W Chicago City Center, Chicago, IL [Master Thread]
Mar 22, 2017, 9:32 pm
Service has been iffy at best the last two years - I've spoken to the manager the last two times regarding staff issues. The bar staff was near incompetent two years ago, but better this year. Definitely some cleanliness issues this year, however, with room service trays from previous guests sitting outside our room at checkin - and still there at checkout at noon the following day.
We do not use the breakfast benefit. You've got four quick take-out breakfast places within a block, so normally get breakfast at Dunkin' or Au Bon Pain.
The rooms are in decent shape for my taste - while they haven't been renovated in the last few years, they're in better shape than most hotels I visit. I do enjoy the public areas, though - the lobby is one of my favorites to sit and have a cocktail in. Small enough to be intimate, but with a grand hotel style of decor.
May 20, 2019, 2:14 am
Oct 21, 2021, 11:52 am
Room is very big by Loop standards. TVs on both sides of room partition (sitting area and bed area). I get why they did it, but it seems like overkill. Strange lack of power outlets or USB outlets in places you'd expect them. HVAC is a little wonky. Shower is tiny for a suite like this, IMO. Room is in good shape but could use a refresh, it's starting to look a little little
I think I like the Kimpton's (or whatever they are turning into if they are still going to leave IHG) a little bit better, but it's a decent option in the loop if you don't want to schlep it from River North.
Apr 26, 2022, 6:37 am
-J.
May 24, 2022, 2:54 pm
-J.
May 24, 2022, 3:18 pm
W Chicago City Center
172 W Adams St Chicago, IL US 60603
W Chicago - City Center Review (5 Photos)
W Chicago City Center
I stayed here one night this past weekend. I decided after many years to give this hotel another chance. I will not return. Not because it is so horrible, but there are just so many better Marriott properties available.
Warning.
I must pre-empt my review with a statement that I generally view W Hotels in the US as being pretentious, soulless places for people that have more money than sense. Internationally, I like W Hotels more, but still think their actual target audience are people trying to be something they are not. This hotel particularly falls into the former category.
Check In
I had booked with points and used an SNA for the upgrade, which was confirmed several days before arrival. The fairly inattentive woman at reception told me that they were giving me a complimentary upgrade to a Mega Room (or something like that....I have little interest in their stupid room names).
I pointed out that I had a confirmed advance upgrade through an SNA: She did not understand that at all.
She informed us that the as a platinum I would get a 10 USD discount per person off breakfast. I do not understand how this fulfills the brand requirements. I never have this issue outside the US.
In any case the check in area was a zoo and poorly organized because several parties arrived at the same time. Not a premium experience.
Room
Good
- We had two comfortable double beds
- There were USB-A ports available for charging
- The water pressure in the bathroom was good and the bathroom was spacious
Bad
- They continue to use single-use toiletries.
- There were no USB-C ports available for charging
- The sliding bathroom door does not lock
- The room has no coffee machine
Dining
It was a Saturday night stay and the bar was quite full. I remember during a stay at the JW Marriott I came across the street to this bar, because it was livelier than the offering at JW:
After looking at the breakfast menu, I understood why no one was sitting in the breakfast restaurant in the morning. There are too many outside breakfast options nearby with a much better value proposition. I did not try their food, but I would not expect it to be worth the price.
Location
The location is definitely central. The parking is 75 USD per night ++. I like to walk. Perhaps this price will convert others to this stance. :) Kidding aside, use SpotHero or other similar services to find much cheaper parking nearby. We had something a 3 minute walk away for 20 USD per night.
We walked everywhere from this hotel. There are also subway stations nearby.
Overall
I just do not get the vibe of this hotel. It is fine if you want the location.
If you are a big W fan, you will like it. I struggle with the brand in general. To me it is Moxy with rooms that have weird names..
Otherwise go across the street or choose another Marriott option.