Chicago Hotels

Guidebooks

Essex Inn

At a Glance

    Pros

  • good value
  • pool complete with a lifeguard

    Cons

  • rooms can be drafty during winter months
  • staff can be slow to address complaints

Fodor's Finds Hotels

Book Now

Essex Inn Review

Don't judge this hotel on appearance alone: the nondescript, plain-brick tower containing small, boxlike guest rooms is actually one of the city's most accessible and family-friendly. Along with being a five-minute walk from the Museum Campus, it offers package deals with popular attractions such as the Shedd Aquarium, Art Institute, Field Museum, and Willis (Sears) Tower. That said, you might not want to leave the hotel; its huge fourth-floor pool is open year-round (note to anxious parents: a lifeguard is always on duty) and is surrounded by sliding-glass doors that open to views of Grant Park and Lake Michigan.

    Contact Information

  • Address: 800 S. Michigan Ave., South Loop, Chicago, IL, 60605 | Map It
  • Phone: 312/939--2800; 800/621--6909
  • Website: www.essexinn.com
  • Location: South Loop

    Hotel Amenities

  • 254 rooms.
  • Restaurant, pool, gym, business center, parking.
  • Rooms have: a/c, Wi-Fi.
  • Rate includes no meals.
  • Credit cards accepted.

Member Reviews

  • Retired_teacher, from Chicago NW suburbs
    6/10/08

    Great area with some rooms overlooking Grant Park, the Museum Campus, and Lake Michigan. Another plus is that the Essex is within walking distance of all of the above attractions. The rooms themselves, however, are rather dated. Had a hard time opening the aging drapes so that we could view the city lights at night. We also found the bathroom to be rather small with old & tired fixtures. But for location, location on a budget the Essex will serve you well.

    Ratings details: Room: 2 | Atmosphere: 3 | Service: 2 | Value: 3
Add your own review

· Browse Chicago hotels

By Price:

By Location

Travel Deals in Chicago

· Forums Trip Reports

View more trip reports

·, , ,

View more travel discussions

· Travel Blog

View more blog stories