A colleague and I stayed for 4 nights at the Westin River North for a meeting at the convention center. For comparison, I stayed at the Hyatt McCormick Place last year for a similar convention and promised myself that I wouldn't do that again--the convention center is in the middle of nowhere in Chicago. The Westin River North is very conveniently located by the river--less than 20 minutes by shuttle to the convention center and a 5 minute walk to the Magnificent Mile. Had a nice partial view of the river. If you're in Chicago primarily for shopping, though, it's probably a better idea to stay on or right off the Magnificent Mile.

Pros: Heavenly Bed and Bath. Wow. Even if the hotel room were in an alley, I would happily stay there. Smoke-free hotel is nice. Wireless internet free in the lobby.

Cons: Use of the fitness center requires an extra fee. If the price is almost $400 a night, this should be included. Also, no free internet in the rooms. Also--the toiletries were average. The W has Bliss products and the nearby Hotel James offered Kiehl's products

Overall: based on the location, cleanliness and the Heavenly Bed and Bath, I would definitely stay here again while in Chicago.

Stayed at this lovely property during the memorial day weekend. The hotel occupency rates were low so got upgraded to a nice 1 BR Suite upon arrival. The room is spacious, clean, and comfortable.

The hotel is situated right next to the river so some of the rooms will have a view of the river. The hotel has 20 floors where the top 4 floors are the executive floors where they have free Wired internet access and iMac to use in room (this is one of the coolest thing I found at this property, not even W offers that). The room features typical Westin Heavenly Bed, Heavenly Shower and 37" LCD TV. The hotel has an executive lounge located on the 20th floor for guests staying at the club level. I think it is worth to stay at the club level if you are trying to save few bucks on breakfast n etc. They do have a nice selection of contiental breakfast & evening cocktails and I do love the way they decorate their lounge. You can just sit there and enjoy the river view on a quiet day., very nice!

The hotel has a fully equipped gym (very nice), no swimming pool (oh wells), and they have a nice japanese restaurant on site (hana lounge) where you can order it from your room as well. The check in agents were friendly and eager to help, so does bell desk and concierge desk lady provided lots ideas on where to go/eat/shop..etc. Very helpful!

The hotel is 5 minutes easy walk to the nearest subway station ( Clark / Lake) and its right across from the house of blues and Harry Carrey (sp?) restaurant which serves great steak, close to the Michigan Ave for those who likes to shop. I just have too many great things to say for this property, I would definitely refer and stay at this property again when I go back to Chicago

My wife and I stayed at The Westin Chicago River North May 23-26 for the long Memorial Day Weekend. We got a great rate of $152.00 per night. The Hotel upgraded us to a river-view room becasue it was our wedding anniversary. The location was ideal -- a few blocks from the Michigan Ave shopping, the Loop shopping, right on the river. Subway is three blocks away. Buses are nearby. Bin 36 across the street was great for breakfast, drinks and a light dinner. Conceirage was great. Overall great experience.

Booked a king room with Starwood Points (16K/night) and asked for a room with a river view at check in. They put us in a corner, river view king on the 9th floor - spectacular view, bed, bath, the whole works! I really like that they fine anyone who even attempts to smoke in a room - you know you're getting a comfortable and clean room at Westin.

Lobby is elegant but we did not take advantage of either the bar or the restaurant. The concierge was not available in the evening, but the front desk staff did their best to help w/ restaurant recommendations and directions.

Hotel is only 2 blocks from the Magnificent Mile - we cabbed to our restaurant (Coco Pazzo Cafe - so-so food and ambiance), then walked back to the hotel to take in the sights.

Only downside was $41/night valet parking - don't know what any alternatives for that are.