Embassy Suites is the prototype for hotels that have "all-suites" rooms as a standard. Downtown Chicago now has two Embassy Suites; the newer one is closer to the lakefront while this "Downtown" location is more in the heart of the River North area. The only real difference between the two properties is the locations and the interior design (the Lakefront one has a more modern, slick and glassy look), but conceptually there is not much separating the two.
The red-bricked Embassy Suites Downtown has 11 floors and 358 rooms that surround the interior atrium. Each standard suite has a living area and a bedroom separated by a door, so it is like a one-bedroom apartment. Each room has its own TV. You can get either one large or two separate beds, while the living room has a queen-size sofabed. These rooms are extremely popular with large families or paired conventioners who want to split a room but want their own space too. The window of the bedroom has a city view, but the window of the living area basically looks into the atrium corridor, so it is best to have the shades closed lest every passerby gets a free peek of you in jammies. Each roomy suite includes a minibar, microwave, coffeemaker, kitchenette, iron, and ironing board.
The Embassy is famous for its cooked-to-order breakfast buffet, generally the most extensive complimentary breakfast offered at any hotel chain. It is one of the few hotel chains where you are served meat for breakfast! You can order an omelette, or load up on sausage and bacon, waffles, bagels, yogurt, fruit, cereal, etc. One does not necessarily need to eat lunch after a hearty morning meal here. Almost as famous is the free evening cocktail hour, with complimentary house drinks and snacks served in the main atrium.
The hotel has a small indoor pool, sauna, whirlpool, and fitness room, free for all guests. There is a popular Greek restaurant called Papagus here as well as a Starbucks.
Embassy Suites are now part of the Hilton "HHonors" family. You will not be pampered here, but there are plenty of do-it-yourself luxuries that travelers will enjoy here. The rates are generally higher than other similar suites-hotels (Homewood or Hampton), but you get more for your money here.