A very nice hotel with small but adequate rooms. The decor was lovely. My daughter and I spent 5-nights here, saw Wicked just down the street and used the public transportation to get all around town. Was a bit disappointed with the bar/restaurant which opened and closed it's kitchen at will without regard to posted hours. The room description boasted of safe's large enough to accomodate a laptop, so I brought mine. I was informed after check-in that the safes are not in every room (and not in mine). As a side note, I was surprised that nearly all the shops many restaurants closed at 6pm in that area... even the 7-11.

Stayed here for one night while on business. I checked in late around 11 pm and the check in process was smooth, except no one told me that there was a fitness center or that there my reservation entitled me to a free continental breakfast. On check out attempted to charge me for calling the front desk.

The Room: Small room, but big flat screen TV, iPod docketing station. Bed average - nothing special. Bathroom very small, had no ventilation, no tissues needed touch up paint rust showing through (because no ventilation). Closet but no hangers so had to put my suit on the chair.

Continental Breakfast: DO NOT pay extra for this. The lady servicing was polite. It includes one cup of coffee, one juice, one fruit (apple, banana or orange), and a muffin or bagel. My muffin was stale and had a bad refrigerator smell in it. They offer yogurt but you have to pay extra ($1.70). All I wanted was coffee and a yogurt, but was told that even if I didn't get the other stuff, I would still have to pay for the yogurt.

I would not come back to this hotel even though the location was ideal.

If you are going to be at the Merchandise Mart, this is ideal because it is only 3 blocks away.

The good:

They let me check in earlier
5-6 PM wine tasting
Fairly modern exercise room

The bad
Music too loud in the lobby
They adverise a complimentry continental breakfast, but depending on how you book it may not be available.

The new decor (tje room wallpaper, art, carpeting specifically) does not look quite the same as it does in the photos. It seems the designer was going for avant garde but the result is eccentric. However, that just made us chuckle. I definitely would stay here again. Our king room was similar in size to a European hotel room. (We're spoiled with space over here in the US!) It was clean, comfortable, and quiet. The bed and linens were all great, and I enjoyed the flat-screen during the little time spent in the room. The staff were exceptionally friendly and helpful. The Allegro is right next door to a theatre and within walking distance of others. Also a few blocks from the Picasso and other art pieces. We took the blue line in from O'Hare. Buy a pass at the airport for the number of days you will be there. You can use it on the El and on the bus. There's a diner/steak place called Ronny's a block or two away that has decent food that won't break you. We had brunch on a Sunday and were served heaping portions, good cup o' joe. And for a great stuffed pizza, try Giordano's. It's about 7 blocks from the hotel. If you like jazz, check out Andy's--also within walking distance. My favorite thing this trip--even more than the Art Institute--was T-Rex Sue at the Field Museum. Go see her! And speaking of critters, I was surprised to see that this hotel allows pets! Lastly, we got a great package deal with AA through Expedia. I hope this hotel continues to offer great deals in the future with or without package.