Executes everything well, one of my favourite hotels ever
I am not generally a fan of high-end hotels and I was all ready to hate the JW. I generally feel that value for money just isn't there and prefer to stay in Courtyard-level hotels. The JW Chicago proved me wrong.
This hotel just executes well in all of the details that I personally value.
The room - nice high ceilings give the feeling of space, tastefully decorated but not over the top in any way. Comfortable bed, lovely bathroom, great shower. The air conditioning (one of my pet peeves in a hotel) covers the spectrum of needs from silent to good solid white noise when the fan is set to high. Plugs everywhere I needed them. Nice flatscreen TV with high definition content.
Internet - A common failing of the larger hotels is internet, not so with the JW Chicago. Internet was solid and fast, allowing me to join in a meeting back at the office via video conference.
Lobby - Staff available just to help, fast and friendly check-in, and helpful concierge.
Lobby bar - nice selection of local beers on tap, lots of activity, good service including a friendly lounge attendant who was just there to make sure everything was going well for customers.
Meetings - I was here for a small conference, and even there they executed above and beyond. Staff were always checking in to see if we needed anything, requests were handled quickly, even the security head came to say hello and let me know what to do if there was an emergency.
Marble lobbies and wood-panelled elevators aren't usually my thing. But the JW was so much more, and is the model for what a downtown business hotel should be. A new bar has been set for me, I feel sorry for the next hotel that I stay at because they will never match up.