cop35758

I'd like to stay at the Conrad but prices are just a little high. Any experiences at the nearby Hampton, Homewood or HGI?

Michael19887

Also the rooftop bar at the Conrad doesn't open until May, which was one of the highlights of that property for me

arlflyer

If you're talking the Hampton/Homewood combo on Huron then yeah, I've stayed at it, on the Homewood side. Perfectly fine, brand-standard Homewood property. If there's a significant price advantage, go for it.

Also, I don't entirely get the comments about the Loop as a negative location. Have spent many dozens of nights in Loop hotels during dead and non-dead periods of all seasons...if you're going to River North then it's a 10-minute walk, and if you're going to another nightlife/dining area (e.g. Lincoln Park, Wicker Park, etc.) it's gonna be CTA or an Uber anyhow...

The upside of the Loop being "dead" is the massive overcapacity in hotels on weekends at certain times of year. I've had the PH for $70/night at times. Happy to walk a little for that.

mpw81

Absolutely agree with you. The wife and I will regularly do date nights at the Kimpton properties because they are so incredibly cheap and we usually end up in some of the best rooms they have. I just wanted to make the point because it's a bachelor party, so nightlife might be important and those few blocks can make a big difference, especially in April when the weather could be 20 or 60... or both in the same day.

HawkeyeFlyer

Conrad is the best choice in my opinion. If that is out of the price range, I do like the loop hotels and there is the advantage of weekend pricing being favorable. Another option based on location and a daily happy hour is the Embassy Suites located between Ohio and Ontario. Rock solid location.

MBS MillionMiler

Despite passing through ORD probably 800-1000 times in my life, I've never spent a night outside of the Rosemont area! I have an upcoming meeting for a few days at the Merchandise Mart (just north of the river, near LaSalle/Kinzie). I have no experience on any of the Downtown area...To tl;dr this, I've narrowed down to:

1. Palmer House (about same price as #2 )
2. theWit (about same price as #1 )
3. Hilton Suites Magnificent Mile (furthest away, but like $60/night less).

I work for a family company, so cost is always important; my main issues:

1. Price
2. I do like a nice, hearty breakfast.
3. Executive lounge access.
4. Room size (way down on the list, I'm traveling solo, but hoping HH Diamond gets me some sort of room better than just run-of-the-mill).

I don't drink and I don't care too much for night life or dining out. (Been there, done that enough in this world). I've read the various threads for the Wit and Palmer House and they're both a mixed bag, and it seems the Diamond benefits change frequently as well.

I am leaning towards Palmer House--seems to still give Diamonds a decent breakfast, has an exec lounge, and I am one for historic places, and it looks fascinating to me. theWit is the closest (but I Uber, Lyft and don't mind a bit of a walk either), but the Magnificent Mile suites seem nice, certainly more spacious, and has an executive floor. Surprisingly (at least to me) several Hamptons and the HGI nearby are all more $ than all three of these places.

I'd love any further input, with thanks!

tschwartz

I've stayed multiple times at the Hilton Suites and prefer it much more than the Palmer House mostly due to rate, room size, and neighborhood. The Palmer House was grand in its day but hasn't aged well, in my opinion. The Hilton Suites executive lounge has a breakfast in the morning but is usually continental plus eggs so possibly not hearty but certainly nice. If you enjoy walking or running the Hilton Suites is right along the lake with easy access.

Miesque

The Wit gives you a cup of coffee and one slice of toast as the Diamond Breakfast benefit.

jerry a. laska

And on top of that no executive lounge.

MBS MillionMiler

Thanks, everyone. I think I'll stick with the Palmer House. It is the closest. Breakfast at the Hilton Suites doesn't sound so spectacular, and the distance is a bit of a factor--not a huge factor, but one nonetheless.

tcollins33

That's not *anywhere* near true. Skip the sarcasm and stick to facts. You get $15.50 (for each person up to two people) to use towards anything on the menu at State and Lake. In reality, that will get you anything on the menu. I was just there this past weekend, and while they no longer give you the coupons that state the benefit, the benefit is there.

Totoro

Considering breakfast and room upgrades for HHonor Gold members, would Palmer House, Hilton Chicago, or Conrad Chicago yield the most benefits? I saw the above posts referencing Conrad Chicago's skimpy breakfast benefits for Diamonds, so if nothing has changed, I'd expect equal or skimpier breakfast for HHonors Gold. I'm a Starwood refugee fleeing Marriott's benefit devaluation. Thanks in advance for your advice!

ABlue

tfmpa

Due to a cancelled business trip DH and I are taking an unexpected trip to Chicago 12/26-12/28 for a mileage run. We will be using Hilton points for the hotel. I have only have gold status. I have looked at the Palmer, Drake, theWit, LondonHouse, Hilton Chicago, and Waldorf. I loved theWit for the soaker tub, 400tc sheets and floor to ceiling windows. LondonHouse seems to have a good location for nightlife. The Waldorf has a fireplace option which is nice, but I am not sure it is worth twice the points since we arrive late the 26th and leave early the 28th and I am not sure we will make full use of the hotel. We haven't finalized itinerary and can adapt itinerary to hotel if needed. Does anyone have recommendations based on location/dates? Are any of the hotels particularly noteworthy at Christmas? TIA for any advice.

darthbimmer

I like the Palmer House for transit access, and the lobby is always beautiful. The Hilton Chicago seems to do more holiday decorating and is near the park. Both have been hit-or-miss on Gold upgrades, especially when staying on points. Speaking of points, definitely look at the cash prices to see if there's a good deal. I've booked rooms at great prices before during the last week of December.