I see a 2007 thread that is glowing about the Lakefront ES. Anyone have any thoughts about how it compares to the Downtown ES. Downtown is approx 3 blocks W of Michigan, and Lakefront is approx. 3 blocks E of Michigan. Lakefront is closer to Navy Pier, but DT is maybe closer to restaurants and ESPN zone. Thanks for your thoughts.

Downtown is closer to more public transit options (especially the Red Line subway), if you're planning to leave the Mag Mile area. Lakefront is closer to Navy Pier.

We stayed at the downtown ES during spring break this year. Very convenient, and we did a lot of walking to dinner and Mag Mile locations. There is a market on the corner to stock your mini fridge. Starbucks next door.

Topping my old thread, because we are looking at going back. Last time (2 years ago) we stayed at Downtown (not Lakefront) and were perfectly pleased with it. But for the days we are looking at Downtown is $70ish more per night than Lakefront! Understandably, we are looking at Lakefront. Any fresh thoughts/experiences. thx.

I think the lakefront ES is in a better area, close to lakefront and river walkways, Michigan Avenue, good bus transportation.

Thnks, Happy Trvlr. The price pretty much makes the decision for us, unless there is a real discrepancy between the hotel levels.

Good restaurants nearby lakefront Embassy Suites are: on E. Ohio Emilio's Tapas, Dao Thai,and a block towards the lake from ES, Fox & Obel gourmet grocer at 401 E. Illinois has a very good cafe, offers many prepared meals to go, and a restaurant open evenings.
Around the corner in same building a s ES, Niu Japanese Fusion on E. Illinois, and PJ Clarke's to the south of the ES entry, on the Ccorner of Illinois.

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I LOVE that store!!!!

The brown bag dinners are a great way to go.

Excellent info. thanks!

Returned from the stay at Lakefront the week of Thanksgiving. I think we liked this hotel better than than State street facility. It seemed more modern, etc. We didn't get to the Fox and Obel, but the Dominick's across the street was excellent for groceries.

That said, I would suggest that the location of the State street facility is just slightly better (not necessarily the facility itself, just location). Not sure if that is enough to make it a better hotel, though. In short, I don't think you can go wrong at either location. (Caveat: Our stay at State street was 2 years ago).

You won't be disappointed either way

Glad it worked out for you. I differ with your opinion on location as Streeterville(east of Michigan Ave) is a nicer area that River North ( west of Michigan avenue.)