Aug 14, 2018, 11:30 am
Last edit by: SkiAdcock
Hat tip to dcchi: "Whenever we do staycations in downtown Chicago, we use the ParkWhiz app to find parking. Normally pretty substantial savings off of hotel parking rates and even minor savings (and sometimes more) off of garage posted rates. If you're willing to walk one or a few blocks, this works well."
Marriott Bonvoy hotels in Chicago, IL
Oct 4, 2009, 9:59 pm
#316
Join Date: Dec 2003
Location: Pasadena,Ca.,US.
Programs: AA, Delta, United, SPG plat, Hyatt dia
Posts: 7,140
Rob, I stayed at your property when it first opened as a Ren, and enjoyed it. Your enthusiastic response here makes it even more likely that I'll stop next time I'm in Chicago (although your sister Ren on the river is very nice also!). One thing out of your control that I wish were better, is the availability of decent restaurants for dinner (other than the Blackstone's) within walking distance. Carryout from KFC is not on my usual list.
We cabbed it to two other places and the taxi was $7 including tip
Last edited by bigguyinpasadena; Oct 4, 2009 at 10:05 pm
Oct 20, 2009, 10:20 pm
#317
Join Date: Jan 2004
Location: ORD LAS HKG
Programs: Bonvoy LTT; IHG DiamondAmb; WoH Globalist; UA1K2MM; NationalEE; AvisPC; HertzPC
Posts: 703
Can someone confirm that Blackstone is still giving out $30 credit for breakfast for Platinums on the weekend? I thought they no longer offer that any more.
Oct 22, 2009, 7:55 am
#318
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: DC
Programs: DL gold; UA - 1k; AA gold; Marriott Platinum; Hyatt Diamond; SPG gold; Groupon Falcon;
Posts: 747
Have stayed at wacker and the mag mile.
preferred wacker - just far more serene than the mag mile, whose unending conference crowd seems to mill about public areas, being loud and obnoxious. Just getting to the front door feels like running a gauntlet.
preferred wacker - just far more serene than the mag mile, whose unending conference crowd seems to mill about public areas, being loud and obnoxious. Just getting to the front door feels like running a gauntlet.
Oct 22, 2009, 12:39 pm
#319
Join Date: Jan 2002
Location: Washington, DC, USA
Programs: UA MM, MB LifeTit
Posts: 1,830
Which Chicago River North property?
I'm an SPG Plat trying to choose among three Marriott properties in River North (Residence Inn, Springhill Suites, Courtyard). I usually stay at the Westin, but I can't get availability for an upcoming stay. I like a nice fitness center, high-speed internet, and breakfast. Are there significant differences among the options?
Oct 22, 2009, 6:16 pm
#320
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: Washington DC
Programs: BA GLD, AA GLD 1MM, Hyatt Glob, Marriott LT Titanium
Posts: 1,698
Wirelessly posted (BlackBerry8320/4.5.0.81 Profile/MIDP-2.0 Configuration/CLDC-1.1 VendorID/100)
I've never stayed at any of these three, but I can heartily recommend the Renaissnace across the river from the Westin. It's not in your three options, and it's not in River North - but it's close, and it's one of my favorite US properties. I've done about 100 nights here and have always had great experiences.
I've never stayed at any of these three, but I can heartily recommend the Renaissnace across the river from the Westin. It's not in your three options, and it's not in River North - but it's close, and it's one of my favorite US properties. I've done about 100 nights here and have always had great experiences.
Oct 22, 2009, 11:07 pm
#322
Suspended
Join Date: Jan 2001
Location: ORD / DUB / LHR
Programs: UA 1K MM; BA Silver; Marriott Plat
Posts: 8,243
There are two Courtyards - one is much older, but the other, on E. Ontario, is almost brand new and is very nice. The old Courtyard has an excellent gym because it shares it with a high-rise apartment/condo building next door.
I've only stayed in the Springhill Suites side of the new SHS/RI building, and was very impressed. Very modern rooms, flat screen HDTV. I have no recollection of the gym though, although I'm pretty sure I went.
I've only stayed in the Springhill Suites side of the new SHS/RI building, and was very impressed. Very modern rooms, flat screen HDTV. I have no recollection of the gym though, although I'm pretty sure I went.
Oct 23, 2009, 8:28 am
#323
Join Date: Jan 2002
Location: Washington, DC, USA
Programs: UA MM, MB LifeTit
Posts: 1,830
Thanks to all for the info. Frankly, part of my problem was that I can never seem to keep Marriott's brands straight. In any event, I'm going to go to the Ren, which should have been on my list if only because it's the Marriott I can see from the Westin.
Oct 23, 2009, 9:24 am
#324
Join Date: Dec 2003
Location: Pasadena,Ca.,US.
Programs: AA, Delta, United, SPG plat, Hyatt dia
Posts: 7,140
I stayed at the Springhill suites and it was pretty good.Nice fitness center/pool on the top floor.Usually much cheaper than the Ren.
I put my boss up at the Renaissance.I stayed here 2 years ago.They have done an EXCELLENT remodel and I reccomend it also.
The Springhill is 3-4 blocks to the ren. easy walk.
Springhill gives you free internet/free breakfast.
Renaissance is a nice FS property at a higher pricepoint.
I put my boss up at the Renaissance.I stayed here 2 years ago.They have done an EXCELLENT remodel and I reccomend it also.
The Springhill is 3-4 blocks to the ren. easy walk.
Springhill gives you free internet/free breakfast.
Renaissance is a nice FS property at a higher pricepoint.
Oct 23, 2009, 10:07 am
#325
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Jul 2002
Location: MCI
Programs: AA Gold 1MM, AS MVP, UA Silver, WN A-List, Marriott LT Titanium, HH Diamond
Posts: 52,570
I stayed at the Renaissance/SpringHill comb property last year. Other than the fact that the lobby was a total zoo with tour group travelers everywhere, the property itself was nice. The place felt a bit like a college dormitory...a bit of a raucous scene, chaotic breakfast area, etc. The rooms were the new layout/style - clean and modern.
The Renaissance is one of the stronger U.S. Renaissances in the system. But I'm simply priced out of that one sometimes...if it's close to full, rates will approach $400/nt. all in. unless your company has a very nice arrangement with Marriott.
The Renaissance is one of the stronger U.S. Renaissances in the system. But I'm simply priced out of that one sometimes...if it's close to full, rates will approach $400/nt. all in. unless your company has a very nice arrangement with Marriott.
Oct 23, 2009, 11:25 am
#327
Join Date: Dec 2003
Location: Pasadena,Ca.,US.
Programs: AA, Delta, United, SPG plat, Hyatt dia
Posts: 7,140
No free Internet at the Ren-BTW.
They do have a nice lounge if you qualify,otherwise no free breakfast.
SPS/RI has the above.
Parking at all of them is outrageous.
They do have a nice lounge if you qualify,otherwise no free breakfast.
SPS/RI has the above.
Parking at all of them is outrageous.
Nov 9, 2009, 9:31 am
#328
Join Date: Jun 2008
Location: DCA / IAD / BWI
Programs: MR Gold
Posts: 68
Chicago area - 2x normal rates for 1st week in Dec.?
I need to be downtown from November 39-December 4 and am not seeing ANY rooms available for under $300/nt at properties that are available the following week for HALF that! Is there a convention or some other event that I may somehow be unaware of and/or any suggestions on MR discount codes that may help? My colleagues were able to book at the FS on Michigan for $159 for 11/29-12/4 but the cheapest I'm seeing is $359, INCLUDING any corporate/negotiated rates! 
Last edited by PSUMarkDC; Nov 9, 2009 at 9:32 am Reason: accidentally the first sentence
Nov 9, 2009, 9:39 am
#329
Join Date: Aug 2002
Posts: 96
first week of December is when the RSNA annual convention comes to town (world's largest medical meeting -happens every year).
2 years ago during the same time, rates were more than just high -they were sold out for just about every major hotel when I tried checking...
2 years ago during the same time, rates were more than just high -they were sold out for just about every major hotel when I tried checking...
Nov 9, 2009, 9:43 am
#330
Join Date: Jun 2008
Location: DCA / IAD / BWI
Programs: MR Gold
Posts: 68
