I stayed at the W Chicago Lakeshore while traveling for business during a packed convention week. The hotel is very modern and exactly what you would expect from a W hotel. The room had dark furnishings and the most comfortable bed with tons of pillows. The bathroom was modern yet compact with an interesting french door window opening to the room which made it feel more spacious. The closets and storage were abundant and very well organized.

The hotel is literally on Lakeshore drive near the Navy Peir, which has shopping and several restaurants. It's a short walk to Michigan Ave and more shopping and restaurants.

The lobby is very cool with several lounge areas, a bar and an excellent restaurant. There is also a very popular nightclub on the top floor.

Overall I was impressed with the location and really liked the hotel.

This hotel is recommended for young couples looking for an energetic hotel with club scene and trendy bar. The hotel is contemporary with flare. Beware the room bathrooms do not have doors for privacy, only shutters that do not lock, so if you are a private person request the handicap room. Location is awesome. Walking distance to the Navy Pier through an underground walkway (about 2 blocks distance). Chicago city life is awesome and a great place to have a romantic getaway! Hotel is upscale, but rooms are slightly older. View is awesome to the lake. Food is way too expensive ,but you can eat breakfast at Egg cafe just 2 blocks to the right. Beware of parking fees. Get a deal with parking included.

My wife and I spent two nights at W Lakeshore. This was the first time I have ever stayed at a W hotel. We both had a wonderful time.

Lobby: The Lobby was great, we arrived at 3:30 p.m. local time and there was no wait. Desk help was very helpful explaining anything we needed to know about the hotel. The lobby bar was great as well, I spent some time there when my wife used the spa. You can even bring your drinks out on the front sidewalk to sit and look out at the lake.

Room: Nice city room. We had a King room facing the lake. The view was great. I liked the spa bathroom. Some may be put off by the shutters and open theme. After ten years together it was fine for my wife and I. Very clean and great housekeeping service.

Location/Extras: Great location. We walked to shopping and dining on Michigan Ave, and Navy Pier is close as well. There is a 7/11 and Starbucks one block to the West if you don't want to raid the expensive mini bar. They offer free Acura car service anywhere in the city (one way). Drinks are expensive both in the lobby bar and Whiskey Sky, but that is what you get in a city. Smoke is no longer a problem (When will Michigan ever get rid of smoking?) My wife was happy with her massage at the Spa located in the hotel.

We were both very pleased with the W Lakeshore. I'm sure it is not as nice as Trump or the Park Hyatt, but it does not cost nearly as much. If you are a 20-40 something (or still live life like you are) then book here. You will enjoy it.

I took a friend of mine to Chicago for a night of R&R and we would most certainly go back!

Although I read a lot of poor reviews when doing my online research I still chose the W for various reasons. Fortunately, I realize a majority of those who post here are completely disgruntled and need a place to vent.. and typically 90% of those who are disgruntled are normally hard to please anyhow.

I have high-end taste but also realize the W is NOT the Waldorf Astoria. The W Lakeshore is a boutique hotel...meaning it is NOT your standard Holiday Inn, Marriott, etc. The decor is considered somewhere between modern and "zen-ish". Although the lobby area is a little congested, we knew we didn't plan on staying in the lobby all night anyhow... ;)

A few days before we arrived - I received a "welcome email". The email suggests if you have any "wish" to make your trip even more joyful, to please contact the "Whatever/Whenever" desk. I thought it would be nice to have a bottle of wine delivered to the room while we were getting ready for dinner to "unwind". I received a response the same day indicating we were upgraded to lake view accomodations and would have a complimentary bottle of wine awaiting us at 5pm. (WHICH WE DID!)

Acura also has a program with the W - which provides complimentary car service to any place you want to go. We were picked up at 7pm by a driver in an amazing Acura MDX. We felt like we were being chauffered in luxury (and we WERE compared to the taxi service!).

The following morning we decided we wanted a later check out then 1pm (their standard checkout time) and they graciously honored us a 3pm checkout with no issues at all.

The W was VERY accomodating. As long as you check your attitude at the door, realize that its a HOTEL and again.. not a PENTHOUSE stay... the staff are very helpful, pleasant and will do everything in their power to make your stay a memorable one.

YES... the bathroom DOES have a sliding door and a window that faces the sleeping area covered by shutter doors... unless your an absolute prude who needs complete privacy... I found the change delightful and interesting. I also loved the complimentary Bliss Spa prodcuts! :)

I really liked the extra high beds as well. They were very comfortable and loved the pillowy effect.

My ONLY complaint regarding our stay is that when the air conditioning fan seemed to automatically turn off - it would get a little muggy before it would switch back on.. and the hall leading to the elevator was a little muggy as well. I wouldn't consider this a big enough issue to allow it to ruin my stay or my opinion of the W!