Westin Michigan Avenue OR Talbott Hotel
 

I have two hotel choices for a first time holiday for shopping/sightseeing in Chicago. Westin Michigan Avenue at $129/night or Talbott Hotel $25 cheaper. Any advice on which one I should book? <BR>Going in March and wondering if the Talbott close enough to walk back safely in the evening? -Compared to the Westin right on Michigan Avenue. <BR>Have heard only mediocre things about the Westin-also that it is only a 3 diamond hotel,unlike the Westin River North. Talbott also includes continental breakfast in their rate. <BR> <BR> <BR> <BR>

The Talbott is in a safe area just off Michigan Ave. You would have no troubles there. More info can be found at: <BR> <BR>http://www.talbotthotel.com/map.html <BR> <BR>However, if you can get the Westin for 129 that is a real bargain in Chicago and that would be my choice as you are right on Michigan Ave at Water Tower Place in the heart of all the shopping etc. Go for the Westin. More info at: <BR>http://www.visitingcities.com/chicag...tels/h_15.html

This is not helpful to you, but I was wondering where you've found your $104/nt. rate for the Talbott hotel? Considering staying there as well. <BR> <BR>Thanks!

We stayed at the Talbott a few months ago. It is a smaller, European-style hotel with a very personal feel. It's the type of place where they get to know you by name. They don't have a pool or other amenities though if that's important to you. Our room was oddly shaped as is common in such lodgings, but roomy and very comfortable. A small lobby with fireplace and cushy sofas, with a very nice bar/cafe just off the lobby where the continental breakfast is served. In warm weather, they put tables outside. <BR> <BR>It is extremely well-located, barely 2 blocks off Michigan, and safe and short walk to stores on Michigan Ave as well as restaurants, etc., on Rush and other areas west of Michigan. You're about 20 minutes walk from the Loop there, but likely you'd do most your shopping on North Michigan (Watertower Place, etc.). I'd happily stay there again. By the way, the rates you got for both are very good. <BR> <BR>In sum, if you want a smaller place, stay at Talbott. If you like a larger, more impersonal experience (some do), stay at Westin. They do, afterall, have the "heavenly bed" which is, dare I say it?... Heavenly! and well worth the price. Have a great time--Chicago is a wonderful city! <BR>

definitely the Talbott!! wonderful place and great location! please post how you got that price at the Talbott!!

I've stayed at both, and really liked both. The Westin is closer to shopping, the Talbott is convenient to the subway line. <BR> <BR>Have no idea why the Westin Michigan is lower-rated than River North; they are very comparable IMO; might be because the RN building is newer. BTW, the Westin Michigan has really large marble bathrooms, if that's important to you. <BR> <BR>For everyone looking for great rates: I've paid under $100 (not counting the taxes, of course) at both of these places, and comparable others in Chicago. The secret to great room rates in Downtown Chicago is a service called HotRooms. They have a website, named just what you would expect. <BR>

Thanks everyone. Got the rates from a UK travel agent....sorry, it's not so useful if you are in the States... <BR>Actually, Hotrooms.com has almost identical rates (Illinois hotels only).There are some really good Chicago hotel deals. It was the cheapest website that I found. Definitely worth a look! <BR>By the way is the Doubletree Guest Suites any good? Can get it for $129 and ,as we're Hilton Gold Honors members, wondering if they have an executive floor?

The Doubletree HAS an executive floor and the rooms are BIG. Highly recommended.