Best place in Chicago to stay, couples or families
Disclosure: I've never NOT stayed at the Silversmith on a trip to Chicago. However, over the Easter weekend my wife and i decided to take the kids to Chicago for a long weekend...and i made the mistake of making a reservation at a new hostel that opening this year. It was considerably cheaper (meh) but the main attraction was having all five of us in a private room with private bath. Yeah, forced family togetherness was the plan-o! 
The other facility had neither a private room nor private bath (despite a security deposit and multiple email confirmations beforehand) and my family was high and dry 300 miles from home. Not wanting to have the trip spoiled i dialed the Silversmith with the hope that they would have two rooms available at remotely moderate rates due to the last minute booking. I've dealt with Shannon at the hotel several times and i was fortunate enough to get ahold of her one hour before the end of her shift. She confirmed there was still a few rooms left and wound up hooking us up with adjoining suites. She's truly a special person. Our trip was saved and my wife was not forced to share a bathroom with me and the three teenagers. WINNER! 
I was happy to learn they have fruit infused water down in the lobby, what a nice touch. the kids made sure to walk up from the street level to the lobby to get a glass before hitting the elevator to our room. every time. 
The rooms were tremendous and housekeeping was phenomenal too. I've booked several rooms for an adult couples trip in August. I will NEVER book a room anywhere else on my annual trips to chicago. 
Thank you, Silversmith. You are the best!!!