University Club of Chicago

We waited in line a long time to check in and there was only one person working at the front desk. There were only two guests ahead of us. Once we did get to the front of the line, it took a long time to check us in. When we checked out, we were shocked to find out that we had about 45 line item charges on our account that belonged to many other guests at the club. This added up to an additional $5000. It took at least 5 hours to get this sorted out. This was very distressing. The facility is very clean. The venues are unique and interesting. The housekeeping staff is friendly. I would recommend this location for a special event as they seem to know how to perform this function well. However, they seem to have difficulty performing the basic skills of checking people into and out of their rooms.

I recently had the privilege of attending a two-day conference at the University Club of Chicago, and the experience was nothing short of remarkable. Much of my time was spent in the Charter Room on the seventh floor, where I found myself continually drawn to the incredible textures, architectural details, and overall ambiance of the space. As an interior design professional, I was genuinely inspired by the level of craftsmanship found throughout the building. Every room seemed to tell a story through its materials, millwork, decorative features, and timeless design. What impressed me most was the obvious dedication of the staff to preserving this historic treasure. The care and attention given to maintaining the character and integrity of the club are evident in every corner. Touring the various rooms and gathering spaces felt less like visiting a conference venue and more like experiencing a living work of art. The hospitality was equally exceptional. Throughout my two days at the club, the food offerings were outstanding, with a variety of well-prepared options that exceeded expectations. The wait staff were attentive, professional, and a pleasure to work with, helping create a welcoming and seamless experience for all attendees. The University Club of Chicago is a rare place where history, craftsmanship, hospitality, and culture come together beautifully. Whether attending a conference, special event, or simply admiring the architecture, it is an experience I would highly recommend and one I will not soon forget.

As a wedding and event planner, University Club has been one of our favorite venues in the city since the earliest days of our business 16 years ago! We like to refer to it as our home away from home. The event spaces are beautiful and so classic Chicago. The food is out of this world. The banquet/events team's attention to detail and clear communication make planning smooth, and their staff keeps everything on track on the day of the event. It’s always a pleasure collaborating with them, and we look forward to working together again and again!

As a wedding and proposal photographer based in Chicago, I recently had the absolute pleasure of capturing a surprise proposal at the University Club of Chicago, and the experience was nothing short of magical. From the moment I arrived, the staff was incredibly accommodating and professional. I had been clearly informed ahead of time that I was only permitted to photograph within the specific area that was reserved and booked by my client, which I greatly appreciated for clarity and planning. My client, understandably nervous, had handled all of the reservations himself — but the team at the University Club took it from there and made the moment feel seamless and special. They had a beautifully set table ready upon arrival, complete with a chilled bottle of champagne and two glasses, perfectly staged for post-proposal celebration. Their attention to detail made it incredibly easy to capture meaningful, elegant moments. The venue itself is absolutely stunning. With cathedral-style architecture, grand stained glass windows, and a breathtaking view of the lake, the space is full of timeless character. It’s a dream location for proposals, weddings, and romantic celebrations of any kind. Every corner of this venue photographs like a work of art. If you're looking for a historic, elegant, and well-managed location for your engagement, wedding, or private event — I highly recommend the University Club of Chicago. It’s a place where unforgettable moments come to life, and as a photographer, it's a dream to document them here.

I visited this place for a Christmas dinner and was truly impressed. Everything has subtle touches of history and luxury, and the Christmas dinner was incredible. The hotel also has a very nice workout/squash area with 8 squash courts and a large variety of workout machines. The library offers a large variety of historical and interesting volumes of many subjects, such as religion and government. The living room offers a relaxing and comfortable area to relax and drink and get appetizers before or after dinner. Overall, this hotel offers phenomenal hospitality and comfort in a luxurious way. Everything has a bit of history, art, and complexity. Everything has been thought of and feels very well.