Chicago: Trump hotel or Sofitel?
 

DH will will traveling to Chicago on business for 2-3 days the end of July and I may join him (a rarity!). We have found very good deals (for what they are) at the Sofitel Water Tower and the new Trump hotel. We have stayed at the Monaco and the Swissotel in past visits, and enjoyed them both, but thought variety would be nice and they both sound great! Which would you recommend....and why? Thanks!

Can't say I stayed at either place but FYI, Trump Tower (and hotel) are still a Work Zone. Work continues on the upper floors while the hotel and restaurant are open.
That means serious scaffolding and high rise cranes on the building.

<i>That means serious scaffolding </i>

not really...

here is a picture taken on 6/11/08

http://outdoors.webshots.com/photo/2...00614917FcfHVo

plus, I believe the hotel is running a special, pay for 2 nights, stay 3.

Well at least the cranes are still there!

Construction doesn't look too bad...probably why they are running the specials! Aside from hearing from Fodorites who may have stayed at one or the other (or both!), can you tell me what is in the immediate area around the Trump? While DH is conducting his business, I know what's close to the Sofitel for me to do, but what's right around Trump? Casual places for a single gal for breakfast or lunch? Shopping close by? I'm sure I'll head up Michigan Ave. one day (I'm really more of a sight-seer and window shopper than a serious shopper), but what's in my backyard at the Trump? I've wandered Chicago a few times with friends, kids, etc., but not on my own!

The Trump Hotel is walking distance to upper Michigan Ave. There are many lunch places all around. You're about a mile from the Water Tower Place. The expensive boutique shops are just couple of blocks away.

I've stayed at the Trump Hotel. At that time I experienced some service snafus but I attributed that to the fact that the place just opened. I have also experienced that when staying at the Wynn in Las Vegas after it opened. Growing pains....
The rooms, views are wonderful and I'm sure service is improving daily.

I have never stayed at the Sofitel, so can't help you there.

I stayed at the Sofitel and it was wonderful--small rooms but really lovely with luxurious bedding. Great location.

My next door neighbor's son owns a hotel suite at the Trump. They visited a couple weeks ago and said it was really fabulous. The views one way look out over the river and the other way look out toward the lake. It also has a great location-
right on the river by Michigan Ave. The Corner Bakery is right across the street for breakfast and there are restaurants everywhere.

I now only do Priceline for hotels in Chicago (if I don't stay at my daughter's)--4 star Loop or Michigan Ave. hotels are all very nice. Don't think the Trump or Sofitel will come up on Priceline though.

Does anyone know if the construction still causes noise issues in the hotel rooms at the Trump?

I'm probably telling you something you already know, grtgrl, but just in case you didn't and it helps you get your bearings...The Trump Tower is where the old Sun-Times Bldg was. If you're familiar with that from your past trips, that should give you some idea of what's in the area.

Getting good info here (thanks!!!) , but does anyone know if the construction still causes noise issues in the hotel rooms at the Trump?

Not when I was there, and the construction then was at a much lower level then the pic link I posted showed. And since the pic was taken on 6/11 I'm just guessing but they must be almost done by now.

Anyone else have any recent info to share regarding either of these hotels?????
Again, thanks to those of you have added your thoughts here. I do appreciate it!