I booked my stay here over the phone. I had stayed here before, and it was great. Not this time, though. The lobby is in shambles. The ceiling is gone, wires hanging down, the fumes of fresh paint, "Beware of dust" signs plastered all over the lobby. Horrible stuff. I got to the front counter, and asked what the deal was, and accomplished nothing. I just kept finding myself asking why it was not possible to tell me that they were undergoing absolute and complete renovation over the phone while I was booking my stay. The room was no better. Green paint, a 1976ish theme, and just a general plainness. I also couldn't get any internet, which is a huge problem for me. The only redeeming quality was a fairly good view of chicago, and a canal just below my window.

Based on its amazing views of the river and downtown, I selected the Holiday Inn for a four night business trip. The first night's rate was very reasonable, but nights #2-4 were nearly double. Other comments about the difficulty in finding the hotel are well founded; the signage is inadequate. Exiting the elevator on the 15th floor, where the hotel begins, one is met with NO signs or personnel, just some construction work in progress. Turning the corner, though, and you can find your own way to the reception. At that point you realise that the HI signature dining room beneath the atrium is not there, or at least it isn't finished, so meals are served in two other locations. The bar overlooking the city is very pleasant, though you should check carefully what you order, and not assume you'll be given a promotion/cut-price drink unless you explicitly ask for it. The rooms are adequate in terms of amenities, and the exercise room/indoor pool really quite nice. But the major drawbacks are - apart from the dining issues - the constant rumble/occasional roar from the trains etc. below the hotel, and the workers who began their hammering at 6:50 am. To make the most of its location, the hotel needs a signifcant upgrade on its double/triple glazing, and either it should close while construction is underway, or it should warn the guests and require its building workers to hold off until, say, 8 am. Personally, I was disappointed, and I checked out by 8:30 am, finding another Chicago hotel for the same price that was drastically better on every level except the absence of a pool. By the way, don't use the internet facility in the rooms - they have obsolete software, and many major sites (including, ironically, orbitz.com) can't be accessed. When I complained about this, I was refunded the cost, but other than that there was only a half-hearted apology from the front desk. I expect they're weary about the current situation too, but when you have the choices Chicago can offer, this is a recipe for customer disenchantment and longterm disaffection.

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.