Has anyone stayed at University Center Guest Suites in Chicago?
 

Has anyone stayed at University Center Guest Suites in Chicago? It is located at 525 South State Street. Please comment on the cleanliness/quality of the suite. We are looking to stay for a quick weekend visit to help move in a college student for a summer internship. Thank you in advance for any insight.

Hi, gagne.
Can't speak to the actual rooms themselves... maybe a review on tripadvisor.com?
But I like the building quite a bit as I visit the Harold Washington Library on my lunch hour 2-3 times/week and have lunch at the Panera Cafe in that building. It is not on the "main drags" for tourists -- but it is not an uncomfortable block to wander about as there's lots of college kids from Columbia, Robert Morris and Roosevelt in the area.

ChgoGal: Thank you for your feedback. I appreciate it. I can not seem to find a review on the actual room anywhere!

hmm... yeah, sorry about that. But the building is fairly newish (maybe 3-5 years old), and the neighborhood is fine. However, lots of hotels to choose from... is the rate really good? Location shouldn't confine you--Chicago is easy enough to get around. If your child is moving into a dorm and you wish to be nearby, let us know. Maybe we can provide some advice.

ChgoGal: my son will be spending the summer at University Center which working at an internship near by. We want to sleep over Friday and Saturday night to help him get settled/buy groceries etc. I was planning to stay at the Hampton Inn Majestic Chicago at 22 Monroe. I noticed that University Center has guest suites. The cost is $145 versus $300 per night for the weekend we need in June. I was wondering if anyone stayed there because there seem to be no reviews. Do you have a better suggestion than the Majestic that is near by if I choose the hotel route? Thank you for all of your help.

Opps! Sorry about the typos. It is hard to type on a phone!

Hi, gagne.

At that rate ($145 vs. $300) there would be no contest for me. I'd definitely stay where your son will be. Especially one you add in all the crazy taxes and parking -- so expensive for two nights.

There are other hotels, of course, just directly south on State or nearby on S. Michigan Avenue - The Palmer House, The Congress (definitely do not stay at the Congress), etc., but the better-reviewed hotels are a bit more north near STate X WAcker or north of the river, and, in June, would be at that $300 price point. Honestly, the University Center building looks really quite nice and would be most convenient for you all. The next time I head to the Library this week, I'll pop into the lobby and give it a look-see to report back.

Your son should have a great summer in that location. So many colleges right there, that shopping and food options are all geared for cash-strapped kids. (Urban Outfitters, Akira Shoes, Nordstrom outlet, H&M, etc.)

The Target on State Street will be very convenient for him to buy groceries every few days. Also, the CVS drug store is right across the street, too. But if you're driving and helping him buy heavier groceries, there's a JEwel/Osco at 1224 S. Wabash with parking. This is the nearest Jewel to him (under a mile) but I find the walk a bit dreary as there's not much to look at and it may not feel great to walk around after dark. I'd recommend he shop at the Target on STate Street or bus/train north to the Jewel/Osco at 550 N State St. Much brighter, livelier options for a young man.

He's also right above a 7-Eleven, and an Epic Burger, and mentioned before, a nice Panera Cafe. If he likes CUban pressend sandwiches, there's Cafecito and for Thai, MyThai in the Depaul Student Center is a very popular choice. Also in the Depaul STudent Center is a Barnes and Noble-- one of the last bookstores in the city.

http://epicburger.com/
http://mythaichicago.com/
http://www.cafecitochicago.com/

He should have a great time in Chicago. Good luck with the move! Post if you have any other questions... Oh. And I'll take a look into the lobby... if I have time, maybe they'll show me a room.

So! I did go to the library on my lunch hour and popped in to the University Center. The ladies at the security desk were very nice - I didn't ask to see a room as this was very evident a college dorm. Initial impression: the lobby was large and bright; a lively, bustling college dorm lobby. The young kids going in all to the elevator banks had to swipe their badges and when they did, a large pic of their face came up on the security desk monitors, plus the kids all got a green light to enter if they "cleared."

The ladies at security told me the building was eight years old. Looks new and well-maintained. My only concern would be having noisy college kids in the hall on a weekend, but then, it's only for two nights. Too bad there's no reviews online, but the brochure for the rooms look very comfortable. I wish I had such a nice dorm when I was in school. Your son is certainly fortunate to have that location and that suite.

However, I did see a Wyndham Hotel two blocks directly west if you would rather stay at a hotel. A very easy walk. Lots of little restaurants. Very comfortable area.

http://www.wyndham.com/hotels/illino...hotel-overview

Assume you've seen the pics on the website...? But here's the link:
http://www.universitycenterconference.com/

ChgoGal: You are so incredibly kind!!!! Thank you so much for all of the information and ideas. I was hesitant about the whole situation without having a real live person tell me that the building was ok. The internship company HR department recommends that facility but I have not seen it in person or even that area of the city in person. I am very excited that it will be great for my son but also a much cheaper and easier option for us. It is just two nights and we are not there to be tourists so it will be fine now that I heard your report. I have been visiting these Fodor's forums for over ten years. We lived abroad for three years and I planned every single trip with the help of wonderful people like you. Thank you again for going above and beyond. Now, to check if they indeed still have space for the two weekends that I need to book.

Oh gosh! What nice words. You're very welcome. I'm on that block often and it was the work of a minute. Truth to tell, I never knew there was a dormitory there -- I would hit the Panera on the north corner for lunch and never bothered to look and see what was south of there.

Hope they have availability! The Printers Row Book Fair is in June and is centered about a block west... so hopefully won't block too many hotel rooms.

It turns out that there are only two guest suites in the building. Luckily, the weekend that I need was available! It is a huge savings and much more convenient. Thank you again for checking out the building and for all of the great info.