I chose this hotel as it was mentioned in my guidebook as one the oldest hotels in Chicago. Well, I can believe it. The decor was faded at best and chips and cracks were evident everywhere (although the lounge area off the lobby was pleasant). The staff - apart from the doorman - were not particularly friendly and I certainly did not feel very welcome.
My main gripe is that while there are no minibars in the rooms there is also no room service. I was told quite matter of factly that if I wished to eat - I had to leave my room for the Mike Ditka's steakhouse attached to the hotel. The restaurant is fair but far from economical. I do believe that a city hotel should offer small snacks or at least provide a refigerator to purchase one's own.
To make matters worse my shower/bath control froze on high heat and I was forced to wrap my hand in a towel and plunge my hand into the bath to release the plug in order to prevent flooding. It could not be repaired and I was moved to a smaller room that was less well situated. No compensation was offered. On the plus side the maintenance man was pleasant and helpful - even if the other staff were not. Unfortunately he didn't have the power to obtain an equal or better room for me.
All in all - the Tremont lets down its own history as well as the great city of Chicago.
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