Wow...I totally forgot: I actually stayed at that SHS in downtown Chicago last year on the night before the Chicago Marathon. It completely slipped my mind... It's a dual property: one set of elevators for SHS; one set for Residence Inn. Shared common area. Great location downtown (easy walk to Grant Park).

Yes, I recall that this particular property is a major upgrade from my older SHS experience. It was a Cat 5 if I recall correctly...a little on the steep end for an SHS, even in Chicago, but on marathon weekend rates are high and Priceline is not a good option so I was happy to be able to use my Visa certificate.

I recall that our room was not terribly large...it was kind of a funky layout that is probably atypical for the brand. I think we had a corner room. Modern decor, we had HDTV, and the breakfast area was open extra early for the marathon...we were eating at 5:30AM and the place was packed. No hassle getting a late checkout - perhaps the most important thing of all for a marathon weekend.

Anyway, just wanted to modify my earlier opinion about SHS: it does appear that the new ones are worth a look.