The Whitehall Hotel

11/04/08

14 y/o daughter had to sleep on the floor...

by ImSpecialKay at Citysearch

... due to staffs inability to deliver roll-away bed in a timely manner... ... we requested a roll-away in our reservation. I confirmed the need for a roll-away bed the day before our arrival; asked for the roll-away to be brought-up when we checked-in at 7:00PM, waited for 45 minutes, no bed. Left for dinner at 8:15PM... still no roll-away bed. At 10:15 PM we returned from dinner. Called front desk, were told we would be getting the bed "Shortly". At 11:15PM, front desk staff asked us if the bed had come yet (NO...), would see if a bellhop (!) could deliver one, as housekeeping had gone home for the evening at 11:00PM... numerous calls back and forth to and from the front desk... at 12:30AM, front desk "offered" to move us to a lesser-quality room (we were in a rack-rate King "Prestige" room) with two DOUBLE BEDS... I had taken a sleeping aid at 11:00PM, was in NO SHAPE to move to another room. Finally, WE SUGGESTED that the staff bring up a bunch of pillows for our daughter to sleep on... these people are not the brightest crayons in the box.

Instead of staying here, stay at the Tremont Hotel, right behind this hotel on Chestnut. Same quality and style, same distance to all Chicago venues, and a much more responsive staff... The WHITEHALL HAS ABSOLUTELY HORRIFIC STAFF. We complained to the front desk staff the next day. We were very, VERY careful to be respectful to the front desk staff, and were offered only an upgrade on our "next" (!) stay. We were told the hotel manager, "ALEX," would call us... 3 weeks later, still waiting for ALEX TO CALL. Go To THE TREMONT HOTEL!! Plus, A Bonus - DITKA'S is attached to THE TREMONT HOTEL.

• Pros: Beautiful Decor, quality updates throughout - doesn't make-up for inadequate staff
• Cons: Un-empowered front desk staff; inept housekeeping, poor staff communication

12/11/07

A truly outstanding experience.

by zzballubah at Citysearch

Probably the finest hotel that we have ever stayed at. The room was beautifully decorated and spacious with a great view. The beds (and bedding) were luxurious. We can't say enough about the wonderful concierge, Ron. He made reservations, recommended excellent dining, provided directions, shopping options and more. It may seem minor, but he really did make our trip much more enjoyable. The bar had good wine and the breakfast in the reataurant was very good too. All staff were friendly and helpful. We can't wait to stay at the Whitehall again!

• Pros: Absolutely everything!
• Cons: None.

03/27/07

Added extras at no request

by tbowie at Citysearch

My boyfriend and I visited Chicago in January 07 over his birthday weekend and stayed at the Whitehall Hotel. The value for the location and quality of the room was incredible! It was SUPER convenient to get to Michigan Ave, State St, etc. The closest train stop to get to the airport was also convenient even in the cold of mid-Jan! The concierge was super friendly and knowing it was his birthday, generously upgraded our room at no request and no cost! The room was clean and had a lovely marble bathroom. Perfect for a romantic weekend getaway. Don't expect much from the lounge on the first floor. Although the atmosphere looks inviting, it isn't open late. There are plenty of open spots nearby though. I ordered champagne and berries to the room at a specific time and it was delivered accordingly. The concierge offered tons of information and checked us in to our departing flight online. The stay was very comfortable!

• Pros: VALUE, service, convenient location, cleanliness
• Cons: Lounge not open late

01/25/06

This deceptively large boutique hotel is popular with visiting celebrities who like their privacy.

by Contributor at Citysearch

The Scene
If you've never been to the Whitehall, you may be surprised to find a 21-story hotel almost hidden among the surrounding skyscrapers. The scale and feel of the lobby is like a Gold Coast living room. Built in 1928 as luxury residences and completely refurbished in 1994, the hotel specializes in subtlety, making it popular with celebrities who give their privacy top priority.

The Details
The hotel is large, with 222 guest rooms (including eight suites), but the atmosphere is intimate. The understated English decor creates a rich setting. Pinnacle Level guests receive a complimentary bottle of red wine and dried fruit. For all guests, coffee is served in the lobby each morning. In the evening, the bar around the corner from the lobby comes elegantly alive, attracting a faithful contingent of locals.

01/03/06

Old

by briankalita at Citysearch

This place is very old and the rooms show signs of its age. The staff is very nice and location is great, but it can't make up for the rooms.

10/05/05

great staff

by lady_dine at Citysearch

We felt welcomed and quickly got to know the bell staff that we got real friendly with. We enjoyed the service of them opening doors for us. We had a very nice time. The management offered to up our room on our next visit. Which was very nice. We just kept telling them all how nice and helpful they were. My husband used the concierge who was remarkable and got him tickets to the Big game (yesterday) now who could ask for more? ( awesome restaurant downstairs too. Olive oil and pizza was divine)

09/13/04

Worst hotel I have ever stayed in.

by m_canavan at Citysearch

I have stayed in a numerous hotels and this hotel was not a luxury hotel. I did not find anything great about my stay. The only thing good about the hotel is the location but the Drake by far is a much better hotel. The service was the worst I have ever had in all my traveling years and the staff was by far the snobbiest. They acted like we were blessed to stay in their hotel and if there was a problem we could go elsewhere.

• Pros: Bad service

02/08/04

Stay here

by pip01 at Citysearch

Really nice location, right there on Mich Ave. You had to find good deals on the internet if you want to stay at this place so you dont overpay. The room was good. It was a good size and it was clean. We got a room with mich ave view so it was nice. We ordered room service and the food was good. The coffee though was great. Make sure you tried the coffee in the morning. The front desk was really friendly and helpful. I would go back to this hotel.

• Pros: Close to Mich Ave, Clean, good size room, Friendly service

02/07/03

What??

by chefpete at Citysearch

How can this place be put in the category of luxury hotels?" I was treated poorly at the bar. Restaurant service is horrible. I wouldn't waste my money at a room here ever again.

• Pros: nice decor
• Cons: horrible service

11/04/02

Better for Mick?

by leester at Citysearch

I cannot imagine why a man as wealthy as Mick Jagger would stay here. Perhaps staff was suffering from the Stones' visit (reputedly) earlier in the week, but I found hotel personnel to be bumbling and graceless. The room was okay. Two weeks later, I had the pleasure of staying at The Drake, which is the hotel that The Whitehall only thinks it is.

• Pros: location, cachet
• Cons: incompetent staff, mediocre room