We stayed for two nights on a last minute trip. While the cost seemed comparable to Michigan Ave, the location leaves a bit to be desired. This hotel has an entrance below the elevated train, and really appears to be a nicely converted office building. We actually thought the GPS on our rental car was wrong and drove by the entrance twice before finding it. The neighborhood was a bit seedy, but we were able to find a nice Italian resturant a few block away (Tratttoria 10).

The rooms are very nice, unique, and not at all like a generic chain. There are NO views.

The staff are nice.

They've done a nice job with what they've had to work with, but due to the location, we would not choose to stay here again.

I stayed at the Crowne Plaza Silversmith while in town for business and pleasure. This was one of the top Crowne Plaza hotels I have stayed at. The rooms were nicely decorated with oak trim, oak beds, and oak wardrobe/entertainment center. I had a King premium room, which was nice sized for downtown standards. The location was good - about 1/2 mile from Michigan/Chicago River and a block from Millenium/Grant Park. The L stops right outside and it is fairly convenient to the McCormick Place. Most of the good dining is North of the river, so a 1.5 mile walk or short cab ride will get you there quickly. I have stayed at the Palmer House, Hotel 71, Grand Hyatt, and some of the other 3* hotels in the area. This was far superior to those in my opinion.

Our experience at the Crowne Plaza Silversmith was very good. The hotel is within easy walking distance to Millennium Park and we thought our museum package was a good value (the room, free breakfast next door at Ada's Deli, and tickets to the museum). The room was spotless, the bathroom was large and elegant, and the mattress was very good. We were worried about noise from the El, but with the fan running, we slept right through it. Some of the ground floor staff are not very friendly, but most were great. The only disadvantage is the difficult parking in front of the hotel to unload, requiring several trips around the block until we could doublepark.

Stayed at this hotel for a birthday weekend of theatre and shopping. We were very pleased. The staff from valet to desk to housekeeping was friendly and helpful. Peggy, the concierge, was excellent and had wonderful recommendations. The room was very nice with the high ceilings and very large bathroom. We did not hear the train hardly at all. As others have noted, the deli downstairs isn't the best food, but staff was pretty good. This would be one of my first choices next time we stay downtown.