OverviewThis all-suite property is situated one block (a 3-minute walk) from the John Hancock building, shopping and restaurants on Michigan Avenue (or the "Magnificent Mile"). The hotel is also about a 3-minute walk from Lakeshore Drive. Offering suites with work desks, remote printing and a business centre, this property is well suited for business travellers.
Both smoking and non-smoking rooms are available, and there are nine handicap-accessible rooms available. All suites include a 42" flat screen TV with pay-per-view movies, a living room area with a sofabed and arm chair, a coffeemaker, a mini-fridge, a microwave, a sink, blackout curtains, an iron and ironing board, a hair dryer, a work desk with desk-level electrical outlets, remote printing access and individual climate control. Suites are furnished with one king bed or two double beds.
A hospitality suite, which also includes a conference room area, and a presidential suite are also offered. The presidential suite features more spacious accommodations, a jetted tub, views of Lake Michigan, a kitchen and a dining area.
Executive rooms are suites located on the Executive Level and guests staying in these rooms are afforded access to the Executive Lounge, which offers a complimentary breakfast, evening hors d'oeuvres and a cash bar.
Free Wi-Fi is available in common areas of the hotel, while in-room Wi-Fi service is available for a daily fee of $12.95. Parking is available on site for an additional fee of $35 per day, while valet parking is available for $56 per day. Pets are permitted for an additional fee of $75 per stay.
There are two on-site restaurants. Local Chicago serves breakfast, lunch and dinner, while Masaki, specializing in authentic Japanese cuisine, serves lunch and dinner Monday through Thursday and dinner only on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Room service is also available.
Other on-site amenities include a fitness centre, an indoor pool, a business centre, an ATM, baggage storage, a concierge desk, a gift shop, dry cleaning service, a news stand/convenience store and safe deposit boxes.
Public transit can be accessed within a 1-minute walk. The financial district on Division Street is about a 5-minute drive away, while the Navy Pier area, which features restaurants, the Chicago Shakespeare Theatre and the Children's Museum, is 8 minutes away by car. The Chicago Sun-Times building is a 9-minute drive away, while the Art Institute of Chicago (on Michigan Avenue) is 10 minutes away by car.
The City Centre area, including the famous Willis Tower, a skyscraper with glass box lookout, is a 15-minute drive away. Wrigley Field, home of Major League Baseball's Chicago Cubs, is also about 15 minutes away by car, while O'Hare International Airport is a 30- to 40-minute drive away. (All walking and driving time estimates: Google Maps)
Verified by a front desk agent on May 14, 2013: Pet policy.
The GoodMany guests described enjoyable stays at this hotel among the reviews used for this analysis. The location seemed to be the highlight for many reviewers, who described having easy access to shopping and restaurants on Michigan Avenue, city attractions and the lakefront area.
Many guests described their rooms as clean, while several reviewers agreed that their rooms were well appointed, generally comfortable and spacious. A couple of reviewers thought that their rooms were well equipped with amenities, including flat screen TVs.
The staff were frequently complimented and guests described the reviewers as friendly and helpful. One reviewer found the service to be pleasant and efficient.
However, there were a few complaints about room cleanliness and the staff (see below).
Several guests described enjoyable meals and attentive staff at the on-site restaurant, while a few other reviewers enjoyed the on-site pool and hot tub. A couple of guests thought that this hotel offered good value for the money they spent.
The Bad
There were few complaints or common concerns found for this property, among the reviews sourced for this editorial. However, a couple of guests complained about the additional fees for in-room Wi-Fi ($12.95 per day) and parking ($35 per day for self parking and $56 per day for valet parking).
A couple of other guests thought that the carpets in their rooms were in need of a deep cleaning.
While many reviewers complimented the staff, a couple of guests thought that the front desk agents they encountered could have been more helpful.
Expedia.ca gave this hotel an average score of 4.4 out of 5, with 94% of 1,056 guests recommending the property.
TripAdvisor.com ranked this hotel #74 out of 164 hotels in Chicago, with an average score of 4 out of 5, from 479 reviews.
The author called the hotel on May 14, 2013 to verify some information.
