Logistics
Chicago Travel Guide
Everything you need for your Chicago stay — airport transit, hotel details, and parking. Coming in for the Thursday meet-up? Head back to the Country Club Hills meet-up
PUBLIC TRANSIT FROM THE AIRPORT
GETTING TO THE HYATT REGENCY
Taking the CTA "L" train is the best, cheapest, and most efficient public transit option from both airports directly to the Hyatt Regency Chicago at 151 E Wacker Dr. It costs $5.00 from O'Hare or $2.50 from Midway, and drops you off a short walk from the hotel lobby.
From O'Hare International (ORD)
- The Route: Blue Line directly from the airport station.
- Where to Get Off: Exit at Clark/Lake Station in downtown Chicago.
- The Walk to the Hotel: Head east on E Lake St for about 0.5 miles (10–12 min), then turn left toward the river onto N Michigan Ave or N Stetson Ave.
- Total Travel Time: Roughly 55–60 minutes.
From Midway International (MDW)
- The Route: Orange Line directly from the airport station.
- Where to Get Off: Exit at State/Lake Station in the Loop.
- The Walk to the Hotel: Head east on E Lake St or the Chicago Riverwalk for about 0.3 miles (6–8 min) straight to the hotel.
- Total Travel Time: Roughly 35–40 minutes.
How to Pay
Tap to Pay: You do not need to buy a paper ticket. Tap your contactless credit card, debit card, or phone (Apple Pay / Google Wallet) directly at any CTA turnstile.
WHERE TO STAY
Hyatt Regency Chicago
Our host hotel is the Hyatt Regency Chicago at 151 E Wacker Dr — right along the Chicago Riverwalk and a short walk from Millennium Park, the Harris Theater Rooftop, and the Loop.
- Address
- 151 E Wacker Dr, Chicago, IL 60601
DOWNTOWN PARKING
SpotHero & ParkWhiz Save ~50%
Booking through SpotHero or ParkWhiz can save you up to 50% versus paying at the garage drive-up. Drive-up valet at the Hyatt Regency runs $92–$102/night, but app rates for the same nearby garages drop dramatically. The hotel and the Harris Theater Rooftop sit just a short 10-minute walk (~0.4 mi) apart, so either area's garages work.
Best Overnight Options
111 E. Wacker Dr Garage (Illinois Center)
- Best for: Hotel guests — attached self-park recommended by the Hyatt.
- Book on: SpotHero Hyatt Regency page
- Typical rate: $53–$65 / night
- Walk: Walking directions
Millennium Park Garage (5 S. Columbus Dr.)
- Best for: Sits directly under the rooftop event — budget pick.
- Book on: SpotHero / ParkWhiz or Millennium Garages
- Typical rate: $30–$40 / night
- Walk: Walking directions
Best Hourly Options
Driving in just for the rooftop? Skip the hotel garages.
Millennium Park Garage
- Best for: Closest, fastest entry for the Harris Theater Rooftop.
- Pre-book: 12-hour evening rate online drops to a flat ~$16.
- Walk: Walking directions
Aon Center Garage
- Best for: Solid middle ground between the Hyatt and Millennium Park.
- Typical rate: $14–$20 for up to 6 hours via ParkWhiz / SpotHero.
- Walk: Walking directions
Street Meter Parking
Street spots use the ParkChicago app and cost $7.00/hour in the Loop. Spots are heavily restricted, limited to a 2-hour max, and nearly impossible to find during peak rooftop hours.
Pro-Tips for Your Visit
- Watch the In-and-Out Privileges: Standard app reservations only let you enter once and exit once. If you'll move the car during your stay, filter for "In/Out Privileges" on SpotHero, or pay for the hotel's premium valet.
- Check Vehicle Clearance: Driving an SUV with a roof rack? The Hyatt's garage clearance is 6'8". Millennium Garages offers more clearance in select sections (up to 7'10" on lower levels) — verify against your reservation before entering.
- EV Charging: Both Millennium Garages and 111 E Wacker offer EV charging spots. Filter for charging when you book so you're not hunting for an open plug after a long drive.