that the once-site of hospitality training is home to a staff that goes above and beyond. They’ve figured out how to be informal and welcoming while still being professional and helpful. I had several conversations with front desk representatives, restaurant staff and the spa managers—and every one of them was authentically warm and eager to share why they liked working at Hyatt Lodge Oak Brook Chicago.
The sprawling lodge is a warm and beautiful place to stay and includes multiple lounges for relaxing.
Why You’ll Love It
The property is a sprawling lodge that has none of the commercial feel common to many city hotels. It’s almost easy to get lost in the long hallways and up and down the stairs leading to different lounges and meeting rooms and that is a good thing. It invites you to leave behind ultra-efficiency in favor of breathing deeply, taking time to watch ducks swimming in the water, and enjoying the beautiful pool surrounded by expansive windows on both the walls and ceiling.
The hallways invite you to meander and take in the often-whimsical artwork found throughout the property. It is a place to come and relax—even if you are there for a meeting or such popular events as weddings or dances.
Throughout the property, the hallways also feature often-whimsical artwork.
What to Expect
Hyatt promotes the property as a private hideaway nestled in the heart of Oak Brook. There is a nearby conference center and both it and the hotel are nestled onto acres of forest preserve. It has all the atmosphere of a resort. Throughout the property are corners with clusters of chairs for small groups of people to socialize as well as multiple large lounges that can be transformed into function space use.
On a weekend in February, the lodge welcomed young girls and their fathers for dance and the lobby was filled with balloons and oversized teddy bears.
At other times, the lodge is a popular destination for weddings either outdoor near the lake and flowering trees or indoors with many luxurious setup options.
One of the hotel’s numerous relaxing lounges for guests to enjoy.
Key Features
There are several elements that make Hyatt Lodge Oak Brook Chicago stand out:
Free parking. This is a rarity in Chicago and definitely a feature of the hotel. There is valet service, but the parking lot isn’t very far from the entrance.
Pool. I had almost reached the spa, fitness and locker room area when a family hurried by. One of the young girls noticed their were hotel rooms and exclaimed, “They’re so lucky! They get to be near the pool!” Many guests said it was a feature not to be missed. The indoor pool has a glass ceiling, lush surroundings and a poolside lounge. There are three whirlpools and the pool offers both family splash area and laps.
Fitness. The fitness center is filled with state-of-the-art equipment and regular classes are offered for both members and hotel guests. Classes include yoga, aqua aerobics, hydro-fit classes and cardiovascular training. Equipment includes free weights, cardio equipment, studio space and more.
Pet-Friendly. Hyatt Lodge Oak Brook Chicago welcomes dogs for a slight additional fee ($25) per night. They welcome pets and their owners to use their extensive walking trails.
Environmentally-Friendly. Hyatt Lodge’s commitment to green stays go beyond just not changing the bed sheets every night. They have six areas that they go the extra mile on: energy, water, healthy environment (such as paint and materials good for air quality), materials (recycled glass, eco-friendly carpeting), cleaning practices, and recycling.
Digital Check-In and Check-Out
Concierge Service
A bedside controller puts all the lighting at your fingertips.
Cuisine
One of the advantages of visiting Hyatt Lodge Oak Brook Chicago is that you don’t ever have to leave until it’s time to check out. Everything you need is on property, including several dining options.
Water’s Edge & Lakeside Patio is a great place to get lunch and breakfast. A casual restaurant that offers breakfast and lunch, you can eat indoor or, in warmer weather, outdoors. The restaurant is set up cafeteria style, but the food options are high class and offer both healthy and comfort options. Their Water’s Edge Benedict was beyond compare, made with chorizo, avocado and chipotle hollandaise sauce. I also enjoyed a delicious lunch that included feta cheese on penne pasta and a side of Brussels sprouts.
Among the hotel’s dining options is Water’s Edge & Lakeside Patio, a great spot for breakfast and lunch.
Hearth Lounge offers a different, but still cozy, atmosphere. Designed around a bar and fireplace, upholstered chairs invite guests to unwind and take their time to visit and dine. Chef Joshua Karther curates the menu along with regular specials. The menu ranges from burgers, sandwiches and pizza to NY strip steak, pan-seared barramundi and bone-in pork chop. When we visited, he had a Valentine’s Day special that had recently been featured on a local television station—with good reason. Every bite was delectable.
The menu at Water’s Edge & Lakeside Patio offers both healthy and comfort eating options.
The Water’s Edge Benedict is among the standout menu items at Water’s Edge & Lakeside Patio.
The other restaurant, Hearth Lounge, features a special menu curated by Chef Joshua Karther.
Insider’s Tip
Hyatt Lodge Oak Brook Chicago is committed to making its property accessible to all, whether people with disabilities or people who are aging and not as flexible or mobile as they used to be. They work to make each area of the property accessible, offer accessible transportation and parking, and provide a variety of accessible options for meeting rooms and guest rooms. The latter include text telephone, closed captioning on televisions, assistive listening devices, and accessible guestrooms with mobility features.
The hotel’s on-site Midtown Spa & Fitness offers specialized facials, massages, and makeup services.
Spa Treatments
The spa is tucked away in an area between the fitness center and the locker room leading to the pool. Spa guests are given separate lockers with lush robes right across from the spa itself. The spa focuses on massage and skin care, though it also offers makeup application.
Spa Diary: Midtown Spa & Fitness at Hyatt Lodge in Oak Brook
Skincare options include specialized facials such as oxygen, vitamin C, enzyme, personalized and express. Massage service options are the classic massage or the signature massage. The signature massage is an 80-minute treatment that starts with warm oil exfoliation and is followed with a Dead Sea mud detox mask. Other add-ons include foot massage, warm oil scalp treatment, hot stone, and mother-to-be massage.
The makeup application offers special bridal packages, but it doesn’t stop there. You can also get Halloween makeup, special effects makeup, and rhinestone eyelashes.
The newly renovated guest rooms at Hyatt Lodge Oak Brook Chicago are spacious and comfortable.
Accommodations
The rooms are spacious and comfortable. Newly renovated, there are 218 guestrooms that include a “grand bed,” marble baths and spa showers. In response to the pandemic, they have incorporated a dedicated “Pure Wellness” procedure that includes a seven-step purification process with around-the-clock in-room air filtration. They are great options for those with allergies, sensitivities or compromised immune systems.
The room I stayed in was decorated in warm browns with beautiful artwork above the bed. The pillow-top mattress was extremely comfortable and I was especially fond of the walk-out landing where you could look out over the snowy woods.
Room options include rooms with one king or two queens. They range from 350 to 380 square feet. There are four different types of suites. The one-bedroom king features a large working desk and a patio overlooking the forest preserve. The one-bedroom evergreen suite has lakefront views (both are 754 square feet).
The one-bedroom Meis Suite is 1,131 square feet and decorated with marble flooring, a separate wet bar and dining table. The one-bedroom partner suite is 1,100 square feet with a dining area for 10, two separate bathrooms and one king bed.
The guest room bathrooms include marble baths and spa showers.
For more information and to book a stay, call 630-581-6708 or visit Hyatt Lodge Oak Brook Chicago’s website and follow them on Instagram: @midtown_oakbrook
2815 Jorie Boulevard, Oak Park, IL 60523
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[Photos by Bridgette Redman]
Bridgette Redman, who is a second-generation journalist, fell in love with spas and travel while working as a writer and editor for 16 years at the Educational Institute of the American Hotel & Lodging Association. As a freelancer for the International SPA Association, she co-wrote two textbooks, nine workbooks and numerous case studies on spas. Her freelance career began in the 80s and she has written for publications in Michigan, Arizona, California, and Texas along with several regional and national publications. She is a committed storyteller who loves sharing narratives which improve people's quality of life and build community. Born and raised in Michigan, she currently lives in Lansing with her husband and son. See more of her writing at www.bridgetteredman.com