This was our first hotel in the US (at the start of our Route 66 tour) and had been pre-booked in the UK. It was expensive (it is far cheaper to book whilst in the States than from the UK). Parking was on site, a multi-storey affair, but extremely expensive - about $49 for 24 hours.
The overall feel of the hotel was good, but it is huge and somewhat tired - you wouldn't call it cosy. Our room was big and we had two bathrooms (first time ever!!) which we thought was rather excessive, but actually enjoyed having!! Not particulary great views from our room, and we had one of the better ones. As the hotel dates from 1920s (?) it had elegance and beauty, but the hotel is very big and it does need a bit of updating. On saying that, we really enjoyed staying there and it is in a good position to walk to the Sears Tower (which is now the Willis Tower) and to a lot of attractions. We didn't need to use our car whilst staying in Chicago. Staff were helpful. Didn't eat breakfast there - too expensive. If you turn to the left when exiting from main entrance, you can find places to eat not too far away. (Unfortunately on our first night we turned the other way and couldn't find anything and we were tired and hungry!!)
Chicago was fantastic; the skyline incredible. Worth going up the tower and having a trip on the river / lake.
We bought a sat-nav to help us find our way around and we are glad that we did. It was as cheap to buy one as to hire one. It was the start of Route 66 and we did struggle to find the beginning and ended up just getting out of the city and picking up the route at Joliet! Doh!
hotel reviews