The room was very large and comfortable but the service was ridiculously bad. We got lost on our way to the hotel and when we called the hotel we got a very surly employee who ultimately put us on hold (without asking) and then declined to give us directions (suggesting we just ask someone off the street). great. this level of unfriendliness was certainly consistent with the rest of our stay. Basically, if you like the zoo, its a great location and the rooms seem fine. but if your plans take you anywhere else its not particularly well located. Also, the "fitness center" is very very small, on the basement level, and the very limited equipment is quite old.

It’s unfortunate that some sites bill the Belden Stratford as a 4-star hotel, because it certainly is not. Don’t get me wrong, we enjoyed our stay. The room was clean, the hotel is in a great location and the staff was friendly. But I think a 4-star hotel should offer something special, and our room definitely did not.

Judging from other reviews, it sounds like some rooms are very nice, but I can only speak for ours.It was dowdy, cheaply done and a little threadbare. It was nice to have a kitchen, nice to be across the street from the zoo and conservatory. But anyone who comes to the Belden Stratford expecting to be wowed by 4-star luxury is likely to be disappointed.

Ok ,so you are not right on Michigan Ave., but being in the heart of Lincoln Park is not too bad. For the money ($100) Jan. 2009 this hotel/apartment was great. A full kitchen, big living room and bedroom were great for a family. Not alot in the way of services but you feel like a Chicago resident when you stay here.
Was in Chicago to visit college student child who needed mom's cooking and a hot bath! This fit the bill. I will be staying here again when someone calls, Mommy, I need you.

I recently stayed at the Belden-Stratford and totally loved the hotel! We were looking at DePaul University with my daughter (hence the January visit), this was a perfect location. Even with the snow and cold - it was an easy walk to the DePaul campus. I had emailed the hotel with a question prior to making the reservation - the hotel Sales Manager called me back within minutes to answer my question - and gave me their "Winter Special" rate - $109 a night for a Presidential Suite! I don't know if we had a recently remodeled room - but it was lovely and clean - with a great view of Lincoln Park Conservancy and the park. It was about a $30 cab ride (without tip) from the airport, the area has many restaurants within walking distance - no need for a car. We walked to the "El" stop at Fullerton, next to the DePaul campus to go into town. The hotel even let us check in a little early and stay a while after the check-out time. I realize this was January and the hotel might not be as busy as summer, but it was appreciated. Check out RJGrunts down the street!