I honestly have no idea what people here are complaining about. This may be the single nicest domestic hotel in which I've stayed-- and I spend a lot of time in hotels.

Check-in was quick and efficient. The room was -- wonderful. It had every convenience I could imagine. Large bathroom with separate tub and shower. Can watch TV or listen to the radio while soaking in the tub!!! In-room stereo. Great lighting. Free, easy wireless internet. Comfy desk/chair and sofa. Can see TV from anywhere in the main room. Terrycloth bathrobe and slippers. Free bottled water in the evening. Really, I can't imagine anything that was left undone or anything more that I'd want.

No room noise. Never any wait for elevators. The hotel is within walking distance from many stores and restaurants.

They offer you a choice of 4 newspapers -- I asked for 2 and got a third! Concierge was great -- wonderful recommendation for sushi restaurant.

I had a minor issue with the mini-bar (which wasn't cold). I called the front desk. Literally within five minutes, I had room service at my door, bringing two of what I'd wanted -- on the house. They replaced the fridge while I was at dinner. Impeccable service.

Didn't try the spa -- unfortunately --so no comments on that.

The hotel bar was fun -- but they do allow cigar smoking, so beware. You can take drinks up to your room. Room service was timely although the food was only average, especially for the price. Food/drink prices are high for Chicago but, as noted, there are many great places to eat nearby.

This is a great hotel with great service. Absolutely recommend it! Can't wait to return to Chicago to stay here again.

Everything else was booked, so I ended up in the Peninsula. Mostly stayed in the Swissotel before, but P. is definitely much better (and pricier). Got a room upgrade to a huge suite, which was awesome, so I can't say much about the standard room. Room was somehow cold, and heating/AC-system did not seem to respond to my manipulations at the 'command center' (included in bedsite telephone). Knobs at drawers come off, yes, the shower door does not really stay closed, but who cares. Spa is awesome, nice pool, book a massage if you have time. We ate at the truly amazing Shanghai Terrace (inhouse). My guest, who likes to eat very well, was blown away.
Upon check-out there was a minor problem with the fact that the breakfast had not yet been charged to the room and the receptionist had to use persuasive language to get this done. And yes, she was rather rude. Does not fit in this hotel.
Room was absolutely quiet, which is a nice change from a lot of hotels (Swissotel with the rambling elevators can make sleep impossible).
I would not pay the price out of my own pocket, but on someone else's credit card - why not.

WOW! I’m not sure that there are enough superlatives in my vocabulary to completely describe my experience at The Peninsula. The only downside is that this hotel will possibly ruin you for all lesser offerings.

My wife and I moved here for one night after spending two nights across the street at the Ritz-Carlton. The desk staff at the Peninsula was accommodating was able to get us assigned a room at the early time of 10:00 AM even though we were visiting on a very busy weekend. This was a nice surprise to begin our stay. The friendly clerk then walked us to our room, introduced us to the many features of the room, and verified that everything was to our satisfaction. I found the level of service throughout the hotel to be exceptional. Every employee that I came into contact with was polite and helpful.

The room was very nice. We had reserved basic room, and found it to be quite comfortable and spacious. The earth toned décor is elegant without being overwhelming. The bed and linens are just wonderful, and it can be hard to coax yourself out of bed in the morning. The fact that you can control all of the electrical for your room from a bedside panel was a feature that I had never before experienced, and I just loved it.

The bathroom was also large and well appointed. A two person soaking tub with a television perched above was on the far wall. Another control panel for the lights, radio, television, and phone are within easy reach. The tub’s speakerphone even neutralizes the sound of the water so that a caller does not hear that you are calling from the tub! The bathroom which is all finished in marble and frosted glass also includes a large shower and other necessary facilities.

The room also contains a fair sized closet, electronic safe, personal fax machine, DVD Player, and well stocked mini-bar.

The 19th and 20 floors are where the pool and spa are located. We found these areas to also be very nice. Most of the common areas were stocked with chilled bottled water, and the lobby had a coffee bar set up in the AM hours. The hotel bar is a warm, inviting place to have a drink. However, it can get quite crowded.

If there are any negatives to mention, I would say that the selection of soaps in the room could have been better. Also, parking $$$ will break you if you bring an auto, but I guess that is pretty standard for downtown Chicago.

In conclusion, this place is just the best! At least the best I have ever stayed in. the Peninsula has a great location right on North Michigan, a warm, friendly staff, and very comfortable rooms. What else can you ask for?

This was my first trip to Chicago and my first stay at a Peninsula hotel. The room and the staff were both great. I plan to stay at other Peninsula hotels in the future.