Chicago Area Hotels 2007 on [Master Thread]
Sep 7, 2011, 5:45 pm
#151
Join Date: Oct 2006
Location: New York, NY
Programs: UA - 1K 1MM; Hyatt - Explorist; Marriott - Lifetime Titanium
Posts: 1,586
Sep 7, 2011, 6:22 pm
#152
Join Date: Jan 2011
Programs: AA, Hertz Gold, United, Delta Skymiles,
Posts: 24
I agree, I was just there at the Westin up on Dearborn- great stay. Windows had a great view of the river and restaurants/ clubs/ House of Blues; everything was withing two minutes walking distance in any direction. If you're a jogger, go south down the river and bend around; it's a fantastic path and a great way to see the city.
Sep 7, 2011, 8:37 pm
#153
Join Date: Jun 2011
Programs: SPG Platinum, Hyatt Diamond
Posts: 1,134
I've recently completed two stays at the Westin Chicago River North on Dearborn and was pleased with both stays. We walked to Michigan Ave twice for shopping and walked to different restaurants each night.
If you are sharing a room with your 13-year old daughter, perhaps a W is not quite the place you would want without first getting comprehensive information on the room you will rent. Even though it appears you have experienced the W Hollywoood, some W rooms have showers with clear glass walls looking into the bedroom and other issues that might not provide the privacy desired for a parent/child stay. Just my two cents.
If you are sharing a room with your 13-year old daughter, perhaps a W is not quite the place you would want without first getting comprehensive information on the room you will rent. Even though it appears you have experienced the W Hollywoood, some W rooms have showers with clear glass walls looking into the bedroom and other issues that might not provide the privacy desired for a parent/child stay. Just my two cents.
Sep 7, 2011, 8:44 pm
#154
Join Date: Jan 2002
Location: Washington, DC, USA
Programs: UA MM, MB LifeTit
Posts: 1,830
I've stayed at the Westin River North a lot. The location is good, but it's not really in the thick of things. You'll have to walk a few blocks for restaurants (unless you're looking for steakhouses, of which there may be eight within three blocks) and a few more blocks for shopping. My main problem with the hotel is that the rooms tend to be dark. The building is surrounded on three sides by taller buildings and doesn't get much direct light. The exception are the rooms at the southern end of the hotel overlooking the river; those are nice. If it matters, the gym is very good.
It's been a long time since I stayed at the Westin Michigan Avenue. Its location is very good for what you want to do. The hotel was always kind of uneven, but you should check its master thread for more recent opinions.
I haven't stayed at the W Lakeshore, but it has a nice lobby. Check the master thread for info on the rooms. As long as your stay isn't in the dead of winter, the walk to Michigan Ave. is actually nice.
Have you considered the Sheraton? It's closer to Michigan Ave. than the W and it's pretty good for a really big hotel.
It's been a long time since I stayed at the Westin Michigan Avenue. Its location is very good for what you want to do. The hotel was always kind of uneven, but you should check its master thread for more recent opinions.
I haven't stayed at the W Lakeshore, but it has a nice lobby. Check the master thread for info on the rooms. As long as your stay isn't in the dead of winter, the walk to Michigan Ave. is actually nice.
Have you considered the Sheraton? It's closer to Michigan Ave. than the W and it's pretty good for a really big hotel.
Last edited by EricH; Sep 9, 2011 at 11:29 am
Sep 7, 2011, 8:50 pm
#155
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: New Orleans, LA USA
Programs: United Lifetime Gold;SPG Gold (occasional platinum);SW;etc.
Posts: 245
I've stayed at the Westin River North a lot. The location is good, but it's not really in the thick of things. You'll have to walk a few blocks for restaurants (unless you're looking for steakhouses, of which there may be eight within three blocks) and a few more blocks for shopping. My main problem with the hotel is that the rooms tend to be dark. The building is surrounded on three sides by taller buildings and doesn't get much direct light. The exception are the rooms at the southern end of the hotel overlooking the river; those are nice. If it matters, the gym is very good.
It's been a long time since I stayed at the Westin Michigan Avenue. Its location is very good for what you want to do. The hotel was always kind of uneven, but you should its master thread check for more recent opinions.
I haven't stayed at the W Lakeshore, but it has a nice lobby. Check the master thread for info on the rooms. As long as your stay isn't in the dead of winter, the walk to Michigan Ave. is actually nice.
Have you considered the Sheraton? It's closer to Michigan Ave. than the W and it's pretty good for a really big hotel.
It's been a long time since I stayed at the Westin Michigan Avenue. Its location is very good for what you want to do. The hotel was always kind of uneven, but you should its master thread check for more recent opinions.
I haven't stayed at the W Lakeshore, but it has a nice lobby. Check the master thread for info on the rooms. As long as your stay isn't in the dead of winter, the walk to Michigan Ave. is actually nice.
Have you considered the Sheraton? It's closer to Michigan Ave. than the W and it's pretty good for a really big hotel.
I don't mind walking to Michigan Ave. from the W which would probably be daughter's first choice. Is there a good selection of restaurants that are walking distance as well?
Thanks for the assistance.
Sep 7, 2011, 8:53 pm
#156
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: New Orleans, LA USA
Programs: United Lifetime Gold;SPG Gold (occasional platinum);SW;etc.
Posts: 245
I've recently completed two stays at the Westin Chicago River North on Dearborn and was pleased with both stays. We walked to Michigan Ave twice for shopping and walked to different restaurants each night.
If you are sharing a room with your 13-year old daughter, perhaps a W is not quite the place you would want without first getting comprehensive information on the room you will rent. Even though it appears you have experienced the W Hollywoood, some W rooms have showers with clear glass walls looking into the bedroom and other issues that might not provide the privacy desired for a parent/child stay. Just my two cents.
If you are sharing a room with your 13-year old daughter, perhaps a W is not quite the place you would want without first getting comprehensive information on the room you will rent. Even though it appears you have experienced the W Hollywoood, some W rooms have showers with clear glass walls looking into the bedroom and other issues that might not provide the privacy desired for a parent/child stay. Just my two cents.
Sep 7, 2011, 8:58 pm
#157
Join Date: May 2007
Location: YOW
Posts: 2,351
Can you tell me more about the "master thread". I'm still finding my way around FT and haven't quite gotten it down yet.
I don't mind walking to Michigan Ave. from the W which would probably be daughter's first choice. Is there a good selection of restaurants that are walking distance as well?
Thanks for the assistance.
I don't mind walking to Michigan Ave. from the W which would probably be daughter's first choice. Is there a good selection of restaurants that are walking distance as well?
Thanks for the assistance.
It is a sticky in the SPG forum and once you find the area you can find answers to questions about most properties.
Sep 7, 2011, 9:04 pm
#158
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: New Orleans, LA USA
Programs: United Lifetime Gold;SPG Gold (occasional platinum);SW;etc.
Posts: 245
Here is a link to the master thread - http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/starw...read-list.html.
It is a sticky in the SPG forum and once you find the area you can find answers to questions about most properties.
It is a sticky in the SPG forum and once you find the area you can find answers to questions about most properties.
Sep 7, 2011, 9:07 pm
#159
Join Date: Nov 2004
Location: Scottsdale, AZ
Programs: US CP, Marriott Plat, SPG Plat, LHW Access, Hertz PC
Posts: 81
Unless it's been remodeled recently (within the last 2-3 years), the W Lakeshore could use a remodel. The lobby and common areas are nice, but everything in the rooms seems a little bit 'worn.' It is also a little out of the way for shopping / Michigan Ave.
The Westin tends to cater a little bit more to business travelers and can be a little 'cold,' but I agree with all of the other posts about it.
I would tend to agree that the Sheraton is worth considering. Although the W is a trendier, and the Westin in many cities seem to be a little higher-end, I don't think that's the case here, and the Sheraton is really nice, kept up well, seems to be relatively new (even though it isn't, it doesn't show it's age), and it's really convenient the the Miracle Mile...
If you really want to hit the spa where you stay, the W City Center blows away the Lakeshore. Much better management. Amazing building & property. I'd stay there and cab it!
The Westin tends to cater a little bit more to business travelers and can be a little 'cold,' but I agree with all of the other posts about it.
I would tend to agree that the Sheraton is worth considering. Although the W is a trendier, and the Westin in many cities seem to be a little higher-end, I don't think that's the case here, and the Sheraton is really nice, kept up well, seems to be relatively new (even though it isn't, it doesn't show it's age), and it's really convenient the the Miracle Mile...
If you really want to hit the spa where you stay, the W City Center blows away the Lakeshore. Much better management. Amazing building & property. I'd stay there and cab it!
Sep 8, 2011, 5:22 am
#160
Join Date: Oct 2010
Location: IND
Programs: SPG Plat, WN CP, Many Others
Posts: 538
It will undergo remodel in Nov I was told. See my recent review in W Lakeshore master thread for the details I was able to get on it.
Sep 8, 2011, 11:59 am
#161
Join Date: Sep 2010
Location: YYZ / ORD
Programs: SPG Plat, Hertz President's Circle
Posts: 14
The above posters have all provided great insight. With 75 nights in Chicago SPG hotels this year (W Lakeshore, Westin Michigan Ave, Sheraton Hotel and Towers) I'll provide my input.
1. W Lakeshore - Primarily where I stayed and it is definitely the trendiest hotel and the lakeview is very nice. The rooms here are the nicest and the walk to Michigan Ave is not too bad (approx 5-8 minutes). The gym/pool is very nice too but there's no Club Lounge. Controller1 is right that the bathroom and showers are by default open to the bedroom but there are windows and door sliders that can be shut for privacy. Never tried their Spa but Bliss products are good and the W Lakeshore is significantly cheaper than W City Center.
2. Westin Michgan - Great location (top of Michigan and besides Hancock) and good upgrade opportunities if you are Gold/Platinum. The rooms aren't the nicest or very modern. No club lounge. The view is okay as you may get lucky and get a room looking down Michigan Ave but I would prefer W Lakeshore or Sheraton Hotel. If you intend to do a lot of shopping this may be a good one but I would rather take the 5-8 min walk from W Lakeshore/Sheraton which are better hotels.
3. Sheraton Hotel and Towers - I quite liked this hotel. They have excellent service and good upgrade opportunities as well to a river or lakeview room. I really like the corner riverview rooms as you get to see the famous Chicago towers and it's only a 3-5 min walk to Michigan Ave. There is a Club Lounge in the hotel but have not checked out their gym/pool. Don't know much about their spa offerings.
Let us know if you have any follow-up or specific questions!
1. W Lakeshore - Primarily where I stayed and it is definitely the trendiest hotel and the lakeview is very nice. The rooms here are the nicest and the walk to Michigan Ave is not too bad (approx 5-8 minutes). The gym/pool is very nice too but there's no Club Lounge. Controller1 is right that the bathroom and showers are by default open to the bedroom but there are windows and door sliders that can be shut for privacy. Never tried their Spa but Bliss products are good and the W Lakeshore is significantly cheaper than W City Center.
2. Westin Michgan - Great location (top of Michigan and besides Hancock) and good upgrade opportunities if you are Gold/Platinum. The rooms aren't the nicest or very modern. No club lounge. The view is okay as you may get lucky and get a room looking down Michigan Ave but I would prefer W Lakeshore or Sheraton Hotel. If you intend to do a lot of shopping this may be a good one but I would rather take the 5-8 min walk from W Lakeshore/Sheraton which are better hotels.
3. Sheraton Hotel and Towers - I quite liked this hotel. They have excellent service and good upgrade opportunities as well to a river or lakeview room. I really like the corner riverview rooms as you get to see the famous Chicago towers and it's only a 3-5 min walk to Michigan Ave. There is a Club Lounge in the hotel but have not checked out their gym/pool. Don't know much about their spa offerings.
Let us know if you have any follow-up or specific questions!
Oct 22, 2011, 10:52 am
#162
Join Date: May 2001
Posts: 4,772
Tremont anyone?
Does anyone have any recent experience at the Tremont? It appears they are now participating (points and stay credit) and their rates are pretty good. Thanks.
Oct 23, 2011, 1:08 pm
#163
Join Date: Dec 2005
Location: San Diego
Posts: 75
Best Starwood location
Hi everyone,
My husband and I visited Chicago for a 2-night weekend this past July and will be visiting again in July 2012 for 3 nights (going at the front end of our Oshkosh EAA AirVenture trip). This year we stayed at the Westin Chicago River North, on points, and really enjoyed the hotel... we had a nice Chicago River view room. We did think it was a bit of a walk to get to places (bus line, restaurants, etc.), however, given the heat and humidity of July.
For our stay next July we want to pick the best location (again on SPG points... we are gold). This time we'll be bringing our college-age daughter, who wants to shop, and our high school-age son. We'll also have some friends with us that are also going to Oshkosh. They won't be staying on points so I'm trying to stay somewhere where we might be able to snag a deal for them (travelzoo, etc.).
My hubby wants to stay at the Westin River North again but I'd like to try another location just for variety, and the fact that my daughter wants to shop.
I like the looks of the Sheraton Four Points location, with the Trader Joes right there for snacks and breakfast food, since the Four Points has will have a refrigerator and microwave in the room. I know my kids will like the nearby Grand Lux Cafe (they love the Cheesecake Factory) and the Purple Pig looks close too, which I'd like to try. The Four Points seems to get pretty good reviews, but we typically prefer Westin properties, of course.
I'm also considering the Westin Michigan Avenue with it's close proximity to shopping, but have read the so-so reviews. We'd consider other Starwood properties, as well.
Being close to public transportation (we'll be buying 3-day CTA passes) is important, as is close walking distance to restaurants and shops. Our kids will want to be in the thick of things. We'll likely be flying into ORD, taking public transportation to our hotel, and renting a car after our stay to drive to Oshkosh, WI. Later we'll fly home from MKE.
Where should we stay in Chicago? Thanks for your help.
Carole
My husband and I visited Chicago for a 2-night weekend this past July and will be visiting again in July 2012 for 3 nights (going at the front end of our Oshkosh EAA AirVenture trip). This year we stayed at the Westin Chicago River North, on points, and really enjoyed the hotel... we had a nice Chicago River view room. We did think it was a bit of a walk to get to places (bus line, restaurants, etc.), however, given the heat and humidity of July.
For our stay next July we want to pick the best location (again on SPG points... we are gold). This time we'll be bringing our college-age daughter, who wants to shop, and our high school-age son. We'll also have some friends with us that are also going to Oshkosh. They won't be staying on points so I'm trying to stay somewhere where we might be able to snag a deal for them (travelzoo, etc.).
My hubby wants to stay at the Westin River North again but I'd like to try another location just for variety, and the fact that my daughter wants to shop.
I like the looks of the Sheraton Four Points location, with the Trader Joes right there for snacks and breakfast food, since the Four Points has will have a refrigerator and microwave in the room. I know my kids will like the nearby Grand Lux Cafe (they love the Cheesecake Factory) and the Purple Pig looks close too, which I'd like to try. The Four Points seems to get pretty good reviews, but we typically prefer Westin properties, of course.
I'm also considering the Westin Michigan Avenue with it's close proximity to shopping, but have read the so-so reviews. We'd consider other Starwood properties, as well.
Being close to public transportation (we'll be buying 3-day CTA passes) is important, as is close walking distance to restaurants and shops. Our kids will want to be in the thick of things. We'll likely be flying into ORD, taking public transportation to our hotel, and renting a car after our stay to drive to Oshkosh, WI. Later we'll fly home from MKE.
Where should we stay in Chicago? Thanks for your help.
Carole
Feb 16, 2012, 9:45 pm
#164
Join Date: Aug 2011
Location: Baltic Sea
Programs: SPG Platinum
Posts: 345
I heard tremont is NOT participating by Diona Kemp at SPG Platinum.
Feb 17, 2012, 11:55 am
#165
Company Representative - Starwood
Join Date: Nov 2000
Location: Austin, Texas
Programs: Marriott Employee Level
Posts: 31,593
The Tremont Chicago Hotel at Magnificent Mile
100 East Chestnut
Chicago, Illinois 60611 United States
Phone: (312) 751-1900 Fax: (312) 751-8691
SPG Category 3
5.84 km / 3.63 miles from center of chicago.
Our timeless hotel in the heart of Magnificent Mile provides a picturesque canvas for Chicago’s rich history and contemporary culture.
Best regards,
William R. Sanders
Social Media Specialist
Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide
[email protected]