The Holiday Inn has a great location (on the north side of the Chicago River, steps from the Loop) but it is confusing to access on foot from the west. Renovations were going on in the lobby, presumably to modernize it (i.e. remove the dark repeating floral patterns). I expect that they'll be doing the same to the guest rooms, which look dated. However, the views are outstanding, at least from the 21st floor. The room was fine, but the bed could have been a bit more comfortable. Also, the bathroom vanity is triangle shaped and faces a corner with two mirrors. You can see yourself fine in them together, but what you think is your left hand is really your right, making for a fun time shaving! It's a small thing, but those are what get you.
There is a skybridge from the hotel/office building to the Merchandise Mart and the el station, so you don't have to walk far outside if you don't want to.
After checking out and leaving the hotel, I realized I had left my suit jacket in the room. Housekeeping was nice enough to hold on to it for me until I could return to get it.
Overall, it was a good stay. This hotel will be near perfect once the renovations are complete.

Nice clean rooms.
COLD pool. There is NO WAY this was a heated pool. Weren't able to utilize it and this was one reason for wanting to stay here.

Hotel was near public transit, which made it convenient to get around.

Staff was friendly.

Restaurant had good food. No free continental breakfast served though.

We ran a conference here in November and stayed 2 nights.

I got upgraded to a corner suite which was great to start off with, then you find out in the corner suites on that side of the building the rooms don't reach the free internet signal.

Bedroom: Large corner suite, good layout. Ok bed, not the Westin or anything.

Bathroom: just ok

We did our event in the Wolf Point ballroom, which was gorgeous with full windows on 2 sides. Typical Holiday Inn banquet food, however great banquet service which exceeded my expectations.

Restaurant: just ok

Location: Could've been better it was a long 30 minute walk to get across to the bridge to anything decent.
Great view though!

Conceirge: WOW - he was excellent - wonderful maps & service. I believe his name was Ron.

There are other options closer to nightlife and more things to do. It was ok for one night, but on the 2nd night I wish we were closer to restaurants etc.

Ok, I went to priceline, entered where I wanted to stay and crossed my fingers. Found the hotel that accepted my rate, and again, crossed my fingers. Read some reviews on the hotel and was a little concerned, everyone complaining about using two elevators, and how terrible the people who worked there were. I was apprehensive from the start, ready for the worst, but when I arrived, the bellman gave simple directions (there were 6 of us, to include a 13 y/o 8 y/o and 3 y/o..) to get up to the hotel. Walk in the revolving door, by the escalator and take the elevator. WOW.. And people had compained about THAT? Ok, I figured it had to get much worse. Upstairs, at check in where the "rude obnoxious" desk people were according to another review, stood these two women who were MORE than happy to help us, and even went the extra mile to find us adjoining rooms, on the same floor as the pool deck.
Ok, we went to the rooms, yes did take another elevator, but we made it with no effort (remember 3 kids!). Got to the room and expected the huge CSI crime scene another reviewer posted about, and the rooms were immaculate. I opened the curtain expecting a view commensurate with what I had paid, and POOF, there was the Chicago Skyline. Hancock Building one way, and Sears tower another, along with the river right below us. Yes, the restaraunt is over priced, but 3 blocks away is a fast food restaraunt. We used room service for desert only and had no problems with the delivery or service.
The pool was a little chilly, but I believe it to be because the pool deck was kept at 80 degrees. The water was great once you were in it. Fitness room with a sauna was superb. If you want a complaint from me, it will only be that next time I use priceline, Sadly I am afraid that my experience won't be this great.