Pleasant Surprise
Recalled this property fondly from "the good old days", but was aware that it had fallen on hard times before Marriott got involved. It has been updated to Marriott second tier status, which is really quite serviceable. Staff are uniformly courteous and anxious to help. 
Was in town for convention next door at the Hilton Chicago. Friends staying there were uniformly negative about their experience, but that might reflect the general difference in size and ambiance. 
The location is out of the way unless proximitity to Grant Park is an issue - it's right across the street. Our meeting had originally been booked at the Hyatt Regency, but on-going labor strive dictated that we move (and our contract had retained the right, should the hotel workers contract not have been resolved in time).