Got a decent rate for a MR to take advantage of UA's double EQMs promotion - but the turn was a short overnight @ ORD. Booked a king via hilton.com @ the AAA rate (and refused the nor1 offers) - which the website then offered my on-line check-in before I got to ORD that day. Decided to see what the front desk would do instead.

Flight arrived after midnight. I had always thought that there was a direct connection through Terminal 1/Concourse B to the Hilton when I would pass the Hilton icon/symbol near the security exit down opposite Gate B6. Turns out that exit simply brings you down to the lower level (baggage claim, exit to curb). If you keep following the Hilton signs, it takes you down one more level to the pedestrian tunnel level. You end up walking in this level for a ways before coming to the entrance to the Hilton - which you end up having to take either the elevator or escalator up to get to the lobby.

At that hour, there was no waiting. Was recognized as a Diamond and told to get two bottles of water out of my room's mini-bar. Folio had a sticker to be able to use the Internet as well as providing the mini-bar key. Asked if I wanted the continental breakfast coupon for Andiamo or something @ the Caffe Mercato or 1000 points. When I asked what the difference in cost is between the coupon and the full buffet, the clerk did not specifically know. She credited my account the 1000 points and said to come back down in the morning if I decided to get one of the breakfasts instead.

Was given 10038 which is on what appears to be a HHonors floor. I suspect that the rooms near the middle of the hotel are a bit smaller given that the hotel itself is a curved arc. This 1 king room is a little past the West Elevators and looks out over Terminal 2 primarily with a view to the southeast part of Terminal 1/Concourse B. As others have noted, the rooms are a bit small but was more than sufficient for my MR overnight. I thought that the reclining chair with a footrest was a nice feature of the room and thought that the condition of the room and its furnishings was quite acceptable.

Since UA had cancelled the first flight out, I had rebooked myself for a later morning flight and was able to get a bit more sleep and also knew that I could get breakfast if I could get up in time. Took the elevator down and walked over to Andiamo to check out the continental vs. the full buffet. Difference in price is $3. Went back to the front desk - one side had multiple people in a line which appeared to be for UA personnel to check in and the other end had 1 person in line. Requested and received a coupon for the continental breakfast.

Went back over to Andiamo and partook of the full breakfast buffet - this is basically the same as the continental but with the hot dishes (scrambled eggs, potatoes, sausage/bacon, french toast/pancakes + oatmeal). For $3 more, I thought that this was quite worth it. Requested juice instead of coffee and received a large glass of OJ. All in all, I felt that this was a good choice and was quite satisfied.

And, yes, it is probably much easier to walk directly out of the Hilton's lobby, turn left, walk another 200 yards over to Terminal 1/Concourse B than going down to the pedestrian level. However, after midnight and not at all clear about where to go, I probably made the better choice at night for a first time stay at this property.

For the room price I booked at and its location, I felt that the Hilton ORD is reasonable. I probably would not stay at the higher weekday rates (next week's per night rates are twice what I paid) or if I had more time in Chicago. If I need access to a very accessible full service Hilton (albeit without an Executive Lounge) in the ORD area, I would again come back - at a decent rate.

David