We knew the hotel was under a serious renniovation going in, so we expected the construction mess and noise. It was only a minor detraction - the lobby was torn up and the elveators were under maintenance requiring guests to transfer to a different elevator if they were going higher than the 7th floor. The great discount was worth the construction hassle.

We requested a room on a high floor when we reserved and again when we checked in and were told no guests were staying above the eighth floor. This was puzzling and bothersome as all week we saw people staying on the 12th, 19th and 25th floors - and ended up on the 10th floor ourselves.

Our first room was on the 8th floor - a Studio Suite looking out at the Hancock building and a couple other skyscrapers. There was a section of roof right outside our window with gigantic generators that were unsightly...but seemed quiet enough at the time so we didn't worry too much about it. There was a construction office directly next to us which we also weren't too concerned about. The room was cold and after blasting the heat all night never warmed up. The thermostat said 75 but it was no warmer than the mid 60s. Our room was also lacking a refrigerator and the remote control didn't work.

After waking up freezing the next morning to the sound of a 7am buzz saw from the construction office next door, we asked if we could move to another room. We ended up a couple doors down where we had the pleasure of a refrigerator and heat. This room was very similar but the added ammenities helped - even tho there was no view whatsoever this time - excpet the same generators we were facing last time without the hancock. We were happy...until we took an afternoon nap. Unfortunately...the generator outside our window kicked on as we laid down and was very loud to the point ear plugs and pillows over the head wouldn't deafen it. So we moved again...to the 10th floor. Finally, we had heat, a fridge, a remote, and quiet.

The hotel uses a 3rd party internet provider that was a pain to get set up. After paying i lost my connection and couldn't get it back and had to call the 1 800 number. After the first night it worked perfectly for the next 3. They also use a 3rd party valet (with geno's?) and when we checked out it took nearly a half hour to get our car. The parking was free with the promotion...but it still took forever.

So that was somewhat of a nightmare...we travel a lot and rarely switch rooms, and have never switched twice. There is a reason we request high floors and had we been put on a higher floor initially our stay would have probably been perfect.

On to the positives... With the exception of the "8th floor" debacle, The desk staff and bellmen at the Affinia are top notch. They could not have been friendlier and more accommodationg. They were understanding throughout our moves and apologetic. The bellmen were friendly and prompt. I can't say enough about the staff.

Secondly, the rooms themselves are really great. The studio suites are big and comfortable. Very modern ammenities and fixtures, very clean and spacious. We were very comfortable and satisfied with the room itself.

Finally...the location is perfect. If you're looking for the Michigan Ave experience, the Affinia is perfect.

So, in the end we just wish we could have been on a higher floor like we requested and still don't understand the double standard. The hotel and staff is really great and the rooms are wonderful. We would consider giving them another chance....despite all the problems...hopefully under better conditions!

We have stayed in just about every nice Hotel near Michigan Avenue, the Four Seasons, The Ritz, The Park Hyatt, The Peninsula, etc

We thought we would be adventurous after reading the reviews of the Affinia

I loved the location of this hotel It is less than a block to Michigan Avenue and next to Gino's East. The room (we had a suite) was quite large, with a "work" area after you enter, then steps to a large area with a pull-out couch, a chair, refrigerator, and large flat screen tv.. As you step past this you move into the bedroom area with a large king-size bed (the mattress was VERY comfortable).

I loved the Aveda products in the bath (though the wallpaper was a bit "too much fuscia" for me.

There is no restaurant yet. It will be nice to have that and room service.

The lobby was a mess, but we were only there to walk through to the room.

The only problem we saw (though not a big deal) was that we had to wait on the elevators everytime.

For the price, this was an incredible deal.

We stayed at the Affinia Chicago over New Years Weekend checking in on December 29th and leaving on January 1st. This was my 2nd trip to Chicago and DH's 1st. We just loved the hotel. You must try some of their specialty pillows- magnetic was my favorite.

We were higher up, can't remember what floor in a newly renovated room. The room was kind of small, but worked fine for the two of us. It would have been tight if there was another couple.

Location was great! Chicago is SO SPREAD OUT so no hotel is central to everything. From this hotel we walked Magnificent Mile and to Navy Pier (although the outside stuff was closed- Winter Wonderland was operating inside). We took the bus down to Soldier Field, the Field Museum, and the Aquarium. Missed the Planetarium on this trip. Took a cab down to the Natural Science Museum.

All food options were still closed due to renovations, but other than that we the workers didn't affect us. Staff was great and gave us some really wonderful restraurant suggestions.

Got a special on this hotel while they're doing construction. It was a little hard to find because of the construction and the hallway where the elevators were was unsightly, but who cares! Great deal because the location of this hotel is awesome (one block from the Magnificent Mile). Flat screen TVs and a pillow menu (hypoallergenic, sound, down, etc.). They even have special kits (we used the BYOB kit to enjoy a bottle of wine that we brought). They had nice perks (free water and chips on check-in) too. Valet parking is available for a price. I would definitely stay here again if prices aren't too ridiculous after construction is done.