The Sherriff and his lady have sampled quite a few Holiday Express hotels in the last year. They seem to fall into two types - relatively new and rather soulless out-of-town properties with ample space, parking, etc. and rehabbed older properties in city centres. This is one of the latter - and not the best of its kind. When giving the old Hotel Cass a makeover, it seems there was no real attempt to rethink the internal layout or accommodations so that a veneer of modernization has been slapped on a rather tired property. Our room was very cramped with virtually no wardrobe or storage space, which meant we were falling over our own suitcases all the time and the bed was pushed right up to a wall with not much in the way of lighting. Chicago was pretty hot but the air-conditioner was so noisy that we couldn't run it - although the windows did open and we were able to get enough ventilation without street noise. This is a quiet property in that sense but the sound insulation between rooms and corridors was poor and other guests caused a fair bit of disturbance just coming and going. The decor verged on the shabby, although relatively new. On the positive side, we enjoyed one of the best complimentary breakfasts we have had with this chain, the staff were bouncing with enthusiasm to help us make the best of our stay - and a little disappointed that we were such old Chicago hands that we didn't need much help - and the location is brilliant, just a couple of blocks off Michigan Avenue and very close to the subway.
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