07/13/08

Charming hotel in the middle of everything!

by biddiroo

My family just returned from Chicago and I was perfectly pleased with this hotel. I can only think the bad reviews are, by now, outdated or that the writers missed the charm of this historic and quite enchanting place. The staff could not have been warmer or friendlier beginning with the doorman/valet. Yes, there is still a picket line, but we chatted with a few of those people as well. The desk clerk and bellmen were extremely helpful. We were even treated to a mini "ghost-tour" by the security people. The Gold Room is absolutely fabulous! Ask them to take you there! We then walked the haunted (?!?!) 12th floor and it is very CREEPY!

Everyone we spoke to was so proud of the rich heritage and offered wonderful stories about movies filmed there and the famous guests.

The rate was only $115/night for a large room with two king beds and a view of Lake Michigan to die for, overlooking the Buckingham fountain and Grant park! What a treat each morning!

We did have problems getting hot water and had to run the shower for about ten minutes to get it comfortable enough. The bathroom was rather small, but the room size made up for it. (Ask for rooms ending in "74"---those are the biggest. That was a hint from the staff.)

Conveniently located minutes away from all lakefront activities and walking distance to the trolleys, "L's" and the Sears Tower. Right in the middle of it all! Let the valet park your car and enjoy the city!

• Pros: Historic charm, Close to Family Activities
• Cons: Small bathroom, Slow hot water

01/14/08

Cheap and interesting.

by fellgirl12

I read the reviews on this page before booking the hotel, and most people who have complained about this particular hotel have no grounds from my personal experience. I loved this hotel! It's very old, has an amazing past, and has so many treasures to uncover. The Gold Ballroom is absolutely exquisite. The antique elevators are beautiful. My room was enormous, spotless, and had a killer view of the Sears Tower. The lobby is spectacular. I would only suggest it to people who have an appreciation for history. I found the staff there very pleasant and helpful - the Indian bellhop is a charming man and one of the doormen is very sweet. I did a little exploring in the building and found certain areas of it very creepy - almost as if I expected The Shining twins to appear at the end of the hall. Some hallways are pitch black because no one is booked there. In fact, during my week stay in Chicago, the only time I felt uneasy was in one particular hallway. The location of the hotel is right in the middle of everywhere. Two blocks from the Art Institute, three from Millennium Park, a brisk 20 minute jaunt to the Magnificent Mile and Chicago River. It's a very photogenic building, and I fell in love with its old lady charm. I'm returning to Chicago in June, and will definitely stay there again.

• Pros: large, comfortable, quiet, great location, antique beauty
• Cons: smells kind of weird, a little creepy in some areas.

10/29/07

Terrible, Terrible.... DO NOT STAY HERE!!!!!

by chrisf05

DO NOT STAY HERE!!!!! After we checked in.. They gave us the wrong directions to our room & we got lost finding what we thought was our room, we finely found what we thought was our room only to find out both keys didn't work to the door.. Well unknown to us they have 2 of the same room no#'s. ARGH Then we wait 30 minutes in the hall for them to send up someone with new keys & no one shows up, we get agravated & went back down to the lobby (that's when we found out they have 2 of the same rooms with the same room no#).. On top of this they didn't have the room I reserved/requested & on top of all this the whole place was terrible, it was old, every thing smelled like curry, it was in terrible shape (the halls, doors, every thing).. Not worth the money & we didn't even get to see the room which we figured was just as bad as every thing else. We just told them to give us our money back & we left. If your looking for a romantic getaway go to the Essence Suites in Orland Park or the Sybaris.. We ended up at the Essence & it was well worth the agravation... Oh & the hotel was on Strike. They had strikers out front. ARGH Terrible Terrible Hotel.. Will not even try to stay here again....