An Absolute Gem in Chicago! Would stay here any time
We LOVED staying at the Talbott last week! This place really is a FIND. Since it's not a huge hotel, it doesn't have mobs of people and you can get very personal service, never have to wait too long for an elevator and have a quieter noise level. Kind of like staying in a private club.
The rooms were wonderful, especially for the price (our was $209 per night for a double-queen size bed room + 16% hotel tax). For this upscale Chicago neighborhood, this is a bargain. The hotel is "veddy English" looking (my husband said it has "Hunt Club" décor), just the right size hotel with phenomenal service. Everyone was super friendly and helpful. Doormen who greeted us by name every time we came back to the hotel. . Front desk staff and concierge ready to help with everything and anything. Room was 425 square feet (bigger than many, much pricier in the area). We were around the corner, literally, from the Sofitel and Waldorf Astoria, which were sleek and very pricey...and also jammed with people, being much bigger properties. Our room was on the top floor, so we had nobody above us and the halls were very quiet. Not a trendy place, so no late-night revelers! And between State and Rush, so a great location. Our room did not hav a view, but we did not care:it was QUIET, except for occasional sirens you will hear in any big city. Another nice thing was the AC/heat: it cooled down and heated up VERY quickly and easily, and once you hit "off", there was no ongoing fan. They're even on a green program of some sort, but we didn't understand quite how that worked. You probably would.
Bathroom was big enough, not huge but just fine. Double sink, robes (fine for me, but not big enough for my husband, who's not a huge guy, so you might want to bring your own robe if you're a man,) The heater that came from under the sink was a welcome surprise, and although we were next to an elevator (room 1610) we never heard the machinery and were never disturbed by hall noise. The black-out curtains are a huge plus. And it was very quiet and peaceful, just what we wanted for a very full week. My only complaint of the entire time is how quirky the television was! Giovanny came up twice and patiently made it work again, but we still seemed to have trouble. (we’re far from Techies, but have never had that much trouble with a TV in a hotel. Not that big a deal.). Also, the carpet could be more plush, but those are about our only complaints.
Everyone, from maids to concierge was helpful and friendly. They aim to make an impression...and they DO. Everyone truly made us feel at home. Concierge Kathy McClanathan, in particular, went above and beyond in helpfulness and service. She is an absolute treasure and I always felt comfortable calling upon her. Concierge Tim B. was wonderful as well, arranging for an excellent car service (Golden Limousine) to get us at the airport, recommending restaurants, and we were extremely pleased all around. Both of them made us feel we could ask for anything at any time, and when you travel, that’s what you need! Very kind and competent and welcoming.
We also have HIGH praise for bell-staff and doormen Andrew, Darrin, Dwayne and Charles, in whose capable hands we always felt well taken care. From solving daily problems to commanding cabs for us, and welcoming us back by name after our long days, they were always cheerful and warm (and strong! Oh my, we had bags). These guys were like your new best friends and made us feel they really cared about us and wanted to help in every way they could. Just amazing and they worked SO hard. (Tips for these guys are well deserved!!) At the front desk, Lani, Jessica and Cameron were especially terrific. I admired their ability to juggle many tasks and people and phones all at once. The whole staff is fantastic!
I would absolutely stay here again. We will highly recommend The Talbott! THrilled that the other TA reviews gave us the urging to try it.