My husband and I stayed at the Fairmont for 4 days. To be honest, the only reason we stayed there was due to the reduced rate offered by the hotel, as this was a business trip. It was a beautiful hotel, the lobby exuded a serene atmosphere. I felt the same way about our room. The shower was very nice as was the separate bathtub, sink area and vanity. The bellmen were pleasant and always welcomed their guests back. However, we both agreed that we would probably not return to a Fairmont given their usual high rates.

I was concerned about the $49 parking. There is a public lot right across the street. However, we were running late for dinner reservations with friends, and there was a line to get in, so we opted to drop the car at the $49 parking.

Check-in was easy.

We were in 2619, facing the lake, if you looked through the condos under construction, so a very limited view of the lake Not their fault, I realize.

The room was slightly disappointing. Not sure whether our room had been renovated. It certainly didn't look like any of the photos on here. I expected a more oppulent look. It was just basic Marriott or Westin decor. Window treatments were boring gray panels with no cornice. I wish I had taken pictures to post! There was not a single picture on the walls.

The ipod dock is on the desk lamp. I read other reviews of thin walls. The only time we found this true was in the late afternoon while trying to take a quick nap before dinner. I don't know where the music was coming from, but it and it's bass were so loud that it was disturbing.

That same afternoon a plate of sugar cookies arrived. We signed up for President's Club before arrival, so not sure if everyone receives them. You must be present to get them.

Couldn't find anywhere to stash our clothes except in the bedside tables. Upon packing to leave, realized there were drawers in the ottoman at the end of the bed.

Did find the espresso machine while searching for drawers and that was a highlight of the trip!

A wobbly, funky table and a floor lamp were in front of the window. The room seemed large, but it was because there were no occasional chairs there. The only chair was a desk chair.

We couldn't decide if the bed was comfortable. On the first night it was not. It got better as we got more tired from exploring the city.

The lobby, bar and other common areas were very pretty and the staff were all super nice and friendly.

We booked the pre-paid rate on their web site for $160 a night over the July 4 weekend. It was a good deal for the price. But I probably will try out a different hotel next time.

Celebrated the 3rd of July fireworks with my family.....First of all-the best thing we ever did was sign up for the Presidents club. Their frequent user club is fantastic.

We have stayed at many of thier hotels and they are always an experience. We were absolutely surprised at how nice this hotel was. We have been disappointed by the hotels south of Wacker in Chicago-preferring to stay at the Four seasons or Peninsula or for family events the Westin on Michigan.

If you want to walk- which is the way to really "feel" the city- those hotels are simply too far. To enjoy the museums-Grant Park and all the concerts and festivals and Navy Pier we were hoping to find a hotel south of Wacker.

It has the feel of the Four Seasons and could well compete with this gem. The lobby chocolate bar was fun for the kids. Room service was the best we've had in a while and on and on.....

Enjoy...

We stayed at the Fairmont Chicago last nite, a place we have stayed at multiple times before. Our room had been re-done and not for the better. The Fairmont use to reflect the turn of the century French style of the original Fairmont in San Franciso and had a lovely soigne feel about it. The new room style is like Motel 6. The carpet is a tissue thin industrial type, the lovely furniture is now laminate over particle board. The desk was relocated away from the window and faces a wall. There are no pictures on the walls other than the vinyl thing over the bed, and NO CHAIRS other than the desk chair. When we called to front desk to ask about the missing chairs, they acknowledged that yes, that was a problem. The light fixtures are from Home Depot, etc, etc, It just wasn't a pleasant room to be in. It is still a good sized room and they left the limestone in the shower, but not a quality experience.

The restaurant ARIA is good. Very imaginative dishes and a extremely friendly staff. Indeed all of the staff is cheerful and makes every effort to make you feel like a guest.

Although the hotel was built to a excellent standard, the problem appears to be the new ownership skimping on expenses. I think we will look for alternatives in the East Side neighborhood.