Chicago: Four Seasons vs. Waldorf Astoria?
Jun 16, 2019, 6:36 pm
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: May 2011
Location: Dallas, Texas
Posts: 194
Chicago: Four Seasons vs. Waldorf Astoria?
I will be heading to Chicago next week for 4 nights (Sunday - Thursday) for work and was hoping to get a recommendation on which of these 2 hotels to book. I will be placing the reservation through AMEX's fine hotels & resorts program & the Waldorf has a free 3rd night option, which brings the daily rate down to about $585 (vs. $770+ otherwise and compared to around $650/night for the Four Seasons).
I have stayed at both hotels back in 2013 in a previous job, but I realize a lot could've changed since then.
I have stayed at both hotels back in 2013 in a previous job, but I realize a lot could've changed since then.
Jun 16, 2019, 7:46 pm
#2
Join Date: Nov 2016
Posts: 123
The Four Seasons Chicago is the only FS to which I would never return. The room was unclean and the service was nonexistent. So my vote would be for the Waldorf. However; in either case it might be worth checking the Virtuoso options for free nights and/or upgrades.
Jun 21, 2019, 9:13 am
#7
Join Date: May 2017
Programs: Marriott Ambassador, Hyatt Globalist, Hilton Gold, IHG Spire, Langham Voyager
Posts: 38
Neither. I've had bad experiences at both the FS and the Waldorf. Also had a negative experience at the Pen, though from what I've heard that was a one-off. Still, at $800/night in Chicago you don't get much leeway. The Langham, on the other hand, has never disappointed in my many stays there.
Jan 2, 2020, 3:45 pm
#9
Join Date: Jun 2005
Location: ORD (formerly SAN)
Programs: Hilton Diamond; IHG Platinum; Bonvoy Gold; AA Platinum Pro and United Premier Silver (DH = AA EXP)
Posts: 1,928
I will be heading to Chicago next week for 4 nights (Sunday - Thursday) for work and was hoping to get a recommendation on which of these 2 hotels to book. I will be placing the reservation through AMEX's fine hotels & resorts program & the Waldorf has a free 3rd night option, which brings the daily rate down to about $585 (vs. $770+ otherwise and compared to around $650/night for the Four Seasons).
I have stayed at both hotels back in 2013 in a previous job, but I realize a lot could've changed since then.
I have stayed at both hotels back in 2013 in a previous job, but I realize a lot could've changed since then.
Jan 2, 2020, 11:38 pm
#10
Join Date: Oct 2004
Programs: Quintessentially Elite, Amex Cent, UA* Lifetime Plat (2mm+), AA CK (6mm+)
Posts: 405
WA Chicago just reminds me of how much better it was back when it was Elysian. Not a fan since it was taken over.
The Pen is always solid.
Langham is consistent... And that's tough in the hotel biz.
The Pen is always solid.
Langham is consistent... And that's tough in the hotel biz.
Jan 3, 2020, 9:22 am
#11
Join Date: Jan 2012
Location: Houston, TX
Posts: 405
Had a corner suite last visit:
Jan 3, 2020, 1:53 pm
#12
Join Date: Mar 2004
Location: Canada
Programs: Virtuoso TA, Four Seasons Pref Partner, Rosewood Elite TA, Ritz Carlton STARS TA
Posts: 4,737
All work is due to be over by June 2020
Feb 24, 2020, 10:04 am
#14
Join Date: Sep 2010
Programs: BA Gold
Posts: 367
Had a stay at the WA with generous Centurion benefits a few weeks ago. Some remarks:
- Not the cosiest of hotels. Feels a bit clinical.
- Upgraded at booking, again before check-in and again at check-in. From cheapest DeLuxe to Junior Suite to DeLuxe one bedroom suite.
- Suite, although comfortable, was not very stylish. Great bathroom though.
- Room was not ready at check-in (after 3 pm) which I always find annoying when it happens
- Margeaux restaurant is excellent. Had a breakfast, a lunch and a dinner there (and a drink at the bar). Delicious food and good service.
- Good gym but can get busy, did not try the pool.
- Not the cosiest of hotels. Feels a bit clinical.
- Upgraded at booking, again before check-in and again at check-in. From cheapest DeLuxe to Junior Suite to DeLuxe one bedroom suite.
- Suite, although comfortable, was not very stylish. Great bathroom though.
- Room was not ready at check-in (after 3 pm) which I always find annoying when it happens
- Margeaux restaurant is excellent. Had a breakfast, a lunch and a dinner there (and a drink at the bar). Delicious food and good service.
- Good gym but can get busy, did not try the pool.