It really is hard to fault Four Seasons, in Chicago or anywhere else for that matter.

We booked one night here on the way back from a ski trip. We had two adjoining rooms, one for myself & my wife, and one for our two sons (aged 9 & 11).

On a previous trip to Four Seasons (in Las Vegas), on arrival the boys had been presented with gifts of cute little soft toys and so they were curious & looking forward to seeing what Chicago hospitality was like! Sure enough, the hospitality starts in the lobby, where there were cookies and hot chocolate for everyone while we checked in. And we we got up to the rooms, there was a game (Kids Pictionary) and more cookies & chocolate milkshake waiting for the boys in their room.

The rooms were very nice: great view over the Lake (we were on 41st floor, I think), extremely comfortable bed, big bathroom etc.

Breakfast excellent (didn't eat in the hotel for dinner so can't comment).

We also made extensive use of the spa facilities - decent pool, although maybe a few degrees colder than I would have liked, plus hot tub, steam room, sauna & massage facilities. For kids there were lots of floats, noodles etc to use in the pool which was nice.

Helpful concierge recommended an excellent steak restaurant (Rosebud) nearby for dinner. We had a really great evening and that added to the overall enjoyment of our stay.

From the moment we arrived to the moment we left we were treated by the staff like royalty. Travelling with three small children, we were upgraded before we arrived to a massive and opulent two roomed suite. Waiting inside the room were gifts for the children and chocolate cake and chocolate milkshakes.

The room, although not yet renovated, was nonetheless excellent. Spotless, luxuriously comfortable and enormous. Free wifi.

The hotel staff were all simply superb - especially the concierge staff - they remembered (after a single conversation) all the children's names and ours too. Our baby needed pureed food - no problem for the kitchen who produced excellent kiddie friendly food in moments.

The food at the hotel is good also. Breakfast, and particularly the Sunday brunch, were standouts.

The hotel has a terrific pool and spa.

Although not cheap, for quality of service, attentiveness of staff and eye for detail this hotel cannot be bettered. Staff from other hotels should come here and learn how it is done.

I have stayed at the Ritz Carlton across the street for years but this time I was tempted by a stay 2 nights get one free to try the sister property. The greeting at the front desk was by a dour young lady who had the warmth and friendliness of a government bureaucrat. I was worried but after the sour taste she inflicted the remainder of my experience was excellent. The rooms are modern and well furnished. HD TV and padded window balconies make this a great place to relax. Pool is very upscale and well maintained. Spa was nice and I had an excellent massage by Paul. Room service was on time, hot, good and of course expensive. hotel bar was very upscale and fun. This hotel is a little quieter than the Ritz. lobby has less traffic and the street is not as busy (900 Michigan Ave mall is quieter than water tower place.) Staff are not as friendly as the Ritz, but certainly they are professional and efficient. I'd stay here again.

My husband and I spent two amazing nights at the Four Seasons Chicago in October 2008. First, the view: We were on the 42nd floor with a view of the lake on one side and the city on the other. The sights were breathtaking and ever-changing. It was a real challenge to pull myself out of the room. Second, the bed: Wow! It must have been the combination of the featherbed and sumptuous linens because I have not been so comfortable or slept so well in a really long time. Leave yourself a few extra minutes before heading out for work or sightseeing to enjoy just laying there and taking in the views. Third, the service: As you can imagine, it was incredible. Everyone was extremely polite and helpful - always going out of their way to make our stay as easy as possible. Other pluses: fantastic spa and pool (you can use the spa sauna, hot tubs, showers, etc. even if you're not getting a treatment that day) and connection to shopping from the 6th floor (Bloomie's at your finger tips for everything you forgot to pack). One downside - I was not crazy about the food and while the oak bar was beautiful, the drinks were pretty pricey compared to the quality. Really, though - who cares? You should be out and about sampling all the great food Chicago has to offer anyway!