We are visiting friends who live/work downtown, and are looking forward to going to the museums, especially the Art Institute. Stayed at the Burnham last time and found it a bit small.

Anyone stayed at either of the two W Hotels in Chicago? Looking for feedback on rooms, location, etc. Any info. appreciated.

The lakeshore one is more flash than substance -- it used to be a Days Inn. Also, if it's cold out, it can be a walk from Michigan Ave, etc. We experienced climate control problems in the room -- AC didn't kick on until you were bathed in a pool of sweat. For the price, I think you can do better.

Oh -- and just getting to the elevator can be a chore on a Friday/Saturday night (make sure you show your room key). I really felt it was overrated.

The one in the loop has some small rooms, too, although I haven't stayed there. I do remember my friends asking to change rooms. And it's in the middle of the financial district, so on weekends the area will be d.e.a.d.

No Starbucks, no nuttin.'

HTH,
Racy

We go to chicago often and have found a number of hotels that are nice right near michigan ave. One of the best ideas is to go into www.hotrooms.com for some of the best rates available. We enjoy the executive inn on wacker. Only a block from michigan ave and right on the river.

Haven't stayed at either W in Chicago...but if you're looking for an upbeat hotel that's close to the loop area--I thought the Loews House of Blues hotel was nice. The rooms are bigger than the Burnham--with similar decorating. Live music in the lounge and just a short walk across the river to get to the loop.

Jen: Also check out the Swissotel - we booked there and for an additional $20.00 we were able to upgrade to a corner room that had FABULOUS views of the city! (Booked thru hotrooms.com)

I have stayed a couple of times at the W lakeshore. The lobby and the lobby bar are quite nice, and service is prompt and friendly. The rooms are very weird, because they try to fit the usual huge W bed in rooms two sizes too small. I didn't have any problems at all. It is a long walk to Michigan Av, so in cold weather that might be a pain.

The Loews (house of blues) is better, location wise.

Jen: If you're coming to Chicago before March, also check out the city's winter web-site offering discounted hotels at www.877chicago.com - compare those prices to either hotrooms or quikbook

Hi, I agree with Pat, stay at the Swissotel. Was their in July and again in Dec. Both times I asked for the Corner room and it was outstanding. Service was excellent. At christmas time they had too many people checking out in the morning, so they notified everyone that you could have a 3pm late check out. That worked well with Christmas shopping. I will be back soon. Kris