Originally Posted by
djohannw
What we are looking for is a decently-sized and comfortable room with good bedding, Club lounge (open weekends) if possible, sparkling clean rooms (my wife is head housekeeper at a boutique property and always compares "their work" to how her team does things) and access to public transportation to get around. We will keep our car parked while staying there and will either walk or take public transport to see typical touristy sights in Chicago.
I will comment on the two properties with which I have experience. Specific to your preferences, Hotel Chicago had decent bedding but the rooms are very dark. It was clean but because it is so dark, it didn't strike me as "sparkling clean". And the lounge is not impressive. But the location is excellent for tourist areas and public transport.
The River North Springhill is quite average and both times I stayed there, it was very, very noisy. Average bedding, average freshness, unremarkable breakfast lounge in the lobby.
If I had to pick for you, I'd probably pick Blackstone. I've heard it's nice and the location is excellent.
Also, are you certain you need a car? Will you actually be driving to Chicago? Parking will be very expensive and annoying.