I'd heard a lot of good things about this hotel, and was able to get a $69 rate for next March, so booked it for one night (no refund for just 1 night).

Then, I looked at the rants and raves sections on this site, which describe it as filthy, wallpaper coming down, etc:
http://www.fodors.com/rants/rrread.c...ntity_id=46526

I'm not sure what to do now. Maybe I should just write off my money and book somewhere else. I'm a bit depressed by this!

Doug

I don't know. I stayed there a couple of years ago and it was nice. A great location too. Fodors even gave it a
reccomended asterik in the list of Chicago Hotels. I believe its owned by a chain known for high quality luxury
places. I was surprised to see the complaints about it.

I stayed at the Raphael with my family jut two weeks ago. Our room was very clean, spacious and in good repair although the furnishings are dated. This was my second stay there this year. My room on this earlier stay was a suite. Again, very clean and in great shape, although green shag carpeting is not my style. Why stay there? Location, location, location. The location is excellent and the prices I obtained were 1/2 to 1/3 of what I would have paid at any of the nearby hotels. The staff was pleasant and helpful too.