Tempted to stay here over MLK weekend, but it's 58% more than comparable hotels in the loop. Absolutely the area, but not sure if it is worth the extra $$. :-\

Agreed the rates here can be high relative to the loop, but location, location, location. I think this part of Chicago is far more interesting from a dining/shopping standpoint than the loop/mag mile, and it's closer to ORD. Of course different if you have business in the loop this is not as convenient. But I've been a big fan of this hotel/neighborhood and will continue to stay here despite limited SPG participation as long as the rates make sense. Good to hear they now have some rooms with two beds, this was their only fault.

Rate dropped slightly and went for it. Excited. Love Wicker Park!

SpotHero works great here BTW...$15 for overnight parking 50 feet from the hotel lobby, Two spots that I could see.

Just a warning, I booked this property for an upcoming work trip through our booking interface (Concur). The reservation was not showing up on my SPG profile so I contacted the hotel. Was told because I booked via this third party app, I was not eligible for any benefit or points. They were able to cancel my booking and I booked elsewhere for this trip. Was bummed because was excited to check this property out.

This is the deal with almost all hotel conglomerates except if you book through AMEX FHR or Chase Infinite. Can't book third party or you won't receive any perks.

Nice short review in the NYT today

https://www.nytimes.com/2018/03/02/t...l-reviews.html

I have used that platform (Concur) many times and never had an issue, in fact, I also booked the Aloft during that trip and that showed up and is fine. Maybe because they are a design hotel? Just letting the other business travelers out there that need to book through apps like Concur that you might not be able to book this hotel.

Very likely the case. It's very clear that you only get SPG benefits as Design Hotels if you book through spg.com. Unlike all other Starwood properties, booking directly via the hotel gets you nothing.

Was here over last weekend and there's now an $18 resort fee. To soften the blow, that covers access to the gym next door, free use of the in-room minibar (just chips, M&Ms, colas, and two beers), 20% off dining, and discounts at some neighborhood shops. Guests also formally get to go to the rooftop bars one hour before the general public.

I'd somehow never checked out the Cabana Club bar atop the Hollander building. IMO, it has an equally stupendous city view; at six floors up, it's just above the neighborhood's rooftops and the busy sidewalks.

First time around, I got a City View room facing northeast on a middle floor; this time, perhaps due to early check-in, I got a third-floor room facing south to North Ave and the 'L.' Still slept fine thanks to the sound machine in the room, but light sleepers should be aware of this.

Finishing up a stay here now as a titanium. We used to live a couple blue line stops away in Logan square so we live the area and we've actually been to the roof top bar to watch the Chicago air and water show a couple years ago.

We ended up in a landmark queen. It's small-ish, but very nice and boutiquey with a hip Western European vibe. We were on the east side, opposite the L, on floor 7, but it's still worth pointing out how quiet it was. Barely noticed the train at all. We noticed it more when we lived 2 blocks away from it in Logan square. Didnt get an upgrade (they were available) and the initial canned welcome email offered late check out for $25 if available. We didn't need it so didn't press to see if that would be free with status.

I included the card below with everything the daily fee covers. The beer was Goose Island 312.



https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...109769375f.jpg
https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...68d8ff1c4a.jpg

Anyone been lately?

How is the Elite breakfast handled, or Elite treatment in general? I'm currently Titanium.

I have a wedding in the Wicker Park area coming up in April, so this is the best location, especially considering the blue line (flying into ORD), but it is quite a bit more expensive than The Gwen for the same dates.