I'm going on a business trip and have been booked in the Chicago Hilton Garden Inn. This is a new hotel to me--any feedback! I have stayed in many different downtown Chicago hotels, so I do know the area. How's the Hilton Garden Inn shape up for quality of rooms, service, etc.? Any fitness facilities? A coffee bar (Starbucks, for example) in or near the building?
Thanks!
BTilke

Where is that? Is that the one on South Michigan. In my opinion, you're a little far away from the shopping and restaurants in the near north. It is closer to the museums and a bit more peaceful. Rooms are so-so from what I heard, kind of old. I'm guessing most people would want to stay farther north by water tower. Get good rates at hotrooms.com.

The Hilton Gardens is on Grand and State. It's a new hotel -- maybe 2 years old. I've only been in the meeting rooms, which are meeting rooms.

Weber Grill restaurant is downstairs if you want a $12 burger. Hope you like the smell of grilled meat.

There's a Starbucks on State and Ontario (1 block North) and a coffee shop in the North Bridge mall across the street. There's also a Starbucks on Michigan Ave. right near the entrance to North Bridge.

You can barely spit without hitting a Starbucks anymore.

There's a Gorilla Sports right there, they might have guest privledges. Also Lakeshore Athletic Club and Crunch Fitness nearby.

HTH,
Racy

The Hilton Garden is in a great location but it is your basic business hotel. Racy mentioned Weber Grill but there are many good restaurants in the area. There is also a PF Changs in the same building as the Hilton Garden. Within a few blocks there is Heaven on Seven, Big Bowl, California Pizza Kitchen, Spago, Maggianos, Frontera Grill, Vong, and many others. If you need to get out for a quick lunch during your meeting you can go to Nordstroms' Cafe or the food court on the 4th floor. They also just opened a Jewel across State Street from the hotel.

Thanks for the info. I'll be down at McCormick Place most of the day, so when I get back to the hotel, I want a clean room, comfortable bed, and someplace nearby to get a quick bite (although I may order a club sandwich from room service a couple of times--I live in Europe and miss having a good club sandwich from time to time). How close is the hotel to the El? Also, where's the Big Bowl? I've usually gone to the Big Bowl up near Oak Street. Any good sushi bars nearby? Sports bars are very low on my activities list, as is the nightlife. I'd rather eat early, then retreat to my room, watch the latest episodes of favorite U.S. tv shows I can't get in Europe, then catch a good night's sleep.
Thanks.
BTilke

The El is right outside the door (don't worry, it's underground). You won't want to try to take it to McCormack Place, though -- trust me on that one. Stick with the shuttle or a cab.

There's a "new" Big Bowl around the corner on Ohio and Wabash(?) maybe. Not a great sushi place within walking that I can think of, except for the pre-packaged at the previously mentioned Jewel or in the Nordie's food court. Otherwise, try Tsunami up near Division and State. Or grab a cab to Sushi Wabi on Randolph.

HTH,
Racy

Just curious - like to test my detective powers...Are you Dutch (based on name..)Hope you enjoy Chicago!

Nope, I'm Pennsylvania Dutch (German), i.e, American. But my husband's family is "real" German (we're in Germany right now). But we did just spend two weeks in the Netherlands;-)
BTilke

Thanks, all. Yes, I will enjoy Chicago. It's my favorite of the really big cities (we consider Portland [OR] home, but it's not a big, big city). I've been going to this convention in Chicago every year for 14 years but usually stay closer to the upper end of Mich. Avenue (the Doubletree, for example).

btilke
I'm just curious as to why you didn't choose the Hyatt At McCormick's Place?

Oh, that was sold out months ago. This is a huge convention. I have stayed there before and liked it very much--nice rooms, so easy to pop down to McCormick or back up to my room during the day and then cabbing it up to Mich Ave. at night. You have to take the room the convention service assigns you. I'm on the waiting list for another hotel, but it's most likely I'll remain at the Hilton Garden Inn.

Hi Btilke, as a fellow coffee lover I thought you should might want to know that most of the Starbucks in the Loop seem to close early (6 pm) I found the Starbucks near the bridge on North Michigan stayed open until about 9, and one father up Michigan was open unitl 10 or 11. Enjoy your trip!