Why did the Hyatt Regency at McCormick Place tell me not to leave the hotel at night?

[grapico]

Originally Posted by Jericho-79

Is the Loop area a "safer" location than the Near South Side?

I did notice quite a few run-down buildings in the McCormick Place area. So I could somewhat see the point of not being out on the streets at night there.

yes

[ladysovereign]

Originally Posted by Jericho-79

However, I stayed at the Hyatt Regency at McCormick Place, which is bounded by Lake Shore Drive, Bronzeville, Chinatown, and the Loop.

Can it truly get sketchy on the streets of Chicago at night? Can't someone take a nice stroll around Grant Park and Burnham Park after sunset?

Any thoughts would be appreciated, as I intend to pick a hotel that's in a better location for my next trip to Chi-Town.

Stay somewhere close to Water Tower Place on your next trip to Chicago and you can then go out later at night and walk towards Navy Pier, etc.

I've walked through Grant Park at Night with friends but that was from coming north going south on Michigan Ave. Where you were located might be a problem in the immediate vicinity and if the front desk warned you then they probably had a good reason.

[ToriaT]

To me,there is no reason to stay at McCormick Place hotel unless you are going to a convention or show there. There are plenty of hotels in the loop or near north areas that are better, in a safer location, and around many more things to walk to. If you prefer the south loop type of area the hotels on south Michigan avenue are in a safer place.

[green_babuschka]

I stayed at this hotel when I was visiting Chicago before I moved here a few years ago. I got a great deal through orbitz or a similar site and didn't really care where I was staying since I was renting a car and would be driving around looking for a place in other parts of Chicago. And, since the Hyatt has few options for a quick bite to eat, aside from snack machines that didn't work, and a crappy restaurant, I ventured outside too. I went to a nearby place (pretty much the only place) and was instantly harassed by some local panhandlers. When I went inside, they followed me and there was a big verbal argument between the panhandlers and the employees who recognized what was going on. It got heated pretty quick and I ended up just slipping out in the midst of it and making a beeline back for the hotel. So, I don't disagree with the hotel's advice. There isn't a whole lot of reason to be down in this part of Chicago so there is little foot traffic for restaurants and if a panhandler does see you, they will be tracking you.