I stayed at this hotel on business for a few days in May 2008 and I really enjoyed my stay. Upon arriving, my room was not ready yet since I got there rather early, and the front desk person was super helpful and arranged for my bags to be stored and took my cell phone number to alert me when my room was ready. He also recommended a place around the corner for lunch which was very good. I was barely through my lunch and he called to let me know my room was ready, it was very quick. I was impressed because being cynical, I did not expect anyone to call, but they did, and very promptly and politely I should add!
So I returned to the hotel after lunch and retrived my bags and finished checking in. My room was at the end of a long corridor and faced the rear of the hotel. The room was really nice, I enjoyed it. My two "complaints", and I wouldn't even call them that, were the noise of the "El" train, even though i was on the 20th floor, I still heard it loud and clear every few minutes - it sounded like a strong wind blowing, that is what kept coming to mind. It didn't interrupt my sleep but I can see how it would effect some people's sleep overall. I found it soothing because I like "white noise" when I sleep. But, I wish now that I had asked for a front-facing room (those cost more I think, however). My other issue was the bathroom door which is set up to automatically close - it cannot stay open on its own. It's annoying! A colleague who was also staying at the hotel said she rigged it by opening it all the way and then opening the closet door so that the bathroom door could not close. I did this too and it helped - of course I closed the door when I needed to, but also I was in the room alone so I wanted to shower with the door open to relieve the steam. Lastly, speaking of the shower, and maybe this is just me, I had no idea how to turn it on, ha! I thought you would just turn the handle and the water would come on, but on this one you have to PULL the handle out and then turn. It did not say this anywhere so I thought the handle was broken and actually called maintenance - I was embarassed when they told me I simply had to pull the handle first. It sounded like they had heard this before, or at least I am going to tell myself that!
Overall, a beautiful hotel with a friendly staff, in a great location in Chicago's Loop. Lots of little cafes and stores nearby - convenient for little necessities or sundries. I would absolutely stay there again without hesitation!
hotel reviews