So, Kimpton: Monaco or Burnham? I am still researching for a good hotel $150/night or less. The Kimpton does have the gratis 5-6pm wine reception and free wireless & free fitness center.

There are other hotels too which have pools, WiFi etc, but all have surcharges...

Thoughts?

I need to also see if Wifi and the pool at the Palmer house are complimentary.

HELP! lol

Burnham is an old office building, so it's a very interesting look, doors with transoms, almost looks like a hall that would have a detective's office in a film noir.

Both are very nice, as is Allegro (if you can get that for $150 as well, not sure).

Pool at the Palmer House is open to all for free. In fact, you could walk in off the street and use it. Same with the Executive Lounge last time I had visitors staying: just get on and take the elevator, get off, and get in line. No room card key check at all.

Wi-fi, I don't know.

I am looking at Chicago hotels for a visit of my parents and I am finding the hotel websites to be MUCH higher in general over the next couple months than Hotwire (or Priceline, I assume). Might want to take a look at that.

Be careful with the Hyatt on the river. They say they have a pool, but it's next door in a health club. Not fun in the winter.

Thanks for all the great advice! So many choices, and it's tough to decide.

The Intercontinental shows a rate of $84.....

But, so many of these places charge for internet... and being that I am visiting for a week, I would like it complimentary.

The real point is large chain versus boutique....sigh

I just need to make a decision, I have been researching for 2 days now, and there are too many opinions, i am overwhelmed...lol

one more question....

anyone have thoughts on the Sofitel or Knickerbocker?

:-)

That is a really good price for the Intercontinental. Excellent location.

I think there's a point at which you just have to say you aren't going to get a much better deal.

+1

If the hotel fee for wifi were onerous, I'd surf for free at the nearby McD or Starbucks on Boul Mich.

http://www.att.com/gen/general?pid=13540

here it is! final, confirmed booking:

6 nights at the Ritz-Carlton...:-)

I think that I'll be cozy here for 6 nights....

xoxo

Patrick

Sofitel Water Tower
 

Stayed three nights at this property earlier in December on the 'I Love Chocolate' 3 nights for the price of 2 deal - very happy with the rate.

Booked into a Suite but switched to a Junior Suite on a higher floor as the allocated room was a small sitting room, large bathroom and mid size bedroom all in a line and when travelling alone I prefer a single larger room to spread out in rather than a series of smaller rooms.

Staff excellent throughout - Reception and Concierge v helpful.

Huge in-room breakfasts (to my European eyes at least) with really good French pastries.

Good value, good location and a good experience - back again in January...

JW

I had a wonderful stay at the Ritz Carlton this past November. The Head Concierge, Jon, is one of the best in the city. Hope you enjoy your stay!!!
BTW, did you book through a Four Seasons Preferred Partner travel agent? Just by booking through one of them -- you can find out more in the Luxury Hotels forum -- you can get extra perks like daily breakfast and other goodies.