Normally we would have chosen a different property after reading all of the mixed reviews we were here for a convention that was being held at this hotel so we really HAD to stay here....

Now for the review:
For a Hotel with such a grand history things have really gone down to the level of horribly average.

Arrival:
Upon arrival from the airport in a taxi our cab driver was of more assistance with our luggage than the bell staff was. The bell staff was very young, inexperienced and seemed more interested in talking amongst themselves than opening the cab door; welcoming us; assisting us with our luggage (tagging it to be delivered to our room after check-in, etc). It seems that the work of a bell-person was a chore they were not paid to do.

Check-In:
Efficient with no problems what so ever. Given the room type that was reserved. Total time at check-in: less than 5 minutes.

Room:
Lugged our own luggage to the room. Bell-staff ignored us as we walked past them with our bags. The room was clean, seemed a bit dated but well maintained, until we needed the air-conditioning which did not blow cold air. Called over 5 times requesting maintenance. No one came so we left for dinner. Arrived back at the room at 1:00AM and the air is still broken. Also needed 2 toiletry kits as the airline had lost our one bag that contained liquids. Took almost an hour and over 5 phone calls to a very annoyed person at the front desk to get these kits and take the report of the broken air conditioner again. When the person arrived with the toiletry kits turns out Housekeeping only sent 2 travel sized sticks of deodorant. (Hard to brush your teeth with that). Made a sixth call to tell them that we needed the rest of the kit. The annoyed front desk person said she would correct housekeeping and have them sent back. Also informed that she had no idea when or if the air would be fixed. Asked to be switched to a different room and we were told the hotel was completely sold out. Asked to speak to the manager. He was able to move us to another room on the "Executive" floor. In addition he delivered the toiletry kit himself. By this point it is almost 3AM. He comped the 1st night. An acceptable end to a terrible beginning.

The rooms were probably last updated in the 80's based upon the style of furniture, the bathroom tile, brass fixtures and "gold" trim on the furniture. Everything is in working order in the room. Carpet is probably newish. Beds are comfortable but sheets have numerous holes in them. The Executive Level rooms are NO DIFFERENT than the other floors. Also, the television is located on a large stand right in front of a window. It makes it VERY difficult to open or close the curtains. This was the case in both rooms we were in and can be seen in the submitted photo. It can also be noted that if you need to use the vanity mirror in the bathroom it is located VERY HIGH up on the wall and can not be moved. If your tall your ok, otherwise it is useless. See photo.

The hotel is Grand in it's public areas some might like it others might call it gaudy; and very very average everywhere else. The service has A LOT to be desired. Based upon the service this should be a 2 Star Hotel, not a 4 Star as advertised. We've stayed in Courtyard by Marriott's with superior service and ammenities.

Restaurants:
We had lunch at the on-site Irish Pub "Kitty O'Sheas". The service was ok. The server's friendliness made up for her lack of speed. Overall the food was below average and pricy but the french fries that come with the hamburger were good as was the Onion Soup. All in all I wouldn't eat here on the property again with the exception of maybe room service.

Mini-Bar Prices: (Although I expect the items to be more expensive than lets say a 7-11, these are VERY HIGH)
Domestic Beer - 5.80
Imported Beer - 6.00
Robert Mondavi Wines - 7.50 (1/2 - 3/4 glass)
Absolut Vodka - 6.95 (minis)
Belvedere Vodka - 7.95 (minis)
Bombay Sapphire Gin - 7.50 (minis)
Jim Beam Black Bourbon - 6.95 (minis)
Dewers White Label Scotch - 6.95 (minis)

Orange Juice - 3.50 (1/2 glass)
Coca-Cola - 3.25 (1/2 can not a whole can)
Diet Coke
Sprite
Tonic Water - 2.95 (whole can)
Evian Bottled Water - 4.25 (11.2oz - Half Bottle)
Red Bull Energy Drink - 5.95 (Smaller Can)

Rice Krispy Treats - 3.25
Snickers - 3.25
Peanut M&Ms - 3.25
Reeses Peanut Butter Cups - 2.25
Pringles - 3.75 (1/4 sized can - never saw this size before)
Gardetto Snack Mix - 3.25
Planters Peanuts - 3.25 (Small Bag)
Wheat Thins - 1.95 (VERY small bag)

All of the above prices DO NOT include sales tax or 18% Gratuity/Service Charge.

This was part of our annual school trip from Kentucky with 40 kids and 12 adults. We had 19 rooms and a lot of preparation went into this. I spoke with the group sales manager (Maritza) and she was consistently friendly and helpful in the weeks prior to the trip and during our stay.

Check-in was friendly, quick an efficient. The safety deposit box system is stellar. They are in a secured room and two keys are required. Awesome and comforting.

Rooms were very spacious and clean. All the rooms with two beds have two bathrooms. I have stayed in hundreds of hotels and have never seen a hotel room with two bathrooms. Wonderful when you have multiple adults (or 40 kids!)

They have a parking garage with covered valet service. It does cost extra to park though. I think it was $35/day.

The location is awesome. Michigan Avenue at Grant Park. Walking distance to Shedd Aquarium, Planetarium, Field Museum, and Soldier Field.

Negatives: Each room had a wet bar which was not locked when we got there. With middle school kids this was a problem. However, this was fixed quickly by the staff. Snacks and drinks are very expensive. Other than that I can't think of anything else.

stayed at the Hilton Chicago on S. Michigan Ave, they advised getting off and Roosevelt Station and walking (a half-mile trek). Thought on the metro map that the Harrison station looked closer (red line) but followed their directions and found the hotel easily. The advice of folks here was true, it was a pleasant and very safe walk. Note: The free trolley has a stop right outside the Roosevelt station and could have dropped me very close to my hotel, if I had known about it. They have a system of free trolleys that run several different routes during the day until 6pm through the summer. This is a GREAT way to see the city for absolutely nothing. During the Taste, they are running until 7pm.

So...hotel..amazing..it is immense, 3000 rooms. The lobby is gorgeous, even if you don't stay there, you should step in to have a look around. I got a Priceline deal of $99/each night and after a bit of pleasant haggling, was given a King, non-smoking room. Now..this place was gorgeous and truly a 4 star hotel, but the room was on the small side, even though it was a corner and overlooked Grant Park. The thing that bothered me was that they nickle and dimed you to death. A bottle of water left in the room was $7, coke from the machine was $3, WIFI was $13.00/day and if you wanted to print something, it cost you $1. To me, that's outrageous and frankly, a big turn off.

P.S. The Harrison station was MUCH closer and just one stop away from Roosevelt. I took that on the way out and it was more convenient. Also, there are KFC, Pizza Hut, Dunkin Donuts and my favorite, Harold's Chicken just behind the hotel on Wabash...if you are looking for fast food. But enjoy the Taste if you go!

On my two recent stays here, my room was quiet, clean, comfortable, and spacious (or so it seemed to me, though I was traveling alone) . The rooms look.sort of dated, like they could use refurbishing, but that didn't bother me.. Hotel staff were nice and cooperative. Not sure about the food. On my first stay, the salmon I ordered was pretty good. When I ordered what I thought was the same dish on my second stay, I found it overseasoned and too heavy, like so much American restaurant fare these days. (No, I haven't developed an ulcer since my first stay). The breakfast buffet was reasonably good. Overall, this is a good hotel but nothing special. I would quite willingly return, though I will also check out other options when I next need a hotel in downtown Chicago.