Kimpton The Gray, Chicago

What is your Priority Club status?
Spire

Were you (or for multi-stayers are you generally) happy with the hotel/stay?
It was good. The hotel is very nice.

Which room did you book and which upgrade did you receive?
I booked a King deluxe and received that. I did not ask about an upgrade but the hotel was pretty full anyway.

How are the rooms?
Very spacious, which is why I had booked that. However the space is very poorly used. They have the potential to make either the bedroom or the bathroom a lot bigger in the same area.
The room was in very good condition and I liked the furniture which I'd describe as rather modern but classy (understated?).
The only issue was the noise from the heater / aircon unit. I guess they are aware of it as they provide earplugs (but unless you ask for more, one pair of earplugs to share between two people is a bit low).

[If you are Spire]
How was your complimentary welcome amenity?
Did not get any. I think it's only for Inner Circle.

Did you raid the minibar? If so, what did you take?
A tie accessory. They partner with a tie shop downstairs.

Were you offered a Chef's Taste at Dinner, If so, what did you receive?
Not mentionned. I think it's only for Inner Circle.

Did you use the free spa credit / did the hotel participate? If so, was it a good value?
Not mentionned.

What was good and what was bad?
Good:

• I booked this rather than the IC because the IC looked uninspiring, and the Gray looked nicer. On that aspect it did not disappoint and I really liked the style of both the common areas (classical, marble...) and the rooms (more modern).
• Location
• Big bedroom
• The lobby for the wine hour was nice
• Everything was spotless

Bad:

• Housekeeping consistently forgot to refill amenities (even though we left tips)
• No consideration for Spire status (see above). I also asked about late check out and they insisted I'd have to pay, even though I was checking out on a Saturday where they had plenty of availability (I checked on the App). I know the 4PM check-out is only guaranteed at ICs, but the few times I’ve actually asked for it at other IHG hotels it had never been an issue.

Value for $ or Priority Club Points? Would you return?
The rates were fluctuating a lot while we were there so a bit hard to say. On a cheap day I think the hotel is very good value, and at 50k points it’s also pretty good, especially when the rate goes through the roof. As an ambassador, maybe I would have had a bit better recognition at the IC instead for the same price, but I’d still say The Gray is a great hotel.