Top Spot for Families/other
- June 27, 2008
- Rated 4 of 5 by
a traveler from Travelocity.com
What a find. The location is fantastic for the Field Museum, aquarium, science and industry, Millenium Park, and the hotel is an easy walk from the train station and the city bus stops across the street. Located in the South Loop, it is quieter and college art crowd funkier than Gold Coast but had all we needed for our 8 year old son, and friends with boys age 10, 11 and 13. Elder boys stayed w/their Mom in a standard. We had: nice TVs with cable, a roomy pool enclosed for rainy Midwest days. Rooms are nicely redecorated, though lack microwaves and frigs. We found the ice bucket and soda/water machine on the 7th floor worked fine. We had 2 standard room, 2 double beds and it was fine for us since we were only indoors after dinner. Bathrooms are a tad tight but work fine. The staff at this place was the nicest I can recall in a big city. Check and recheck starting 2 wks. out. Saw the Sox win, all the museums, Buddy Guy's blues club is a block away on Wabash and Eleven is the best joint for family dining on great food. Two blocks from Essex. Yolk great for daytime but the coffee was bad twice.
Loved it
- June 26, 2008
- Rated 5 of 5 by
a traveler from Travelocity.com
We were in town for my daughters graduation,we booked through Travelocity,so we got a really good price.The staff was very friendly and helpful.Our room was very clean and the beds were very comfortable.I love the location,right in the middle of everything it seemed like.The resturant was pretty good,breakfast was really good.We didn't use the pool,but went to take a look at it.It was really nice,not crowded and there was always a lifeguard on duty.We really enjoyed our stay at the Essex,and will definitely stay there again.
Great hotel!
- June 20, 2008
- Rated 5 of 5 by
a traveler from Travelocity.com
I was very happy with the Essex Inn! We came into town early-11am on a Friday. I asked if we could check in early because I was travelling with 3 children, and the front desk was more than happy to oblige. Every single person on staff at the hotel was friendly and helpful-well, except for the lifeguards at the pool, but they spend all day telling people not to run:) The pool was amazing-even better than the picture. We spent a few hours each day of our stay at the pool. Our room was remodeled, and nice, although a little on the small side. Everything had a nice, clean, modern feel to it. The outdoor patio area at the pool was very nice-I don't recall seeing pictures of it when booking the hotel, so it was a nice surprise. Whenever we stay in Chicago, we buy CTA transit passes. The Roosevelt station is about 3 blocks away, and a CTA bus stop is right across the street from the hotel. This hotel is in close proximity to the museum campus area, so if you are touring Shedd, the Field museum and such, this is a close hotel for that. I would definitely stay here again!
Nice stay with friendly and helpful staff.
- May 14, 2008
- Rated 4 of 5 by
a traveler from Travelocity.com
I stayed one night in Chicago for a medical school interview the next morning. The price for the location was excellent. 10 minute walk from the subway. I felt comfortable with a relatively clean room, clean towels and toiletries etc. Large bed and large LCD screen TV. The staff were very friendly, especially the bellboy who gave me information about tours and helped guide to find a place for breakfast.
Although I didn't use the pool or exercise equipment, the pool area was well heated and was the shower room.
There was construction on the 4th floor, so I overheard that guests staying on the 3rd or 5th floors may have had some problems with noise or leaking. However, since I was on the 8th floor, I did not experience any side effects with the renovations. They were also renovating the business center, so I was not able to get internet access at the hotel. It was at the average price for a hotel and the same price as the airport. Wireless was available for $6.95 per day.
Enjoyed myself very much and would definitely stay again at this hotel.
not satisfied with hotel
- May 11, 2008
- Rated 2 of 5 by
a traveler from Travelocity.com
first of all you have to use valet parking, and it is very expensive. front desk personal where very friendly. it was extremely cold in the room, so i turned on the heat and the fan was very noisey. and all that came out was cold air. the next morning the front desk said the heat in the hotel was not on. You dont even have control over the temperature in your room!
The shower did not work properly.
there is an amtrack that ran about every five minutes, just behind the hotel it was very loud.
The hotel was a bust, but the staff was very nice. except for one valet who was a little rude.