This is a slightly more affordable option, located just across from Rush. On the days I stayed there, the area was pretty nice and quiet. If you are not driving and coming from the airport, Google Maps tells you to take the blue line to Racine. The station is in the middle of a highway, and on a rainy day, not a nice walk. A local working at the hospital told me that stopping at the Illinois Medical District stop might be an easier walk. Between the hotel and downtown, I found that pink line to Polk is a 5-10 minute walk back to the hotel. And if I don't remember the route number wrongly, bus 9 from in front of the hotel goes directly downtown too.
The hotel front desk was generally okay, but left a poor impression on me. Once I called the front desk to request for some toiletries which I had forgotten to take with me, and the response I got was "yea we have it, you can come down and get it" I asked if they could send someone up and they said they would. Almost an hour later there was still nothing and so I went down to front desk to get it myself, and one of them was playing with her cell phone. They were chatty among themselves and take awhile to attend to you. Another time though when I called the front desk, they were pretty efficient. Different shift maybe.
Room was alright, typical of most Marriott hotels, but only complaint I had was the air coming out of the AC smelt funny in the 2nd room I was in. Room cleaning service people were very nice and prompt when I said I needed extra soap.
Overall a good comfortable stay, I would choose this place again.
hotel reviews