The Swissotel has everything going for it and should be ranked higher.

LOCATION
Perfect. It’s right by the Chicago River and it’s proximity to Lake Shore Drive, makes for a quicker cab ride to the Airport or north to Wrigley Field. There are few buildings between the Swissotel and Lake Michigan, making for gorgeous views, yet you are in the heart of it all. The Michigan Avenue bridge is only two blocks away. Grant Park and Navy Pier are also a short walk.

ROOMS
If you can swing it, get a corner suite. Because the building is a triangular shape, you get a sweeping view that is absolutely stunning. A lot of windows, but nice light-tight drapes for a good nite sleep. Tasteful modern decor and roomy. The bathroom and bedroom are separated by a good distance. The beds are heavenly.

VIEWS
From a corner suite, you can see the Navy Pier, Millenium Fountain’s hourly water arch across the Chicago River, Lake Michigan & the Harbor, Buckingham Fountain and part of Millenium Park. We were lucky enough to see the 9:30pm fireworks show from our window that are set from Navy Pier on the weekend.

STAFF
Has that midwestern charm. The bell hops and front desk personnel are very helpful and friendly. I did not hear a peep out of housekeeping who were respectful.

MISC.
Every third floor has an ice machine. The 9th and 12th Floors for example have ice. The location of the machine is in an isolated room, I’m assuming to drown out the noise. It was a little creepy at night. Guys won’t care, women may feel a little ill at ease, but could certainly call room service. The staff is quite accommodating. In the lobby the hotel offers complimentary water, which may not sound like much, but the ice cold jugs have freshly cut fruit in them such as melon or strawberries. The restaurant in the hotel is “The Palm” which has several locations nationwide and serves up a good steak.

If you take a river architecture cruise, the guides will point out the Swissotel as one of architect Harry Weese’s triangle obsessed marvels.

I was very impressed with this hotel and its staff. I’m looking forward to more visits in the future and I highly recommend the Swissotel to anyone traveling to Chicago.

I stayed here for a conference in late April 2009. I liked the view from the hotel (river view from the room, but a fabulous lake view from the elevator area). The hotel is shaped like a triangle from the sky, and this strange shape combined with the location of the elevator shafts made many rooms quite noisy. One of my colleagues had to ask to get his room moved at 2 am due to the noise of moving elevators.

The beds were comfortable, and I liked having iHome to plug my ipod. While the LCD TV was nice, free channels did not contain any HD broadcast, and we all know how painful it is to watch SD broadcaston a HDTV.

They also charge to use the fitness center, which seems quite outrageous. I also paid for the wifi access.

I stay here frequently, due to business travel. They have demonstrated a wonderful ability to deliver consistent service and go above and beyond. The views are remarkable!
The management is amazing and looks to make any/all accommodations and truly create a 'home away from home'.

Also, enjoy their in room amenities, workout room, pool, and lobby bar.

We booked this via travelzoo and got an amazing rate. We came to Chicago for my graduation. The view from the pool area is to die for, almost 180 degrees of the city from the 42 floor. The view from the rooms is of the river and city, Lake Michigan or of Millennium Park. The rooms were great, the staff was excellent. The gentleman who was the doorman is very much in charge and does an awesome job.
I only had one minor complaint and that was the hot tub was not working and was out of order. Normally I would not say anything about this, but here you have to pay extra to us the pool, and work out area.
I don’t think it would be easy to walk to Navy Pier, but it could be done. Very close to everything, or the front staff will hail a cab for you.