vatraveler

Any opinions of the Marriott Suites in Downers Grove?

SkiAdcock

If you two stay at the above properties, please do a trip report in a new thread for the properties (to make it easier to come up on search). Thx!

Cheers.

mjcewl1284

Sounds good, will do!

SkiAdcock

I just read that the Downers Grove Marriott Suites was recently renovated.

Cheers.

CMK10

Review for the Renaissance Chicago O'Hare Suites:

http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/26169441-post255.html

Carpboy823

I was at the Renaissance Chicago Downtown this past Thursday night (2/4), and I was a really big fan. I cannot comment on parking or bell services, as I arrived via L train and had only one bag, but everything else was outstanding.

I got upgraded to an Executive Suite on the 26th floor - apparently they have a fair number of these rooms, as at least 4 of my colleagues got the same room type as well. The room was over 900 sqft, 1.5 bath, and had seating for about 10 people, including a nice dining table in the living room area. The bed was very comfortable as well, and the view of the river, Marina Towers, and the Tribune and Trump buildings was fantastic.

Concierge lounge is on the first floor and had a very good hot breakfast with eggs, bacon, oatmeal, pastries, fruit, and some other things. Decent enough ($7-$8) prices for basic beer and wine, though I did not partake in those. Very friendly, spacious, and modern property - I've heard this was not the case a few years ago, so apparently the renovations have been successful. I would definitely return again if the rate is right!

SkiAdcock

Thanks for the update. Much appreciated.

Cheers.

lucycan

I was there the previous night and got the same, great room as well. Having stayed here many times over the past decade I really like the renovation!

goodeats21

Started a stay at Springhill Suites River North this week. Arrived to find major construction of the lobby area.
*No signs directing where to check in.
*Standard breakfast not available - only an offer to deliver a continental breakfast to my room...but I had to specify what time I wanted it the night before?

Absolutely no notice provided of the construction nor that the standard, hot breakfast would not be offered. In fact, checking Marriott.com today and there is nothing posted on their hotel page still.

I have always had decent stays here, but this one really rubs me the wrong way. Didn't have time yet to seek out a manager...hopefully today.

But be warned that any upcoming stays at Springhill / Residence Inn here is going to be impacted.

SkiAdcock

Thanks for the heads up & really bad form for the property not to notify guests via website.

Cheers.

Voodoo Daddy

In the spirit of piling on, people looking to stay at the Residence Inn side of this property should also be aware that this Residence Inn does not provide the evening manager's reception that is standard for Residence Inns. There is also no notice of this on the website. The explanation by staff is that there are so many nice restaurants nearby that corporate didn't think it was necessary.

SkiAdcock

There's a stand-alone thread re: the Residence Inn & the wiki mentions that the property doesn't offer the brand standard evening reception. Of course that doesn't help the general public who don't read FT. Perhaps someone will mention it on TripAdvisor.

http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/marri...cago-loop.html

Cheers.

Voodoo Daddy

That's actually a different property on LaSalle. This one is the River North property. So there are two in Chicago that don't offer this. Last I knew, the one on Walton still had it; hopefully this isn't a trend.

SkiAdcock

Ah, thanks for the clarification. I thought they were the same. Wonder if the same franchise company owns them.

Well besides mentioning it on FT, hopefully will post the lack of reception at both properties on TripAdvisor as well.

Cheers.

Voodoo Daddy

Agreed. I, being a cheap Dutchman, cancelled my reservation once I found out that it wasn't provided at the River North property, so I haven't actually stayed there. I did call and verify that the evening reception is not provided. Perhaps someone who has stayed will follow through with a TA review.