Hyatt Regency Chicago Hotel Review is part of the Punxsutawney TPOL Trip Report, where TPOL leaves the basement and outflanks COVID, at least for now.
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Getting There:
If you’re arriving from O’Hare take the Blue Line to Millenium Station and walk.
I was sad to leave Narnia, aka Madison (see Guns & Butter: Madison, Wisconsin Travel Guide). It didn’t take long to realize I wasn’t in the magical land of Wisconsin anymore. The disarming kindness was replaced by the terrible traffic, blaring horns, and dense development of Chicago.
The Hyatt Regency is right on the river, close to everything a tourist might want to see or do. I didn’t want to do anything but sleep.
Room
A Hyatt Regency king-size bed is what is required for a binge weekend recovery.
Shower
The shower did not have sufficient water pressure which is the second prerequisite for recovery.
AC
A crispy room is the third prerequisite for recovery.
View
After a solid 12 hours of sleep, I was able to enjoy the view of the city.
Wi-Fi
The fourth prerequisite for recovery is good wifi to keep up with as little work as possible.
Gym
The fifth prerequisite for mental recovery is a solid gym. I did not make use of the gym on site. Instead, I am testing my new approach to travel fitness, Auster bands.
Breakfast
The final prerequisite for recovery is a good breakfast. Unfortunately, I ran out of time for this and have no comment.
Overall
Rested and recovered, it was time to go to Madrid.
I thought The Lost & Found Year(s): COVID Trip Report was finally over. That is not the case. Instead of learning the lessons from a year of lockdown, Puerto Rico is getting dumber. Here is the latest measure from the incompetents that run this island.
As of December 27th, 2021, all passengers arriving on domestic flights are required to show a negative test result taken within 48 hours before arrival time, regardless of vaccination status. Passengers arriving without a test will have 48 hours to take one upon arrival or be subject to a fine.
From the beginning of Covid, I have maintained that travel bans do not work (see Describe Trump’s Travel Ban: It’s Stupid). I still hold this position because there is no keeping out the virus. If it’s identified a continent away, it’s already in our backyard. Simultaneously, Covid testing before going to a destination is pointless (see COVID Test for Return Travel Is Stupid), especially when I am trying to come home (COVID Test to Come Home Is S-T-U-). The argument that I could infect someone if I’m positive, even if asymptomatic, carried weight in 2020 when there weren’t vaccines.
So why does the Puerto Rican, an island with a vaccination rate, of 77% now require anyone coming to show proof of a negative test? The uninformed will say that cases are up with the omicron variant. Again, this is not 2020. Cases do not matter. Hospitalizations matter. I have yet to see a study that says that those arriving from another destination are more likely to infect people or spur on infections than those who are already there and already spreading the virus. At the same time, it is laughable that this restriction starts on December 27th. What happens between now and then? Obviously, those who come before then may be infected with omicron and their numbers could be in the thousands given the holiday season.
As usual, the restrictions punish those that are here after the holiday travelers leave (see Another Useless Puerto Rico Lockdown). Our rights continue to be restricted (see Puerto Rico’s Coronavirus Crackdown: Justified Or Unconstitutional?). Despite being isolated, vaccinated, boosted, the situation isn’t improving. It continues to get worse. While I blame the anti-vaccinated imbeciles for not taking their medicine and the greed of Western countries for not sharing the vaccine with poorer countries, I am also upset with the countless Paul Blart Mall Cops who bark at me to wear a mask 24/7. What is the point of wearing a mask while walking out of an outdoor restaurant? Why are people wearing masks while driving alone in their cars? Why are so many wearing a mask while walking alone on the beach? Meanwhile, the mask police are wearing a piece of cloth that offers no protection while interacting with countless people or they’re wearing a mask that is wrapped around their chins.
It’s time to take back our country from the clueless leaders who run it and it is time to stop empowering their minions who think they are epidemiologists from giving advice about how to live. I never thought I would look to the Master Insurrectionis for advice but it’s time to heed his words: “Don’t let Covid dominate your life.” Then again, it’s not 2020.
After being canceled last year due to Covid (see Cancelled! Festivus 2020), Festivus is back. First, take a trip down memory lane of past celebrations (see 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, & 2019).
Babblespeak: Live all you want, but show personal accountability and accept the consequences if you test positive – stay where you got infected until you test negative. Don’t let someone else become a victim of you being tired of the pandemic and turning selfish. From my admittedly limited reading of your blog though, I don’t think this is possible for you to do.
David: Well – you’ve provided a lot of reasons why we still need those restrictions. You clearly fall into the camp of people who don’t want to take precautions to prevent the spread to others so if you were to get Covid and not have major symptoms you’d be out there spreading it to others. You’re the exact sort of person that these restrictions are in place to protect us from.
huey judy: The whole phone thing is ridiculous. Phones don’t need to be an extension of our hands. Put the thing someplace safe. Everyone laughs at ‘fanny packs’. Wear a fanny pack in front, keep your hand on it when you’re out. I’ve travelled the world for 40 years without every losing anything. Put the phone in the fanny pack, zip the zipper. Which is worse? Losing your phone or complete strangers laughing at you? It’s a no-brainer.
Teri: To be fair, this is the equivalent of click bait stories that drag you through 30 pages of ads to get to the point; and the point is NEVER worth the time. I’m grateful to Alex for saving me the trouble. I and won’t make the mistake of wasting my time on your blog again.
Alex Ashton: Could you possibly have made a brief story MORE annoying by spreading it out into AT LEAST 5 separate pages? Maybe more, I gave up after Part 4 aimed me at Part 5. Site should be “Entitled, Whining Moron Aloft,” or something like that.
John M: It is a shame that you lump the entire Z Flip experience to only your experienc. Every phone has lemons, even iPhone. You had a bad one, but for me it has been the best phone I have ever owned. I was a total Apple iPhone groupie, but this phone has totally moved me into the Android camp. Love this phone and can’t wait for the Z Flip 2. Got mine the first week of release and have had no problems with it. Highly recommended.
Stephanie Woods: FYI, I am an attorney as well, and I’ve done consumer protection work. And I’m sure I’ve done far more litigation than you since I passed the bar in 2004. You are making assumptions as I did read the link where AA said you were entitled to nothing despite you canceling your ticket within 24 hours. And why would I read your bio? And being an attorney gives you no justification to act rude anyway. I’ve read a number of posts on your blog, but I won’t any more. You come off as a whiny, entitled, know it all bragging about his trips and how much partying he can do instead of an informed travel blogger since you decided to start calling names. If this is how you act, I wouldn’t want to be one of your clients as I can’t imagine you act very professionally in your job if you are insulting an AA employee about a company policy rather than trying to do something constructive to speed up your refund.
Aaron: Attorney? Then act like one. YOU ACT LIKE A 5 YO KID. Go buy something at BestBuy, then return for refund and see how long you gotta wait before your credit would post.Here is my question for you (and “I’m an Attorney”) – 5 YEAR OLD LITTLE CHILD::::
WHY DO TRASH CANS HAVE 2 HANDLES?
Stephanie Woods: In COVID times, 7-20 business days is reasonable indeed! Many, many of us have waited much, much longer for refunds, and yes, with companies who made mistakes. So yes, being snarky with the company rep is uncalled for, and maybe you should remember something-you get more bees with honey than with vinegar. I had to wait 9 months for a refund for a hotel refund of $800, so I don’t know why you are getting so pissed about a possible wait of 3 and a half weeks. And you were being very rude to the AA employee-which will get you nowhere. A polite letter to a supervisor would have been more constructive. But you just want to rant just like a spoiled American. That’s not very professional, especially for a travel blogger! There were ways of getting your point across in a constructive way, but you chose juvenile jabs!
James Dookey: Worst blogger, overrated, won’t return!
SomeoneSomwhere: I made the mistake of reading a few of your blog posts because I was bored, and while I know you’ll snark back at me, I don’t care because I’ll never click on one of your posts again or see your response. I wish I could block you from showing up on boardingarea. You are just so bitter, like you need to show someone on the doll where the bad person touched you bitter. I’m not sure why you even bother to blog as everything seems to be so beneath you, but I guess you think you’re doing the world a favor? A better favor would be to just stop blogging altogether.
MD: Dude, I’m sorry , I thought I read an article on The points guy site…I did not realize I was reading an article from a rip off loser site..my bad..goodbye
Mario R: I think you are exactly what’s wrong with online media..goodbye
Mario R: I took it personally because it was an unjustified smear job. And authors like you that can ruin a wonderful city reputation in a stroke of a keyboard. Just because you can. People in hospitality industry depend on tourists and business travel. You have the power to change people’s decisions on where to go or hold a convention. Your personal views should be fair. Just because you had an awful experience at a particular crappy hotel should not be your reflection on a area as a whole. That’s why I said to be specific on why you dislike a city and maybe point out some positives and play fair in the same article..don’t point to some blog nobody reads for the positives. People’s livelihoods are in jepody when you just say ” Most people who visit this terrible city.” and write nothing else.
MARIO R DOPICO: If you are going to take a childish attitude then simply you should not be in the business of writing articles for TPG or any other travel site for that matter. You are just awful! And on top of that , critizing your readers is just shameful. And you are right. I will take this city ALL DAY…You can keep Frozen Toronto..maybe you should go there and write about how wonderful it is when it’s -20 in January and lie about that!
MARIO R DOPICO: I also have been quite a few places, and Toronto is not even on top 50..one of the coldest places on earth…that city is only good 5 months out of the year..Miami is vibrant full of energy year round. So forgive me if I disagree with you because you happened to stay at one of the worst hotels in Miami and you took it out on this city. Did you even bother to interview a locals and see why so many people are moving there? Developers are only building a condo building everywhere you look. and they are all full. If you are trashing Hyatt then trash Hyatt. Don’t generalize and call the city boring in one swoop..Because people read just the article and don’t read your whole Blog!! Jesus , be specific when you unleash criticism.
MARIO R DOPICO: I think as an author, you should make sure what you are writing about before trashing a city in one sentence. Did you try the areas fantastic restaurants scene? Did you visit Brickell City Center which is a cross the bridge from the Hyatt? Did you visit Bayside Market place which is within walking distance of the Hyatt? Did you visit the artistic Wynwood area which is not to far? Did you visit the wharf on the river which is also within walking distance?..and many more areas you could have gone to. I think your writing is extremely one minded and very damaging to a cities reputation given the power they gave you to write about them..in fact I’m going further..I’m gonna write an e-mail to the points guy about this article. Very insulting.
A:@thepointsoflife you clearly have anger issues. I was pointing out the facts and stating my opinion. You may have argument on the extension issue, but is it really worth the fight over, I’m assuming a few hundred dollars? On the refund issue, you have zero grounds.Funny you mention that I am a bad advocate. I’m an attorney and quite an effective advocate, at least according to my record. The difference is knowing what battles to pick and how to conduct yourself. You have room for improvement in those two areas
Geo: So the airline, despite that fact that did not have to, gave you a voucher good for one year on a ticket that was clearly non-refundable in the first place. And now, because you have not used the voucher in that year you want another extension or refund? Too bad, your loss IMO. Further, “yelling” and telling the representatives they work for a company of “crooks and thieves” has never proven to be effective…. it only makes you sound like a jerk.
Babblespeak: That was a lot of words to say you got something for free, including a pass on your screw up, and yet not enough to give anything of particular value to the reader. Readers here should know to ask for retention offers, like I suppose they should have known about that $2 thingy.
David: What’s your obsession with Q supporters and why do you keep mentioning them? I mean yea, they’re cuckoo and all that but I don’t understand why you keep squeezing in references to them. I was expecting an insightful post on life in Shanghai in 2021. What a scatterbrained post.
The good news is that my annual fees were not high in 2021 because credit card companies gave great retention offers. The bad news is that I still haven’t been able to travel like before.
Here’s what I spent:
Amex Marriott Personal: $95. One free night for a 35k points/night room. $10/month on food.
Amex Marriott Business: -$25 and one free night for a 35k points/night room. $15/month on cell phone bill.
Amex Platinum: $595. 150k sign-up bonus.
Amex Gold: $295. 90k sign-up bonus + 40k bonus for spending the 10k on ads.
Barclays JetBlue Business: $99. 100k after 12k spent.
Chase IHG: $49. One free night.
Chase Hyatt: $75. One free night for a category 4.
Chase Ink: $99. No retention.
Chase Marriott: $95. One free night.
Chase Sapphire: $95. 100k URs
Chase United: $99. 150k sign-u bonus after 20k spend
Radisson Personal: $0
Radisson Business: $0
80k points combined
While they slightly more than doubled from my 2020 total of $744, the $1,571 I spent in annual fees was well worth it in comparison to what I received.
I was out of the office last week (see Out of the Office: Member-Guest Golf Tournament) and didn’t open my laptop one time. While it was a great break from work, I missed out on what is being called the deal of the decade. Apparently, AA miles were on sale for next to nothing and many bought millions of miles in the hopes that the deal would be honored. I can’t say I’m too disappointed because I do not like buying miles. At the same time, the cost of buying miles and what I could do with them, provided that travel returns and AA doesn’t massively devalue its program to correct this gigantic sale, had me feeling bad that I didn’t at least know about the promo to do my own research.
This isn’t the first time I’ve been away and have missed something while out of the office. But having been in this game long enough, I can tell anyone else out there that didn’t capitalize on this offer that it’s okay not to always be on top of every breaking development. So many people who are points obsessed amass a large fortune of points and do nothing spectacular with them.
I hope the next time I decide to disconnect that this doesn’t happen again, but if it does, I’ll get through it.
Santa missed the gift of AA miles. And the Elf can only wonder how it happened.
I am out of the office playing golf at the annual Rio Mar Member-Guest tournament. 2019 was the last Member-Guest. I have the same partner as last time. Hopefully, we don’t have the same results.
I was in Medellin and I tried to take out money with my Chase debit card. It did not work. I called the 800 number (see TPOL’s Tip: Use Skype for 800 #s Abroad) and was told that the fraud department was closed. Eventually, a text came through asking if I approved the transaction and all was well.
This week I made a few purchases on my United Business card, hoping to extricate myself from min spend hell (see Oops!… I Did It Again). The last purchase was a booking for a new year’s eve celebration. Each time I tried, I received a message that the card was declined. I called Chase at 1AM and received the following automated message: “Our fraud office is closed right now. We apologize for the inconvenience. Goodbye!” And then the phone disconnected.
Rage is the appropriate word to describe what I was feeling. How is the fraud department not 24/7? What if this were an emergency? Why wasn’t there a notification on my phone? When would they open again?
I called at 8AM and received the same message that the office was closed. I called at 9AM and they were finally open. Their excuse was that people were working from home during Covid so they can’t staff the fraud department around the clock. I replied, “When do you think most fraud alerts are occurring, in the middle of the workday?” They concluded with the words, “Don’t worry, we have lifted the block on your account. Your card is now available for immediate use.”
What garbage.
Sorry you’re in debtor’s prison because you couldn’t pay your bar tab, please call back when we’re open.
Madison, Wisconsin Travel Guide is part of the Punxsutawney TPOL Trip Report, where TPOL leaves the basement cand outflanks COVID, at least for now.
TPOL’s Guns & Butter Travel Guide is the best way to see as much as you can in as little time as possible. Here’s how it works – A trip is composed of two factors: Labor And Lazy. The opportunity cost (what is given up) for relaxing and being Lazy is gained by being adventurous in the form of Labor and vice versa. The guide includes inefficient activities i.e., tourist traps that should be avoided and aspirational activities that are worth doing but may be impossible to see given the constraints of time and resources.
A Stroll through Madison: While I took the party route to the stadium, I was told that going the river route was more scenic and serene.
World Dairy Expo: Can you believe that the World Dairy Expo was happening the same time as the Michigan game? I found out that it’s a big deal and was told that the expo, not the football game, was why the Hyatt Place Madison was going for $500/night.
Food
Maharani, located across from the Hyatt, was home to impeccable Indian food. It was the perfect ending to a perfect time in Madison.
naanBiryaniButter chickenLamb Vindaloo
TPOL’s Tip: The address is 80 W Washington Ave, Madison, WI 53703.
Locals suggested the following:
Local Tip #1: If you really want to experience some Madison favorites you can’t go wrong with Dotty Dumpling’s Dowry, Ian’s Pizza (Smokey and the Bandit pizza is a late night favorite), QQ’s Express (small hole-in-the wall Chinese place with large portions, favorite for Engineering students), and Paul’s Pel’meni. For non-college student bars that are still favorites: Nitty Gritty, Lucille, State Street Brats.
Local Tip #2: State Street Brats! Decent food and great atmosphere. Jenna’s is also a capital bar that is a nice middle-ground option. Also, no Chocolate Shoppe ice cream or fried cheese curds!?!
Overall
Marbury v. Madison was a famous case in law school. While I can’t remember the facts of the case, I won’t forget the fun time I had in Wisconsin’s capital.
Formerly Camp Randall Stadium Review is part of the Punxsutawney TPOL Trip Report, where TPOL leaves the basement and outflanks COVID, at least for now.
To kick off (pun intended) my emergence out of the basement, I went to the Michigan Wisconsin game.
I was told to go to Rosemont Street for a row of rowdy tailgates. This proved to be sound advice. Unlike the lamentable Buckeye fans in Columbus (see The Game: A Wolverine’s Guide For Surviving Columbus), I found the Badgers to be very pleasant. Indeed, they may be the friendliest people I have ever met. “Thank you for coming to Madison. Do enjoy yourself here. I am sorry to say that I hope you will be disappointed with the game’s result.” Beyond football talk, the people were genuinely nice. I was offered food, drinks, and plenty of background on cheese production. It turns out that foam cheese is not edible.
Right island, wrong fans
EMT
In another parking lot, there was an ambulance converted into a tailgate mecca. There was a built-in tap included.
The Band
A college football experience is not complete without listening to the marching band.
Beer Darts
Before the stadium, we were invited to participate in a game of beer darts. Bold participants sit in a circle and throw darts and cans of Natty Light. If the can is punctured, the recipient has to drink. If it is hit three times, the loser has to finish the beer. Oh, College.
Frat Row
The frats made their best attempts to insult Michigan. They need to work on their trash-talking.
Spotted Cow
“You’ve never had Spotted Cow?!” Spotted Cow is a locally brewed Wisconsin beer. It is not allowed to be transported outside state lines. When I told a Badger that I had never had it before, he immediately gave me one to sample. TPOL approved.
Game Tickets
When I purchased the tickets in August, I thought this was going to be a big game. I did not realize that Wisconsin was going to be this awful. I paid $236 for two tickets. On the street, we haggled 50-yard line tickets for my friend for $20. Though I kept my tickets, I voluntarily upgraded my seats.
My original seatsSpot the MI fansSpot the MI flag
Stadium
I feel bad knocking the stadium but it needs major renovations. It is very old and despite having a capacity of 80k felt very small compared to other Big Ten stadiums (see The Best Sports Stadiums: The Big House). The concourse was packed and impenetrable. Half the people were trying to buy overpriced concessions and the other half were trying to go the bathroom. Like most college football stadiums, no alcohol is served.
Game
Michigan did not play particularly well, but Wisconsin was awful. The game was never in doubt.
My upgraded seatsWidescreenSpot the MI fans
Jump Around
I always thought it was silly that Jump Around is played at the start of the 4th quarter. It’s supposed to get the Wisconsin crowd and players hyped. It had the opposite effect. Reminiscent of the celebration of the 2007 Florida v Georgia, when the whole Georgia team ran onto the field to celebrate a touchdown, the entire Michigan football team was inspired by the song and took to the field to let everyone know that they have rediscovered their mojo, at least for this week.
Ohio State Fans
“We just hate Michigan so much, we had to come cheer against them.” Anywhere in the world I go, there’s always a Buckeye there to try and kill the mood. Camp Randall was no exception.
Spot the Buckeye fans.
Camp Randall No More
During the game, there was a ceremony honoring Barry Alvarez, the long-time coach and athletic director of Wisconsin. I do not know why they chose the Michigan game to do so, given that he had a terrible record against Michigan when he was their coach.
So long Camp Randall
Overall
On this day Michigan won. While I would usually gloat about our success, out of respect to our gracious hosts, I kept it to a minimum.
Madison Party Guide is part of the Punxsutawney TPOL Trip Report, where TPOL leaves the basement and outflank COVID, at least for now.
A wise person would rest up before a big competition. Seeing as how I was not playing (see Michigan v. Wisconsin: Formerly Camp Randall Stadium Review), I thought that rule did not apply to me. Buzzed from good vino at Lou Malnati’s Chicago, I was happy to be the navigator from Chicago to Madison. The drive is supposed to be 2.5 hours but traffic delayed our arrival. Fortunately, I had brought a bottle of Puerto Rico’s best rum, Don Q, for the journey.
TPOL’s Tip: Open alcohol containers are illegal on Wisconsin roads.
After checking in to the Hyatt Place, it was time to explore. The first stop was State Street. Either the drinking age in Wisconsin is 14 or I am really old.
Angry Bucky
Since the kids were all right, it was time to make our way to the senior living area party area. It’s on the other side of the Capitol Building, a landmark that is surprisingly accessible to the general public.
Tipsy Cow was the name of the first bar. Like everyone in Madison, the patrons and staff were really nice. It was there I learned that I first learned that the game was at 11AM. Conditioned to Eastern Time, it did not occur to me that football was actually played in the morning.
Looking for more excess, we went around the corner to The Rigby.
More drinks, more friends.
Ready to go home, we made our way back across the capitol. We ran into more Badger fans and ended up at another bar.
Artsy Bucky
In search of sustenance, we ended up at Conrad’s Grill. This was a bad choice. While I love tater tots, the tot wrap, their claim to fame, was bland.
Abstract Bucky
TPOL’s Tip: Do not be disappointed when the home of the tater tot does not sell a side of tater tots. Only wraps were available that night.
Overall
My body and head were not impressed with the choices I made the night before. Looking in the mirror, I confirmed what I suspected from the night before – I am really getting too old for this shit.
