Our first time at an Omni Hotel was a most enjoyable one. For starters on the days leading up to the reserved dates of our stay we received a number of emails from Omni which informed us of events happening in Chicago, predicted weather as well as restaurants nearby.

Our arrival and check-in at the hotel, located just a few blocks south of the Hancock Tower on N. Michigan Ave. was a smooth and quick process. Our room, a suite on the 22nd Floor was fairly well appointed. We had our two kids with us so the two double beds and the pull out were put to good use. An armchair could have filled an empty corner in the Living Area and would have been useful to watch the large flat screen or even to rest your feet. The sofa bed sufficed. The beds were very comfortable, firm enough, but still comfy, there was an extra large safe, two TVs, a bar with sink, a large bathroom with two doors and even opening windows. Everything worked well and was very clean.

We had signed up as “Select Guests” which entitled us to morning juice or coffee brought to the room, at least 2 newspapers and free wireless internet (which would have cost $9.95/day otherwise). We also used the “Entertainment Rate” which brought it down to about $240US/night. Given the location, service and hotel class, it was great. We only used the gym facility that had about a dozen machines and an outdoor deck on the 5th Floor. It was clean, well maintained and didn’t fee claustrophobic.

I would stay there again, given the chance.

As for our time spent in the Windy City, all of 3 days, we did a lot including Bobby’s Bike Hike (Northside/Gold Coast with Erin), the Architecture Foundation River Tour, a picnic lunch in Millennium Park, deep dish pizza at Giordano’s, a drink at the top of the Hancock at 6PM (no lines and great light and it beats paying for the observatory 2 floors below as you only pay for the drink), Magnificent Mile shopping and a wrap up dinner at Boka in Lincoln Park. If you are new to Chicago, I would highly recommend all of the above. We hit it just right with the weather, so that helps a lot. For the deep dish pizza, no matter where you go for at dinner time on the weekend (Uno, Due, Gino’s East or Giordano’s) you’re looking at a 2 hour wait, so go later, like 9:30PM. Boka is a fairly new cutting edge restaurant, maybe a couple years old or so. Chef is a Charlie Trotter protégé (C.T. is one of the handful of premier way up-scale restaurants in Chi-town with prices to match) and the menu at Boka is unlike most others. You will not be disappointed with he compilation of tastes and flavors the kitchen will put together, each dish is like a fine wine, complex and long. No Tiramisu, Crème Caramel, chocolate mouse cake or fresh fruit cheesecake on this dessert menu,

Needless to say, we had a great time!

A great hotel in a great location: steps to the shopping district. If you’re going further afield the regular bus service stops can be found within a block. The lobby and reception area of the Omni were modern and tastefully appointed, a theme which was followed through to the bar and restaurant areas. The hotel room itself was spacious, clean and fairly well appointed with nice decor, a modern flat screen LCD TV and cordless phone. The only negative point was the construction going on right next door. They are completely re-doing the area next to the hotel. So don't think about sleeping in. Apart from that, the service given by the rest of the Omni’s staff was first class. Highly recommended.

Very nice hotel located directly on Michigan near great upscale shopping and restaurants. Sirens on Michigan were very noisy all night as was construction next door all day. Service was spectacular and everything was very clean. Turn down every night. Cookies were left for my daughter, along with a bottle of Evian, and a personal note. They had a gift bag for my daughter when we arrived. Concierge was very helpful. Everyone greeted us whenever we came and went. Coffee at the restaurant was excellent. Prices affect the rating for any establishment, however. Parking at $50 is too much. Most downtown parking is $40 or under. Some garages are $15. For $50 a night it should come back cleaned and waxed with fresh cups of coffee inside. We got an excellent deal on travelzoo.com., however our experience sold us on this hotel and we will make an effort to check this hotel first on our next visit.

Prices fluctuate but when it nears $350 this hotel is too expensive. Over 220 is too expensive. $200-220 is reasonably fair but I always try to come in below $200 pretax. Great hotel that gets extra hype from Oprah. With the many great hotels downtown, prices must stay competitive.

Very nice hotel in a perfect location (corner of Michigan Ave and Huron). The rooms are spotless and have a separate sitting area. Room service for breakfast was quick. Our only glitch was the 30 minute delay in getting our room (they offered us a different room on the 5th floor, but there was too much chlorine smell from the pool). We went up a floor to the lounge to wait and Jennifer A. of the concierge staff tracked us down and gave us some food vouchers for our trouble. This is the type of quality service that I have always experienced at Omni's.