I was pleasantly surprised at my experience after all of the reviews. I just returned from a conference at this hotel and almost stayed somewhere else given what I was reading about the hotel. Fortunately, the 109. conference rate kept me there, and it turned out to be the perfect site. I will qualify what I say by starting with the ability to receive a room on the 40th floor with a view of the lake. Maybe this shaped my experience. First, the check-in staff was lovely and helped me change my assigned room to a room with a view even though I arrived late. The bed has a topper that makes the bed very comfortable. The floor to ceiling windows made you feel connected to the outdoors unlike token windows in some hotels. The room was spacious, included a nice robe, and lots of pillows. The bathroom may have seemed small if more than 1 person in there or if had to close the door a lot. But the vanity was marble and had plenty of space to spread your items out. The shampoo and conditioner were aromatherapy products. And I got turn down service with chocolates (at the end of my stay, there was a sign by elevators saying this was a club floor, so perhaps I got a great upgrade).
The starbucks in the lobby had many workers and was quick. They carried all the extra sandwiches and yogurts that starbucks now sells. The lobby downstairs is consumed with a huge bar section with multiple televisions. This adds a festive gathering place if you didn't come with a companion. Further, the hotel lobby has entrances off to 2 major roads in town and allows you to quickly stroll around town even if you are alone. If I was planning a conference, this would be my choice. Great layout of rooms with circles of couches and chairs everywhere for easy socializing. Escalators between conference floors in the center allowed you to look over onto another floor and locate colleagues. The entire place encouraged a highly interactive feel. Of course, the location is phenomenal. Easy to subway and paid only 5.00 getting to and from airports.

The Marriott outsources the valet parking to a company called InterPark. I gave a $5 tip both ways, and apparently it was not good enough. On returning my vehicle, my coin holder was depleted. I contacted the hotel management office and they are very polished in their response, but don't count on any help. The Marriott knows about the issue but they continue to use InterPark. Shame on them. There are other reviews with the same issue. So be advised that the Marriott will not take responsibility for valet theft or damage, and Interpark will not either because the valet stub says they are not responsible for damage or theft.

I stayed there 3 days for a conference. My company paid $209 a night. The hotel is clean, convienently located and the service from the staff is excellent. The rooms were okay, however the mattress was very soft. Other people I talked to at the conference mentioned the same thing.

Internet access was pricey, $14.95 per night in the room. Other people I was with had high speed internet cards on their pcs and they did not work in the large ballrooms.

One tip, if you are leaving to go to O'Hare in the afternoon, take the Red Line subway to the Blue Line subway. Its a lot faster and it only costs $2.25.

Would I stay here again, for business yes, for personal purposes, maybe, if the rate was a lot chaeaper.

I stayed here for a wedding I attended with my sister. We were from out of state and it was our first visit to Chicago. The bride picked this hotel for out of town guests and it was the location of the wedding reception. The rooms are small, but not ridiculously small like the other reviews mention. Our rooms also had hot water. The temperature in the room was comfortable and could not be adjusted like the other reviews also mention. It was no warmer than 40 degrees outside, while the room temperature was cool on (16th floor) the down comforter kept me toasty. I didnt eat at the restaurant, but the bar area is nice, roomy(great layout and decoration), and inviting. Great place to break while shopping. The staff was helpful, nothing extra, just helpful. Our room rate was o.k., but to say their is a shopping mall next door and a plethora of restaurants and other services (drug store) a couple of doors down, Maybe we did get a good rate. This is a MUST--have breakfast at Mary's cafe (around one corner, 2 blocks down). the facilities and food for the reception was great and the staff that attended to guests were wonderful. If you are thinking about this location for weddin or other event, it would be a great choice. Overall a great stay. I travel a lot, my opinion is worthy. Unlike Disney World vacationers.