KENNECTED

I would check the main Conrad Chicago thread.

Now that you say that, you're right

Karter

You thought Conrad SIN had a nice lounge? It was way too hot and crowded... and I hate lounges where you can't fetch your own drink. I sat there waiting for ages until someone took my drink order.

And before you contradict me... yes, there was wine available for self-service but I wanted a pepsi max!

WindShear

Why is this room more expensive at the Conrad Chicago? because of the city view? Would that be considered an upgrade?

Donna D

I just booked a room at this hotel via the phone. I had not read this thread first and inquired if there was an executive lounge. They responded, "no, because every floor is an executive floor because its a very nice hotel." That was not really my point in asking, but that was the reason provided for no executive lounge.

Donna D

Staying at Conrad for the night. Very convenient location particularly if you like to be near shopping. Upgradaed to City view room - view is actually of the Intercontinental across the street but room is very large and nice. Hotel check-in staff friendly, comfy bed. TV channel selections pathetic and somewhat of a waste that they put in such nice hi-def TVs when you are limited mostly to news/sports/and local network stations but they have clock radio/ipod docking stations in the room. The rooms do have dvd players also. Breakfast cost are extreme. With my $14 credit [which I had to request], it was still $30 for two of us, plus tip, for the buffet. Due to cost of hotel [I paid $325 for a non-city view room], I probably would not stay here if on my own dime, but it is nice.

Edited to add:

I originally forgot to mention the hotel had free wireless internet access in the rooms although no where in the room is this advertised or mentioned - I had to call the front desk to inquire. Also, I saw my friend's non-city view room and it was smaller than my upgraded city view room but still a decent size.

maddawg995

Hi all, I'll be in Chicago for a conference from 8/12 - 8/16 and have a choice between these two hotels. The conference itself is in Intercontinental but Conrad is right across the street. Based on the reviews, the Conrad appears to be the better hotel but since I've never been to Chicago, I just wanted to see if anyone has any suggestions or comments about these two properties. Basically, I just wanted to find out if it was worth the trouble of having to cut through the mall and Nordstroms, go across the street to get to the conference every morning. Also, would I even be able to cut through at 8am in the morning?

For what it's worth, there's only a $3 difference in price and I'm Gold at both rewards program.

My apologies if this isn't the correct forum to post this.

KENNECTED

I just noticed your a newbie. First, Welcome to FT.

Just so you know there is a handy dandy "search" tool, that will help you navigate around FT, I suggest you get familiar with using it as most likely a question you have has already be asked and answered. I would like to suggest reading the FAQ sticky above as well.

Listed below is the conrad chicago master thread.
http://flyertalk.com/forum/showthrea...conrad+chicago

The buildings are right accross the street as mentioned. You do not have to enter Nordstroms to enter the hotel. The Conrad has entrance/exit via the mall and via the street. I've done a review of this property (in the link provided above) and specifically point that out. Its not difficult.

maddawg995

Thanks for the response and tips. I actually already read your thread before I posted but it didn't answer my question. Basically, it comes down to this:
Is the Conrad worth the trouble of having to go across the street every morning?

I remember reading somewhere that the entrance on Michigan Ave is closed when the mall is closed. Since I have to get to the conf by 8am, I may have to get out on Rush and walk a couple of extra blocks. Can anyone confirm?

KENNECTED

As per my last stay, per the security folks at the Westfield North Bridge security, all you have to do is show security your hotel room key and you'll be able to walk thru the mall before or after actuall mall operating hours.

hreamer

Having spent quite a bit of time in both properties, I would opt for the Intercontinental (as long as you can secure a room in the older half of the hotel). Otherwise, take the Conrad.

maddawg995

May I ask why?

I forgot to mention since I'm gold at Hilton, there's a chance I may get a nicer room. For IC, I believe all I get is a late check out.

flyinglan

The InterContinental Chicago is very generous to its Ambassador members. I had been consistently upgraded to either the Executive Suites in the Main building or Delux room in the Historical Tower when I book the lowest avaliable rate. The upgrades occur prior to my date of arrival as I can see my room type changes in my online reservation.
The regular rooms at IC main building is inferior to any of the rooms in Conrad. The rate at IC's Historical Tower is a lot more than the rates at Main Tower. If you plan to stay at IC, make sure you purchase the Ambassador status ($150/year). I will NOT book the regular rate at IC main building without Ambassador status.
As a Hilton Diamond member who travels to Chicago frequently, I am not pleased with upgrade treatment at the Drake, Conrad and Palmer House.
My last stay at Conrad at ($350/night), I did not receive any welcome gift (I am not sure if it exists), no breakfast voucher (I believe HH members only receive $12 dinning credit).

KENNECTED

Did you ask at reception why you didn't receive these?

troyintn

I get small upgrades at the drake corner room etc, and exec club. At the Conrad same thing the corner rooms are good size, they give you some water for your welcome gift, the breakfast certs are for a contintal or they will give you $12 credit for anything on the menu. I prefer the conrad to the Drake. It is a nice hotel, Overall conrads are a lot like Westins. At the conrad you will hae to take two elevators ad the lobby is on the fifth floor.

UNITED959

I think the Conrad is great (it used to be a Le Meridien, FWIW).

If the mall security gives you a problem, walk 1/2 block south on Michigan Ave., take a right and go down the staircase to Grand Ave., and in about 2 minutes you're at the Conrad's street level entrance.