Review and update of the Renaissance North Shore hotel.

Stayed from Sunday to Wednesday on a points stay at this Renaissance, and brought my family including a two year old granddaughter. Normally the family will not travel with me on a business trip but they made an exception so one daughter could tour Northwestern University.

First, the hotel completed a complete remodel last summer. The results are very good. The lobby is clean and sharp. This hotel started out as a Sheraton before rebranding over 10 years ago, and except for a tight feel to the lobby now looks like a Hammond property.

Had no problems on check in. Front staff was very busy, having completed a weekend full of bar mitzvahs and weddings. One valet attendant who was running each time I saw him. FDA greeted by name, offered choice of gift and read the notes on my file so that I received my packages upon check in. I often need to remind FDA to check for my packages.

We stayed on the 8th floor in a room with two double beds, and added a crib. Tight for a room full of girls but I was seldom there and they managed well. Aveda toiletries plus four towels sets. The double beds were small but it is the rule in city hotels. Bedding was clean and comfortable, looked like the new Marriott edition. The beds seemed taller than the beds I enjoyed in Raleigh last week. Excellent work area (as expected) and enough outlets for a family of four.

Concierge lounge on the 9th floor is open 6:30 to 9:30 am and 5:30 to 7:30/8:30 in the evening, the typical Sunday evening to Friday morning. Access is by door key, and it works all day if you need water, juice or teas. My family is usually not impressed by concierge food, but were pleasantly surprised by good tacos for a dinner, and eggs/meat choices in the morning. Breakfast meat choices varied each day. The girls tried everything including the oatmeal, which they loaded down with brown sugar and berries. Met with their approval.

Dinner another evening was Italian sausage, lemon chicken and an antipasto tray. Jelly bellies are scattered in bowls around the lounge. Food is very good for a lounge.

The best news of all is that Elizabeth still works mornings! She greets each guest, brings silverware, newspapers and drinks to the guest table. Incredibly poised and professional. My family went up one morning when my granddaughter was not in a good mood. Elizabeth listened for just a moment, and brought her a cup with Cheerios just for her. The two year old got quiet, ate her Cheerios and asked for more with a "please". Not sure what Elizabeth thought, but my daughters were thrilled that the CL attendant had such a great attitude. Robert worked the one evening I arrived before they closed, and is very professional and a great conversationalist.

The banquet room on the 8th floor was in use during the day and at least one evening, but there was no noise or distractions from the crowd. There is live music many evenings in the bar and it was crowded when I dropped in.

Overall, we enjoyed our stay tremendously for a Chicago hotel. The downtown hotels are certainly near the center of action, but with free parking, the Ruth Chris and an inexpensive redemption on points this Renaissance is our families new favorite for the area. For a family visit I do not have any complaints.