- 5 out of 5
- Avg. Member Rating
- 19
- Reviews
Business Trip
- July 8, 2009
- Rated 3 of 5 by
a traveler from Travelocity.com
The James was nice overall, but definitely over priced. There is only one entrance to the hotel (right on the street) so if you are a smoker, have fun going to the street. Elevators move very slow, so plan for extra time to get where you need to go. No swimming pool or hottub. Staff seemed that great customer service was not important. (Asked for wake up call-never received one, my room was not ready upon arrival and they said they would call me when it was-never received phone call and caused me to be late to a business function that I was in town for- never apologized for the inconvenience) Do not order room service... Slow, expensive and was disgusting!
Great location - Great Staff - Stylish Hotel
- June 22, 2009
- Rated 5 of 5 by
a traveler from Travelocity.com
Located a block away from North Michigan Ave (Magnificent Mile). It's within walking distance to restaurants, shopping, public transportation, bars and cafes. You can even walk to Navy Pier and grab some burgers at Billy Goat Tavern and take in the Chicago skyline.
The staff was very friendly and helpful. They provided maps of the area and gave recommendations on where to go and how to get there.
The hotel is very stylish and modern. They have Kiehls products in the bathroom (body wash, lotion, shampoo and conditioner)! There is a well stocked mini bar but a little on the pricey side plus there are so many great eats around the area to try. The room was very clean and comfortable. The one thing I had trouble with was the bathroom door. It was a sliding door that looked really cool but it was really heavy to move and the handle is not that big to give you a good grip. Bring your muscles! I also wasn't crazy about the lighting. I felt the room could use a few more lights. It had a very dim, romantic feel but it's hard to read or look at maps. They have a decent gym and a very nice spa. David Burke's Primehouse is a must if you love steak. I also recommend the Kobe Beef Sashimi and the Lollipop Tree featuring cheesecake lollipops. Delicious!!!
Overall good experience and would definitely stay here again.
Stay from 5/22-5/24
- May 25, 2009
- Rated 3 of 5 by
a traveler from Travelocity.com
Plus-Convenient/downtown, Clean (no bad odors), Staff helpful and courteous, Ample hot water, Bed ultra comfortable
Minus-Rooms are very small and dark, Plumbing issues (water backs up into tub and leaves sludge residue), Cheap decor, Noise highly audible from street, No black out curtain makes sleeping in difficult, Only 2 elevators (can be a long wait)
The James Hotel - One of Chicago's best.
- May 10, 2009
- Rated 5 of 5 by
a traveler from Travelocity.com
Stayed at The James for a weekend getaway. Hip Hotel. Great staff! My wife and I travel to Chicago at least once a year, and our stay at The James was the best trip yet. Perfect location in North Bridge area. Close to shops and eateries. Good room, great bed, nice in-house restaurant, gym, and lobby space. Some minor issues with the public space maintenance around the elevators (chipped paint, spots on carpet, etc.) but an easily overlooked flaw on an otherwise great hotel. The staff make this a worthy place to stay and enjoy Chicago. All were helpful and friendly. My hat's off to THE, the lobby coordinator, for his suggestions and tips on places to eat, visit, and view, for a professional attitude, friendly welcome and easy check in.
Absolutely Fantastic
- April 20, 2009
- Rated 5 of 5 by
a traveler from Travelocity.com
My fiance and I stayed at The James over the weekend, and we cannot say enough good things about our experience there. The staff was incredible; very polite, helpful, friendly and knowledgable. The room had a well stocked mini bar, and the beds were VERY comfortable. The entire hotel is immaculately clean, and everything is very modern. The restaurant was amazing! The steaks, some of the best we've ever had. The bar (and bartender) in the hotel lounge was fabulous. The Diego Mojito is a MUST TRY. We did not make our way to the J Bar, but I am certain it is just as great as everything else. The location was very good as well, close to everything, and walking distance to Navy Pier, which is worth checking out. My only regret is that we didn't have a longer stay there. We will definitely go back.
Some Tips:
* If you would like to dine at the hotel restaurant (Primehouse) on a Friday or Saturday night, make a reservation, and ask your waiter for a tour of their dry aging room downstairs, very interesting!
*Take advantage of the knowledge of the hotel staff, they can make great recommendations for anything from where to eat to what to see and the best way to get where you're going.
*If you are looking for a fun place to have a few cocktails and want to wander the neighborhood, check out the Dirty Martini at 23 W. Hubbard St. The drink list is extensive and the staff is friendly. The food is also very good. Try the garlic hummus appetizer!