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
Dec 31, 2012, 6:43 am
#811
Join Date: Jun 2004
Location: DCA
Posts: 888
OK - wrapping up the stay and it was really outstanding.
I would unquestionably come back - this was really one of the best Marriott properties I have experienced (and greatly surpassed that majority of RCs).
- They waived the "hold fee" for the suitcase and said it was a charge only for groups. They apologized and that was that.
- As mentioned before, no weekend lounge or breakfast vouchers for Platinums. This was a bit disappointing but obviously squarely within policy. My kids weren't exactly complaining with high-end solutions like Dunkin' Donuts within 10 feet.
- When open, the lounge was decent. No problem with early evening snacks, later deserts and printing a boarding pass (well, actually a train ticket as I'm surprising the kids and got a sleeper car back to DC rather than flying).
- They agreed to a 4pm late check-out which is very helpful (today is New Year's Eve so I guess they're not jammed, but still)
- No issues with gift cards and it was a total breeze. Fastest process I have experienced.
- The gym is great and my kids loved the pool.
- Hard to beat the location for access to the Sears Tower and Union Station. The heart of Michigan Avenue is around a $7 taxi.
- Internet service was consistently good.
- Huge, higher than normal hotel quality, flat screens in the room and a recessed flat screen behind the mirror. My kids thought they had died and gone to Sponge Bob heaven watching TV while in the tub.
I would unquestionably come back - this was really one of the best Marriott properties I have experienced (and greatly surpassed that majority of RCs).
Dec 31, 2012, 9:13 am
#812
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Aug 2002
Programs: UALifetimePremierGold, Marriott LifetimeTitanium
Posts: 71,114
Thanks for the detailed trip report & summary.
Don't feed the kids too many Dunkin' Donuts or they'll be bouncing around the sleeper car rather than sleeping
Cheers.
Don't feed the kids too many Dunkin' Donuts or they'll be bouncing around the sleeper car rather than sleeping
Cheers.
Dec 31, 2012, 10:19 am
#813
Join Date: Jul 2011
Location: MCO, DCA, IAD
Programs: UA GS 1MM, Marriott Ambassador & Lifetime Titanium, Hilton Diamond
Posts: 2,134
OK - wrapping up the stay and it was really outstanding.
I would unquestionably come back - this was really one of the best Marriott properties I have experienced (and greatly surpassed that majority of RCs).
- They waived the "hold fee" for the suitcase and said it was a charge only for groups. They apologized and that was that.
- As mentioned before, no weekend lounge or breakfast vouchers for Platinums. This was a bit disappointing but obviously squarely within policy. My kids weren't exactly complaining with high-end solutions like Dunkin' Donuts within 10 feet.
- When open, the lounge was decent. No problem with early evening snacks, later deserts and printing a boarding pass (well, actually a train ticket as I'm surprising the kids and got a sleeper car back to DC rather than flying).
- They agreed to a 4pm late check-out which is very helpful (today is New Year's Eve so I guess they're not jammed, but still)
- No issues with gift cards and it was a total breeze. Fastest process I have experienced.
- The gym is great and my kids loved the pool.
- Hard to beat the location for access to the Sears Tower and Union Station. The heart of Michigan Avenue is around a $7 taxi.
- Internet service was consistently good.
- Huge, higher than normal hotel quality, flat screens in the room and a recessed flat screen behind the mirror. My kids thought they had died and gone to Sponge Bob heaven watching TV while in the tub.
I would unquestionably come back - this was really one of the best Marriott properties I have experienced (and greatly surpassed that majority of RCs).
Feb 7, 2013, 8:34 pm
#814
Join Date: Oct 2012
Location: Philadelphia, PA
Programs: HH Diamond, MR Plat
Posts: 71
Chicago property with coin-on laundry?
Hi folks,
I have a free day tomorrow and wanted to stop into Chicago to see some stuff. Problem is, I need to get my laundry done and will only have 1 free day so drop-off probably isn't going to work. Does anyone know a property with coin-on? I know the TownePlace Suites outside of the city should all have it, but I was hoping to stay at a better property.
I have a free day tomorrow and wanted to stop into Chicago to see some stuff. Problem is, I need to get my laundry done and will only have 1 free day so drop-off probably isn't going to work. Does anyone know a property with coin-on? I know the TownePlace Suites outside of the city should all have it, but I was hoping to stay at a better property.
Feb 7, 2013, 10:38 pm
#815
Join Date: Apr 2011
Location: CHI
Programs: UA 1K, MR Titanium, IHG Gold, National Exec
Posts: 3,842
If my memory serves me correctly, both of the Courtyards downtown should have coin-op laundry but I haven't stayed at either of them in the last 2 years so don't quote me on that one.
Feb 8, 2013, 8:27 am
#817
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: Now in SLC
Programs: DL GM 1MM, MR LT Titanium
Posts: 4,119
The CY Mag Mile did when I stayed there in November 2011...in fact, I don't think I've ever stayed at a CY/RI/SHS that didn't have coin-operated laundry. Full service hotels, on the other hand, usually don't have coin-op laundry. If you need to be certain, you can always call the hotel and ask.
Feb 13, 2013, 8:03 am
#818
Join Date: Aug 2012
Posts: 16
Help! Which is the best Marriott brand hotel to stay in Chicago?
Hi guys,
I am 23 years old going down to Chicago for a full week on business. I'll have a rental car so I can get around to the office. I like modern and luxury hotels but must stick with Marriott brand. Looking at my corporate travel website I can stay at the following hotels:
Residence Inn Chicago Downtown - 3 star
Renaissance Blackstone Chicago - 4 star
Renaissance Chicago Downtown - 5 star
Courtyard Chicago Downtown (River) - 3 star
Chicago Marriott Downtown - 4 star
Courtyard Chicago Downtown (Magnificent Mile) - 3 star
I like to go eat good food and do a bit of shopping so location is pretty important. What do you guys recommend in terms of best location, most modern or renovated and best overall hotel?
Thanks so much!
I am 23 years old going down to Chicago for a full week on business. I'll have a rental car so I can get around to the office. I like modern and luxury hotels but must stick with Marriott brand. Looking at my corporate travel website I can stay at the following hotels:
Residence Inn Chicago Downtown - 3 star
Renaissance Blackstone Chicago - 4 star
Renaissance Chicago Downtown - 5 star
Courtyard Chicago Downtown (River) - 3 star
Chicago Marriott Downtown - 4 star
Courtyard Chicago Downtown (Magnificent Mile) - 3 star
I like to go eat good food and do a bit of shopping so location is pretty important. What do you guys recommend in terms of best location, most modern or renovated and best overall hotel?
Thanks so much!
Feb 13, 2013, 9:31 am
#819
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: DAY
Programs: UA 1K 1MM; Marriott LT Titanium; Amex MR; Chase UR; Hertz PC; Global Entry
Posts: 10,159
I have not stayed at them all, so take this for what it is worth.
If you are not budget-restricted, I would think the Ren Chicago downtown is your best option. Very close to Mag Mile (Michigan Ave) for the shopping and dining options and the only 5 star on your list.
I have not heard good things about the rooms / decor at Marriott Chicago downtown...
If you are not budget-restricted, I would think the Ren Chicago downtown is your best option. Very close to Mag Mile (Michigan Ave) for the shopping and dining options and the only 5 star on your list.
I have not heard good things about the rooms / decor at Marriott Chicago downtown...
Feb 13, 2013, 9:59 am
#820
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Oct 1999
Location: Juneau, Alaska.
Programs: AS 75K;BA Silver;AA G;HH Dia;HY Glob
Posts: 15,822
Rennaisance Downtown is a good property. You left off your list the JW Marriott:
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/marri...go-news-7.html
See also:
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/marri...-decision.html
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/marri...roperty-2.html
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/marri...ago-hotel.html
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/marri...go-news-7.html
See also:
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/marri...-decision.html
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/marri...roperty-2.html
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/marri...ago-hotel.html
Feb 13, 2013, 10:05 am
#821
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Apr 2000
Location: FLL -> Where The Boyars Are
Programs: AA EXP 1.7 M, Hilton Gold, Hertz 5*, AARP Sophomore, 14-time Croix de Candlestick
Posts: 18,669
Of the options above, I like the Chicago Ren for near-ideal location and for the large rooms
when you find out the daily parking charges for your rental car at the downtown properties.
Feb 14, 2013, 7:52 am
#825
Join Date: Aug 2012
Posts: 16
Company pays for it! Do I get points for the valet parking charge of 50-55 dollars per day?
Also - I might not have a rental car when I am in town and cab to the office. Is the Ren Downtown a good location if I want to walk and take transit to check stuff out on the weekend?
Also - I might not have a rental car when I am in town and cab to the office. Is the Ren Downtown a good location if I want to walk and take transit to check stuff out on the weekend?