Just returned from a four night stay at the Blackstone Hotel in Chicago and had a wonderful stay.
I called the hotel a few days before arriving and asked if I was able to take the "El" (subway/train) to the hotel. The concierge told me that I can take the Blue Line from O'Hare airport to the Jackson station and grab a cab and it would only be a few minutes from there. If you don't have too much luggage, you can easily switch to the Red Line at Jackson and take one stop to Harrison and the hotel is only a couple of blocks away. Train tickets only cost $2 a person so it can be a very cheap way to get to the hotel. The train ride will take close to an hour. Once you get out of the Harrison stop, just look up at the skyline. It is very easy to landmark the hotel with its red exterior and distinctive green top. The hotel is located on the corner of S Michigan Avenue and Balbo.
As many have noted, staff are very friendly and greet you as you enter and exit the hotel. Check in was quick and we were given a room on the 17th floor with views of Soldier Field, the Field Museum, Shredd Aquarium and Adler Planetarium.
The hotel throughout is beautifully and tastefully decorated. I particularly liked that the room had a little collection of books on Chicago. I thought it was a nice touch. The alarm clocks also had an ipod dock so you could listen to your ipod in the room. There is a coffee maker in the room and a Starbucks downstairs so there was no problems getting your morning caffeine.
We were in town just in time for Taste of Chicago and it took place in Grant park so we were literally across the street from all the action. It was an easy walk to many of the cities attractions. We walked all the way down through Grant Park, Millenium Park, to Navy Pier, through the Magnificent Mile and to the Hancock Building.
Everything exceeded expections except for Housekeeping. They provided lush and comfy bathrobes and I wanted some slippers so I called for some only to be told they were out. Daily housekeeping I found was inconsistent and didn't go as good as a job as I would have liked. But that is a minor complaint.
Overall this was a wonderful hotel and I would highly recommend.
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