It's taken me ages to write this review...for no good reason other than a tendency to get distracted!
I stayed in this hotel in December while I was attending the RSNA conference. Each year thousands of radiologists descend on Chicago and take over most of the hotel beds making it a very busy time for everyone. I was placed in Hotel Indigo but the organisers and was a little concerned after reading the previous reviews. I e-mailed the hotel before I arrived to request a fridge (thanks to tips from previous reviewers) and was pleasantly surprised by the quick and friendly response from the manager, Seán.
On arrival I was met by a friendly doorman who carried my bags inside. Check-in was effortless (and sweet thanks to the candy bowl) and I was given a room on the 12th floor. Reception was small but welcoming-a very laid-back, beachy feeling in snowy Chicago!
My room was small, but I was on my own so that wasn't a huge issue. No fridge so I rang down and had one in my room in under 5 minutes. Everything in the room was completely spotless. Big TV with cable channels, free WiFi and a coffee maker. Alarm clock is a nice touch. The bathroom was small but immaculately clean and stocked with Aveda products. Bed was sooo comfy. Slept like a log each night.
Breakfast wasn't included in my room rate and I just had my own anyway but there were very affordable options in the little restaurant downstairs. I did avail of their Starbucks coffee and loved the staff there. I only got coffee maybe 4 times but the staff were so friendly and remembered me. It was lovely!
The onsite gym is open all day and accessible by keycard. It's small with 2 treadmills, bike, elliptical, stepper, weight machines and free weights. The equipment is in good order however and they have pretty much everything you could want-including kettlebells, Bosus and extensive free weights. Loved it! Potential temptation lay in the snack machines just outside the door ;-) Didn't use the hairdressers or spa but it looked clean and friendly. There was also a business centre downstairs with 2 computers and printing facilities. Very handy for online flight check-in!
I was allowed to get a package delivered to the hotel which was extremely handy. I was also completely overwhelmed by the helpful attitude of one of the reception staff. I have unfortunately forgotten her name, but believe she was from the Czech republic. She went above and beyond the call of duty to help my fax details when I was trying to order a digital camera and helped me with problems with the order. When I was leaving she gave me a photo album to use with the new camera. Apparently the hotel has a little fund for such little gifts. I have never ever been treated so well or had such a good experience and I have stayed in many hotels and guesthouses.
I was upset leaving because everyone was so sweet from the doormen to reception to the guy on the early coffee shift...
Location is great, only a few minutes from Michigan Avenue and within a few blocks of Whole Foods and a Dominick's. Starbucks and Walgreens are on the corner and the Ambassador East hotel is on the next block.
I wouldn't hesitate to stay here again. It is exactly what I'd want from a boutique hotel-cosy, quirky, homely...and above all, outstanding and personal customer service.