Back in 2020, it was announced that Chicago was supposed to get a St. Regis. While the hotel was initially supposed to open in 2021, there were a series of delays, as is all too common in the hotel industry. Well, the hotel is finally opening its doors as of today, which is pretty exciting. Let’s take a look at everything we know so far about this property.
In this post:
Vista Tower was rebranded as St. Regis Chicago
In November 2020, Magellan Development Group LLC entered into an agreement with St. Regis over the Vista Tower project. With this, we saw the entire development, including a hotel and residences, rebranded as a St. Regis.
For some context, construction on Vista Tower started in 2016. The development consists of one massive building that has four stems (from some angles it looks like four separate buildings). At 101 floors, this is the third tallest structure in Chicago. The first 11 floors consist of a hotel, while floors 13 through 93 consist of 393 residences, ranging in price from $1 million to $18.5 million.
Initially the hotel was supposed to be known as the Wanda Vista Hotel (this would have been Wanda’s first hotel in the US), but the entire project was rebranded as the St. Regis Chicago. This includes the residences, which are branded as the Residences at the St. Regis Chicago.
Basics of the St. Regis Chicago hotel
The St. Regis Chicago has opened as of May 15, 2023 (at least the hotel is accepting reservations for stays as of today, so hopefully it’s opening today).
The St. Regis Chicago features 191 guest rooms, plus an indoor pool with outdoor terrace, spa, fitness center, ballroom, and meeting rooms. On top of that, the hotel has two signature restaurants — Miru is a Japanese all-day dining restaurant, while Tre Dita is an Italian steakhouse that’s expected to open later in 2023.
Initially The Alinea Group was supposed to be responsible for food & beverage outlets in the building. The company is behind Alinea Restaurant, Chicago’s three Michelin star restaurant. Unfortunately in late 2021 the company pulled out of the project, so that’s no longer in the cards.
Below are the limited hotel renderings available so far.
St. Regis Chicago points requirements
What’s pricing like at the St. Regis Chicago, in both points and cash? For what it’s worth, entry level rooms at the hotel are 400-519 square feet (36-47 square meters), so that’s quite large.
For those paying cash, rates start at over $700 per night, which seems steep. There’s quite a bit of variability, and on many dates rates start significantly higher than that.
If you are going to book a cash stay at any St. Regis, I’d highly recommend doing so through the Marriott STARS program, so you can receive complimentary breakfast, a $100 property credit, a room upgrade, early check-in and late check-out (subject to availability), and a welcome amenity. The Marriott STARS rate should be equal to whatever the standard flexible rate is when paying cash.
For those redeeming points, the cost is roughly what you’d expect. Marriott Bonvoy has dynamic award pricing, so the price in points varies by night. I value Marriott Bonvoy points at 0.7 cents each, so redemption rates seem fair, with an average cost of somewhere around 65,000 points per night for a standard room.
Bottom line
The St. Regis Chicago has finally opened as of May 2023. This is a rebranding of the Vista Tower project, which is one of the tallest buildings in Chicago. While the renderings of the hotel look great, the catch is that the hotel probably won’t have the most amazing views, as it takes up the first 11 floors of a skyscraper.
Nonetheless I’m excited to check out this property, as it’s always nice to have a new luxury points option. And frankly as a Bonvoy elite member, I’m always more excited when I see St. Regis expand, rather than Ritz-Carlton, given the implications for elite benefits. The rates just seem quite steep, though I imagine they’ll come down a bit over time.
What do you make of the St. Regis Chicago?
Interesting how the hotel is on the lower floors and the apartments are on the higher floors.
Am in Chicago just for this opening, which was moved up several times. Unfortunately only standard rooms are available so cancelled my reservation. Might regret it but didn't want to stay in a standard room for such a big event. Suites will be opening June.
Views from the rooms will be of the river or park. The river views should all be great. The park view....not so much because those rooms face the building...
Am in Chicago just for this opening, which was moved up several times. Unfortunately only standard rooms are available so cancelled my reservation. Might regret it but didn't want to stay in a standard room for such a big event. Suites will be opening June.
Views from the rooms will be of the river or park. The river views should all be great. The park view....not so much because those rooms face the building behind the StR. The outdoor seating areas are enormous, and one area is available for breakfast. Was quite chilly this morning for mid-May when visited so the outdoor seating will be for a limited time of the year.
A bath in full view of the occupants is so trashy. But hey....Chicago
I have a 3 night stay there in early October for the Chicago marathon. Cash rates are high that weekend but I was able to use 2 85k certificates that I have from the Ritz Carlton card and Bonvoy Brilliant card. My 3rd night is booked using points. Here's hoping my suite night awards clear.
We just bought a $3 million condo in this building after selling our home in Naples, Florida to move to Chicago. There is crime - but it is mostly in the far away neighborhoods where visitors are not going. Rather, this property is near the lake with a beautify park with families relaxing with their dogs. Our 11 year old daughter will be going starting 7th grade at a nearby private school - and we...
We just bought a $3 million condo in this building after selling our home in Naples, Florida to move to Chicago. There is crime - but it is mostly in the far away neighborhoods where visitors are not going. Rather, this property is near the lake with a beautify park with families relaxing with their dogs. Our 11 year old daughter will be going starting 7th grade at a nearby private school - and we feel much safer sending her to than many nearby suburban schools where there is a risk of crime of a different type - kids showing up with assault rifles. According to a Crains article earlier this year, there are more people living in Chicago now that before the pandemic. Don't believe everything you see on the news about big cities.
LOL horrible decision. Look at the new mayor they just elected. If you think Chi has a bright future with this kind of leadership, Florida cheers your departure.
@Samuel that interesting. Why do Fort Lauderdale and West Palm Beach have higher murder rates than Chicago? Why are most of the cities on the list of highest murder rates in red states? Either way, Chicago is a better investment than coastal Florida. If you live near the coast, good luck when your house is under water. Also good luck with you insurance after you're hit by a hurricane. I get depressed every time I...
@Samuel that interesting. Why do Fort Lauderdale and West Palm Beach have higher murder rates than Chicago? Why are most of the cities on the list of highest murder rates in red states? Either way, Chicago is a better investment than coastal Florida. If you live near the coast, good luck when your house is under water. Also good luck with you insurance after you're hit by a hurricane. I get depressed every time I have to leave California to visit my parents in the armpit known as Sarasota.
You're really going to compare Chicago violent crime and murder to West Palm Beach or Fort Lauderdale? Chicago is the leader in overall homicides for 11 years straight and near the top of the list in per capita as well. At least in Florida, it's not hard to carry and defend yourself from some lunatic gangbanger whereas in in Chi, there's a good chance the DA and local press will destroy your life if you...
You're really going to compare Chicago violent crime and murder to West Palm Beach or Fort Lauderdale? Chicago is the leader in overall homicides for 11 years straight and near the top of the list in per capita as well. At least in Florida, it's not hard to carry and defend yourself from some lunatic gangbanger whereas in in Chi, there's a good chance the DA and local press will destroy your life if you defend yourself.
As far as living by the beach and hurricane risk, most modern construction can withstand pretty much any hurricane and if you live near the water, you're fine if built at elevation. Let's not forget that even as far north as New Jersey (Sandy), you run the risk of a major storm damaging your property.
California, the state with the largest budget deficit in the country, most amount of residences fleeing, highest taxes in America, earthquakes and wildfires? Most of it's largest cities are an embarrassment to the nation, riddled with crime and homelessness. SF is the literal embodiment of progressive policy failures and urban decay. Where is Newsom's national guard to clean things up?
Daniel, dog whistling is meant to be a bit more subtle than this you worthless MAGAt.
Have you ever been to Chicago? It's a vibrant walkable city with great restaurants, museums, shopping, culture, etc. Yes it has its challenges but it's largely contained to certain areas of the city and not really close to this. Why spend your time disparaging other people who obviously are happy with a decision they have made. That's great that you are happy with Florida. Why be mean to other people? Says a lot about you as a person.
https://abc7chicago.com/tag/chicago-violence/
Sure wish hotels would stop thinking that we want the bathroom INSIDE our hotel room. Please: put walls and a door between the bed and the bath.
@Tim, I completely agree. I don't understand the fixation with what has become known as "porn star" bathrooms in our household. As soon as I see a hotel room with an aquarium for a shower or a tub at the foot of the bed I move on to another hotel. Setting aside any issues of modesty, travelling with someone other than a (in)/significant other this set-up is just bizarre, and by yourself I guess it's...
@Tim, I completely agree. I don't understand the fixation with what has become known as "porn star" bathrooms in our household. As soon as I see a hotel room with an aquarium for a shower or a tub at the foot of the bed I move on to another hotel. Setting aside any issues of modesty, travelling with someone other than a (in)/significant other this set-up is just bizarre, and by yourself I guess it's OK if you want water all over the floor of your hotel room. My biggest issue is that Mrs. DLPTATL and I tend to wake up at different times. The best way to avoid disturbing while moving on with the day is to jump into the shower. Not ideal if the water is splashing next to a sleeping partner's head.
The rooms look like a Westin or JW Marriott, not a St. Regis.
I’m not sure Chicago can support yet another luxury hotel. The Ritz-Carlton is already a fake luxury hotel and one of the only properties in the brand not actually managed by Ritz-Carlton. The JW Marriott is arguably nicer but again staff are weak because it’s Chicago.
Why is the “staff weak because it’s Chicago”? I work in hospitality in Chicago and I am honored to work with my diligent, and highly committed co-workers.
F&B will be handled by LEYE
https://www.magellandevelopment.com/lettuce-entertain-you-reveals-plans-for-two-restaurants-at-st-regis-chicago/
The other comments are interesting as I live in Chicago and don't consider this area a war zone. It's in Lakeshore East / East Lakeshore which is not the same as the Loop and an absolutely stunning building. Tallest building in the world designed by a female architect (who also happens to lead the firm). I look forward to checking out the restaurants and finding an excuse to staycation!
I agree totally, I live in the Ukrainian Village and have been delighted to see the Vista slowly grace my skyline. I'm very excited Alinea pulled out, that man has enough in this town.
Can we use this thread to complain about the UKV Mariano’s?
Beware of visiting Chicago. 36 people have been shot in the Loop, location of this hotel, year to date ending 10/21. That is more than 2012-2019 combined.
Yes, it is an absolute war zone. I encourage all Republicans to avoid the city of Chicago at all costs.
Because being a Republican in Chicago is punishable by immediate execution. Has been since 1931. And we're proud of that.
I live a couple blocks from this building, along with thousands of other people just like me. I just took a nice morning walk down by the river. I got a latte from my favorite coffee shop, and sat for a while and drank it while watching the throngs of commuters and tourists walk by the window.
My recommendation to you is to go touch grass.
I’m glad you had a nice morning. However, it doesn’t negate the 36 shootings in the loop so far this year.
https://cwbchicago.com/2022/10/man-shot-in-the-loop-overnight-is-the-11th-person-shot-on-the-same-block-this-year.html
No idea where you came up with the St Regis being in the exact location of 36 shootings. Lakeshore East is a wonderful and peaceful community. And the other guy telling all republicans to stay away from Chicago? Hmm
LOL, are you that paranoid? Posting CWB articles tells us all exactly nothing,
Many of these “dog-whistlers” paranoid of the Chicago crime also tend to be anti-vaxxers and anti-maskers. So COVID did away with plenty of them too. It kinda all evens out…
Do you even hear yourself Petey-boy? You talk about being paranoid, yet you are triple vaxed, quadruple boosted, a cloth mask, an N95, and minimum 10 feet social distanced! Lmfao!
I spend a lot of time in Chicago (SF too) and the crime issue in major business/tourist areas is basically no factor. Certainly not something that would cause me to reconsider travel. But you lost me at the COVID commentary… it’s 2023 and the mask/vax hysteria is proving more and more to be exactly that… take the L there and move on!
This hotel isn’t in the loop
The Loop is the area encircled by the El. This hotel is in Lakeshore East, just off of Michigan Avenue (the Magnificent Mile) and all of its ultra-high-end shopping, including one of only six Starbucks Roasteries in the world. It's more than a mile north of the Loop. Stupid Republican.
Last time I heard, Chicago was MAGA country. At least that’s what the guys who attacked Jussie said.
Chicago is not even in the top 20 most dangerous cities in the country by per Capita murder rates. Faux News loves to crap on Chicago because Obama was from there, not because it's actually dangerous.
But if you're so scared of getting shot, feel free to vacation in red state paradises like Birmingham, AL; Indianapolis, and Kansas City, MO. They all have higher per Capita murder rates than Chicago. Then again, if statistics were...
Chicago is not even in the top 20 most dangerous cities in the country by per Capita murder rates. Faux News loves to crap on Chicago because Obama was from there, not because it's actually dangerous.
But if you're so scared of getting shot, feel free to vacation in red state paradises like Birmingham, AL; Indianapolis, and Kansas City, MO. They all have higher per Capita murder rates than Chicago. Then again, if statistics were your strong suit you'd have been vaccinated and wearing a mask these past few years (COVID being far more likely to kill you than a bullet) and I would bet good money you're not doing those things either
Funny you say to visit Red States because Charleston, Savannah, New Orleans, Nashville, etc always top travel lists. So yea, I’ll continue to pump those economies while the blue states figure out their murder, looting and s. assault problem. “Per capita” lol!
New Orleans has a VERY high murder and crime rate, and Savannah in in Georgia which, last time I checked, is technically a blue state now.
The hotel isnt in the Loop