Would you recommend staying at the Whitehall or the Omni? Which would have the best rooms?

Do you mean the Omni Chicago or the Omni Ambassador East? The former is a newer hotel on the corner of Michgan and (I think) Superior. Larger than the Whitehall, which is on a small street further north and west of Michigan. Omni Chicago rooms are sort of dark, but both hotels are well located. Omni Ambassador East is a vintage property on the near north side, not as well located for shopping.

I don't know about the Omni, but I just stayed at the Whitehall this weekend. The positive of the Whitehall is the location. It is about 1/2 block from Watertower and all the shopping on Michigan Avenue. However, we had some problems with the service. They confirmed we had a non-smoking room and gave us the room key, but when we got to the room it was a smoking room. We had to switch rooms 2 more times before it got worked out. Also, our room was fairly loud as we could easily hear our neighbors. All-in-all, the Whitehall was good for its location, but that was about it.

I've stayed at the Omni Chicago and would certainly go back again. Very nice rooms, good service, good restaraunt, excellent location just off Michigan Ave.

I had the opposite experience at the Whitehall. The location was great and the service was wonderful. Staff went above and beyond to help us with whatever we needed. Our room was spacious and we had no problems with noise. The hotel is charming and elegant. We plan to stay there again the next time we go to Chicago. BTW- I used www.quikbook.com to get a great room rate. They also have rates available for Omni Ambass. East.

Have you considered the SwissHotel?? We stayed in a corner room and it was unbelievable. View of city and lake. Marble bathrooms. Watched the fireworks from our room.