I travel to Chicago regularly for business. I normally stay at The James, a boutique hotel. However, during my most recent visit, I decided to stay at the Sheraton Chicago Hotel and Towers. My company has corporate rates at both, and I am new to the Starwood Preferred Guest®program and wanted to benefit from it.
When I arrived at the Sheraton Chicago Hotel and Towers I noticed that the hotel is dated, but its common areas are well maintained. The lack of maintenance is particularly noticeable in the bathroom (tub, tile, and wallpaper).
I was initially assigned to room 2409, a room with a great view of the Chicago skyline. The only problem was that the room had not been properly cleaned. Yes, the room had been “cleaned” but the bathroom reeked of urine. I also noticed that a framed picture had not been windexed, as it had noticeable “body fluid” stains on the glass. Suffice it to say, I was grossed and a bit disappointed.
Immediately, I called housekeeping and asked for a manager. After waiting about 40 minutes, a housekeeping manager finally arrived. I showed her my concerns with the restroom and the soiled picture frame. I shared with her that I lacked confidence in the room cleanliness. I almost left the hotel for The James, but she immediately got to work to accommodate me. I was moved to another room on the Club level of the hotel and offered to credit me a few Starpoints®to my Starwood Preferred Guest®account as a compensation for my inconvenience.
Ultimately, I was satisfied with the way and manner in which the management team resolved my concerns. Although I am not sure if I will return to the Sheraton Chicago Hotel and Towers, I will probably stay at a Starwood hotel during my next visit to Chicago. I seem to prefer the Starwood brand of hotels to other hotel chains, say Marriott.
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