Too many other options in Chicago to waste money here
My very first business trip ever, was in 1984 to Chicago. So that should give you some idea of how long I've been coming to this city for both business and leisure. I've stayed at every hotel imaginable in Chicago, including The Four Seasons. I was excited to stay at the Allerton Hotel because I had not been there before. I was also glad I read the reviews in advance to help soften the blow. We stayed at the hotel because of a conference we were attending, and the room was included in the conference fee. Otherwise, I would never return to this hotel again because:
- It is very, very old ("historic"); our room smelled like a locker room because the central air could not keep up with the humidity levels, and it was not that hot out (mid 70's).
- It was not that clean. The hallways looked like they could use some vacuuming, and our room was just old.
- Our room was TINY. We measured a 10'x12'. My husband and I had to take turns walking around the queen bed to get ready.
- The mattress was horrible. They put some type of down topper on it, and we got scratched all night long by feathers poking through. Then, I had an allergic reaction to all the feathers.
- The bathroom was pretty, with lots of white marble and vintage, but there was no counter space to put or toiletries, just a tiny ledge over the sink.
- The elevators are not only slow, they are also small. Even the elevator doors are narrow, such that a large person would have to turn sideways to walk in.
- The hallways are so narrow that the maid's cart takes up about 80% of the width. Upon check-in, our room was on the other side of the cart, and we had to pull it all the way down the hall, and around a corner in order to get around it with our luggage.
- If you are claustrophobic, this is not the place for you.
- The air conditioning in the entire building was inconsistent. It was very cold in the meeting rooms, and yet the lobby level was sweltering. 
- Free coffee in the lobby every morning, which was empty by 8 a.m.
- Staff who do not look too pleased to be there, kind of like the guests.
- A concierge who was ever-present, but booked the wrong restaurant for our party.
- We used valet parking at the hotel for $50/ night, which we expect for downtown Chicago, but the Huron entrance is CROWDED. We sat in traffic for 15 minutes just trying to approach the hotel. The entrance to the garage was so crowded, the valet left our car parked on the sidewalk, engine running, windows open for at least half an hour, if not more. Anyone could have hopped in and driven away. We found the valet and asked why our car had not been parked yet, and they said they were waiting for a spot to open up in the garage.
SIGH. 
I don't have many good things to say about this hotel, other than it is centrally located on Michigan Avenue, across the street from the Apple Store and all. But there are SO MANY other amazing, affordable, and spacious hotels in Chicago, there is no reason to stay here. Try the Westin on N. Michigan, or the Homewood Suites around the corner, or any number of other hotels. You don't have to be ON Michigan Ave. to enjoy Chicago.