My husband and I are trying to decide between the Tremont or the Knickerbocker.....thanks so much for any advice offered!

It's been a couple years since I've been at the Knickerbocker, and when I was there, they were beginning some renovations. However, it's overpriced for what it is. The rooms are extremely small, and the hotel is quite staid. Due to the location (just off Michigan Ave.), it's pricey. I haven't tried the Tremont, though I've heard it's nice.

I stayed at the Knickerbocker a few years ago. I recall it being pretty run down but acceptable, and the location was good. If they're renovating, it may be better now, but I agree with the other post that it was kinda pricey for what it was. The Fremont is also an older property, but is supposed to be decent.

If you like the smaller places, and don't care about a pool or other recreational facilities, I recommend the Talbott. We stayed there last spring, and it was wonderful. Relatively small, charming, "european-style" place, with a nice bar/cafe off the lobby. Room was a little oddly shaped, as they often are in the older hotels, but it was spacious, clean, and quite comfortable. Staff was very friendly, and they call you by name almost immediately. Very nice service, and I'd happily stay there again. I think it's right across the street from the Fremont, all about 2 blocks from Watertower/Michigan Ave. Excellent location. have a great time. Chicago is wonderful.

The knickerbocker is very over priced and there are nicer hotels in the area that will suit your needs. My favorite hotel (been to chicago 8 times) is in the same place that the ESPN sports center is in. I can't remember the name of the hotel, but it was small and had a kitchenette and living room and an extra room for very reasonable rates. I bet if you called the ESPN Sports center they could give you the name. It was 1 block off of Michigan and was very safe walking at night.

We lived in that neighborhood for years. You might try the Seneca and/or the Raphael and/or the Whitehall. Agree with comments re Knickerbocker; you can do better.

Not the Nickerbocker...better the Tremont...I am a Chicago lover and have stayed at many hotels..for the money look at the Fairmont Hotel..very nice and you can usually get good weekend rates.

My husband won a three day trip to Chicago a few weeks ago. We stayed at the Willows Hotel on Surf Street. It was a pretty little hotel on a residential street. The small lobby was charming with coffee, tea and cookies and fruit served all day. The room was pretty, the pillows fluffy, and lots of soaps, shampoos and lotions supplied. The room also had two terry robes in the armoire and a hair dryer.
Continental breakfast was served in the lobby.

The staff were extremely friendly and helpful. The hotel is one block from Lincoln Park and about 15 minutes away from the Magnificent Mile. The location was very convenient for getting around.