A tremendous stay
It was my wife's 50th birthday, and since American Airlines now services our city with direct flights to Chicago, I decided to take her there. The name "Waldorf-Astoria" has a certain panache, so that was my choice. A week before our trip, I received an email from a Roman Suhs, who said he was our personal conceriage? Anything special we wanted, he would arrange. So ....a dozen roses and a bottle of champagne. 
First thing we noticed, when we pulled up to the hotel (impression ... absolutely beautiful), there was a small army of well dressed, very polite gentlemen who handled our luggage. They refused the tip I offered ... wow. We were somewhat early, so they stored our luggage for us. The lobby was austere but tasteful, and there was a lounge area that was somewhat warmer looking with a open fireplace, all decked out for christmas. The front desk took my cell phone number, and said they would call when our room was ready.
We wondered around Chicago for a few hours, and we got the call about our room at 1 ... earlier than I expected. When we got to our room, our luggae was waiting for us ...plus the roses and champagne. Took my wifes breath away. The room itself had a fully stocked bar with snacks, a living area with a fireplace and flat-screen TV, huge bedroom with a great view of the city, and an enormous bathroom with a marble bath tub, big stand up shower, two sinks, and a seperate and enclosed toilet. The room was decorated in the same modern-austere as the lobby we both quite liked. Nice warm fluffy robes come with the room.
We were there for three nights ....enjoyed every minute of it. The staff were friendly and helpful, and the hotel runs like a well oiled machine. We had room service a few times, which was prompt and the food was very good. We had tower of sea food one night ... cold lobster and shrimp plus raw oysters and clams in a four high serving platter full of ice. Yum. We had breakfast there one morning, and the food and service was great. There is a very comfortable bar as well.
Location wise, the hotel is near innumerable bars, restaurants , shops ...you name it. 
Downside? Well .... this place is not for the economically minded. It is expensive. (You can save some money, however, by paying the full amout of your stay up front. You save about 10%.) That being said, I don't mind paying what I paid for the fabulous time we had. Also, the restaurant and room service tack on an 18% gratuity automatically. This annoys me in most places, but the service was so good I would probably ther, have paid that anyway.
All in all, my wife had the best birthday ever, so thanks to Roman and the wonderful staff at the Waldorf for a truly memorable time. We will be back.