I stayed here for only one night while in Chicago to see a show last weekend. I have stayed at other Kimpton Hotels and have enjoyed them, so I was looking forward to this visit. The beginning was not great... I drove up and was valet parking my car with one of their special packages, but the signage was not clear on where to pull up for the valet. When I opened my window to ask if this was the right spot, it took a minute to get someone's attention, even though there were two doorman and another uniformed attendant standing about three feet away! When I parked and got out, nobody offered to help with my luggage, and I had to wait in line for at least five minutes in the freezing cold to get a ticket for my car. The valet attendant was definitely on the rude side.
But thankfully, it all got better once I walked into the hotel. The lobby is tall and beautiful in the art deco style. The front desk attendant was friendly and quick getting me checked in. A bellman took my bag and led me upstairs, giving me an orientation to the hotel along the way and then getting me settled into my room. They use actualy keys here, not key cards! I had chosen a queen deluxe suite since the rooms looked small, and I am glad I spent the extra money! I ended up in room 1003, which was on the State Street side of the hotel, right on the corner of Washington. I had two bay windows, one of which looked right down Washington Street to Millenium Park and the lake! The living area had a comfortable love seat and chair with ottoman, coffee table, closet, end table, and armoire with TV, CD/tape player/stereo, and honor bar. French doors led to the bedroom area which had a small bedside table, desk & chair, TV, and dresser. The bathroom was down a short hall off the bedroom and was small but nice and had Aveda products. The bed was definitely one of the most comfortable I have ever slept on in a hotel, and there was a selection of pillows so I didn't even end up with a crick in my neck from sleeping on flat pillows! The shower head was high, so there was also no backbend for washing my hair. The window curtains were heavy, so except for a few cracks around the edges, it was nice and dark for sleeping. I could hear some traffic noise and drums from a sidewalk performer, as well has the whoosh of the el, which is one block over, but it didn't disturb me at all. If you sign up for their free Kimpton In Touch program, you also get free wi-fi. The connection felt quick and smooth.
I ordered room service for dinner, which comes up from the Atwood Cafe downstairs. The prices were typical for hotel room service, but the food was delicious, and the service was fast! They had told me 25-30 minutes, but it arrived in 15 minutes.
I felt safe walking the block over to the Oriental Theatre and back at night. Checking out was also quick and easy with another very friendly desk clerk, and they had my car pulled up to the curb in only a few moments. They also loaded my bag in the car this time, and the attendants seemed much more attentive than they had the night before.
I will definitely stay here again, and would recommend it to just about anyone!
