I live in Chicago. I know what 4 stars is supposed to mean in this town.

I Pricelined a 4-Star hotel for a couple of nights for my wife and myself, and they dumped us in the Sheraton. While it's decent as a business traveler's hotel, and I found the staff to be awesome, it's an outright lie to call this a 4-Star hotel. The bedding was nice, with soft comforter and down pillows, but the rest of the room clearly has not been redone since the 80's, and was poorly lit. The hallways are dark and appear not to be vacuumed regularly -- the same paper scraps and crud were on the floors the day I left as the day I checked in. Finally, I was almost insulted that Internet access still costs 12 bucks a day. Even side-of-the-road motels are giving free Internet now. This is -- at best -- a 3-Star hotel. The W makes the Sheraton seem like a Motel 6 by comparison.

By the way, my Priceline rate (before taxes) was $70 and I was still disappointed.

Stayed in this Sheraton before and was much happier. Bottom line, all staff were very helpful and friendly with the exception of housekeeping. Upon check-in I noticed a dirty sink (toothpaste, hair, coffee drips, etc.) I find it hard to believe that any housekeeper could think that this bathroom was clean. There was silly string on the headboard of the bed, and cobwebs on the ceiling...I did not complain...no time to move room, but left a similar review on comment card.
On the positive side...great location, great views, great coffee and cinnamon roll in the cafe, and very friendly porters, door men.

First of all we got a great deal on a room here for three nights. If I paid rack rates I would say there are better places to stay for that price. My husband and I were traveling on a mini-vacation with our daughters ages 10 and 14 so this critique is based on a family trip not a business trip.

Here are good points of this hotel:
- Lots of families stay here so there is no snobby feel.
- Great location with easy walking to Navy Pier, Michigan Avenue and the train.
- Movie theaters, bowling and Walgreen's across the street.
- Great, great, great local organic grocery and cafe called Fox & Obel within two blocks on Illinois.
- Every room has a good view...city, Chicago River, Lake Michigan.
- On the Chicago River so nice to walk along the river too.
- Comfortable beds and better than average linens.

Things to keep in mind:
- You can only get two double beds in one room, two queen sized beds not available in standard room.
- No separate vanity in bathroom area in standard room.
- All restaurants in hotel too pricey for what you get. (But aren't most hotel restaurants? You are paying for cenvenience.)
- Don't count on using pool or fitness center, both are small and very busy.
- Parking sucks, consider coming to hotel using public transportation.
- Mini bar and bottled water prices are insane of course. I am cheap that way so we brought in some killer stuff from Fox & Obel.
(See their website for more.)

My husband and I stayed at the Sheraton Hotel and Towers for two nights on 4/2-4/4-07. Our check in was relatively smoothe. There was no problem. I had a few questions and they were answered completely. We had a room facing the Chicago River. I had requested this viewing and was giving the room with no problem. The hotel room was an average room with a nice and comfortable bed. The bathroom was sorta small with a small bathtub with low water pressure. As far as sites, everything that we wanted to do was in walking distance, and if not a short taxi ride would be the other option. We did take the cab to some of the locations. The fare wasn't as expensive as expected. Most of the time we walked. On our first day in Chicago we went to the movie which is right down the hill next door to a Walgreen store and across the street from a liquor store. We walked to the movie and enjoy our two hour outing at the theatre. It was a nice and clean theatre (AMC). Also, if you didn't want to go to the movie you could go next door and bowl. Then, we walked to North Michigan Ave. which was approximately two blocks. There were so many stores and restauarant to see and choose from on this avenue. However, I didn't see any bargains so you probably can get the same thing in your hometown. The next day we went to the Jerry Springer show and enjoy watching the people act a fool. The Jerry Springer and Judge Mathis shows are taped in the NBC studio which is across the street to the left. Therefore, if you are planning to be in the audience to one of the taping, this is the hotel to stay. You pretty much walk across the street. Lastly, we were able to walk to the Navy Pier. I like the pier because there were so many things to do such as visiting the Children Museum, ferris wheel ride, cruise on the Spirit of Chicago or the Odeyssey. Lastly, on our final day we ate downstairs for breakfast which was pretty expensive at the Riverside Cafe. You can expect to pay at least $40.00 or more for two. Then, we check out of the hotel with no problem and proceeded to Midway Airport. In conclusion, we had a great time and stayed busy hanging outside.