One of the best Luxury City Hotels in the U.S., one hard to leave
This is my second stay at this hotel, each time for three nights. In almost every category, this hotel exceeds one's expectations, and offers up top-notch service.
Housekeeping is outstanding, the hotel common areas are also kept spotless. The accommodations themselves are luxurious, with great beds and linens, wonderful bathrooms, and exceptional lighting and ventilation controls (it's great to turn the A/C up while you are in bed!). There is also a dedicated fax machine and wireless in the room.
The hotel offers a variety of dining options; in fact you don't need to even leave the hotel for excellent food. (See my other reviews of the hotel's restaurants). The Sunday brunch - offered with accompanying violinist and cellist - appear great. If you do want to venture out, there are a host of fine dining options, not to mention great shopping a block away. The location is perfect.
The pool with sun deck is one of the best in Chicago. The hotel offers a full-service spa. The service in connection with the spa facilities (steam room, sauna, and bathrooms) is fit for a king. The concierge and bell staff are also excellent, and have improved from my last stay.
Of course, there were a few areas that could use improvement. There were a few miscommunications apparently resulting from some difficulties the hotel was having with its voice mail and intranet systems. And the hotel could improve its front desk and check-in experience. Neither, however, were sub-par and did not impact an otherwise excellent stay.
I do not often rate any hotel or restaurant five stars. But this one was an easy call. It was hard to leave, and certainly, I will return.