Higher Learning 2025

Hotel and Travel Information

April 5–8, 2025, Chicago

Conference Hotels

Conference headquarters is the Hyatt Regency Chicago, East Tower, where the registration desk, Grand Hall and many sessions are located. Additional sessions are held in the Hyatt’s West Tower, Swissôtel and Radisson Blu Aqua (connected to the Hyatt by an indoor pedway).

We offer discounted room blocks at the conference hotels and at multiple hotels nearby:

  • Hyatt Regency Chicago
  • Swissôtel Chicago
  • Radisson Blu Aqua Hotel Chicago
  • Fairmont Chicago 
  • Renaissance Chicago Downtown

Before You Book

  • Some hotels require a deposit (equal to one night’s room and tax) at the time of booking. Refund and cancellation policies vary.
  • Room rates vary per hotel. Rates are based on single/double occupancy and do not include taxes. Additional occupants may incur additional fees.
  • If you booked a room and are no longer able to attend, please cancel your reservation as soon as possible so other attendees can reserve a room. 

Hyatt Regency Chicago

151 E. Wacker Dr.
Chicago, IL 60601
312.565.1234

$212 / night

Book Now

Deadline: March 12

Additional Information

  • 50% discount on valet parking
  • Cancellation policy: Cancellations made within 48 hours prior to arrival will forfeit one night’s room and tax.

Swissôtel Chicago

323 W. Wacker Dr.
Chicago, IL 60601
312.565.1234

$212 / night

Book Now

Deadline: March 12

Additional Information

  • 15% discount on valet parking
  • Cancellation policy: Cancellations made within 48 hours prior to arrival will forfeit one night’s room and tax.

Radisson Blu Aqua Hotel Chicago

221 N. Columbus Dr.
Chicago, IL 60601
312.638.6686

$217 / night

Please note: there is an additional $26/day urban fee that will be waived on-site during check out.

Book Now

Deadline: March 14

Additional Information

  • Self-parking: $59, cannot be charged to the room, no in/out privileges
  • Valet: $75, can be charged to the room, in/out privileges
  • Cancellation policy: Failure to occupy the room or to cancel a reservation at least 3 business days prior to arrival will result in a forfeiture of the room’s deposit; a charge of one night’s Room Rate and tax.

Fairmont Chicago

200 N. Columbus Dr.
Chicago, IL 60601
1.800.441.1414

$214 / night

Book Now

Deadline: March 14

Additional Information

  • 20% off valet parking, $63 per night or $40 per day if out by 6 p.m.
  • Cancellation policy: Cancellations made within 72 hours prior to arrival will forfeit one night’s room and tax.

Renaissance Chicago Downtown

1 W. Wacker Dr.
Chicago, IL 60601
312.372.7200

$212 / night

Book Now

Deadline: March 18

Additional Information

  • Cancellation policy: Cancellations made within 72 hours prior to arrival will forfeit one night’s room and tax.

Please note: Any hotel reseller who contacts an attendee or organization offering housing for the conference is not endorsed or affiliated with HLC. Please only use official HLC channels to book rooms at our discounted rates.

Getting to Higher Learning 2025

From Chicago Airports

Chicago is served by two airports: O’Hare International Airport and Midway Airport. O’Hare is 17 miles northwest and Midway is 10 miles southwest of downtown, where the conference is held.

Taxi Cabs

Loading zones for Rideshare services are at the following locations:

  • Terminal 2 – waiting area Upper Level between Door 2A and Door 2D
  • Black Zone A – Outside North of vestibule 2A
  • Blue Zone B – Outside vestibule 2A
  • Orange Zone C – Outside vestibule 2B
  • Green Zone D – Outside vestibule 2D
  • Passengers should wait in the specific colored zones until their driver arrives to the same colored zone before proceeding to the designated pick-up location. A waiting area inside is available between vestibules 2A and 2D.
  • Terminal 5 – waiting area
  • Lower Level Door 5B
  • Uber Black and Uber Taxi will pick up on the Lower Level.

Chicago Transit Authority

Rapid transit trains operate between the airports and downtown Chicago for $5 from O’Hare and $2.25 from Midway. CTA terminals are located inside both airports, approximately five to ten minutes from the baggage claim areas. To get to the Hyatt from O’Hare, take the Blue Line to the Clark/Lake stop; from Midway, take the Orange Line to the State/Lake stop. The Hyatt is approximately a half-mile walk from either station. Visit the CTA website for directions to the alternate hotels.

Driving and Parking

Maps and directions to the Hyatt

Conference attendees are eligible for a 50% discount on valet parking at the Hyatt Regency Chicago. Self-parking is not available.

Hyatt guests: The discounted rates should appear per day on your hotel bill. You do not need a discount sticker. Please check with the hotel registration desk if the rate is not properly reflected on your bill. Once you have paid for parking, you will have in and out privileges throughout the duration of your stay.

Non-Hyatt guests: Do not pay for parking upon arrival. To receive the reduced rate, you will need to obtain a discount sticker to attach to your parking ticket for each day that you park. Pick up discount stickers at the Registration Desk located in the East Tower of the Hyatt.

Parking discounts are also available to attendees staying at alternate hotels.

Questions?

[email protected]