- Restaurants |
- Nightlife |
- Shopping |
- Movies |
- All
Hilton Chicago
Categories: Restaurants Event Planning & Services Hotels Hotels & Travel Hotels Event Planning & Services Venues & Event Spaces Restaurants, Hotels, Venues & Event Spaces [Edit]
722 S Michigan Ave(between Balbo Ave & 8th St)
Chicago, IL 60605
Neighbourhood: South Loop
(312) 922-4400
- Nearest Transit:
-
Harrison (Red Line)
Harold Washington Library (Brown Line, Orange Line, Pink Line, Purple Line)
Roosevelt (elevated) (Green Line, Orange Line)
- Price Range:
-
$$$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Takes Reservations:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- No
- Wi-Fi:
- Paid
About This Business:
Wrigley View Rooftop is an experience of a lifetime, offering an ambiance you won't find anywhere else, great food and drink, exceptional service your… read more »
163 reviews for Hilton Chicago
Review Highlights
-
"The rooms are very comfortable and cozy." In 6 reviews -
"...encourage everyone to try Kitty O'Shea's if you have the..." In 5 reviews -
"I have never stayed at the hotel, but have been to a few..." In 6 reviews
Loading...
163 reviews in English
-
Review from Josh B.
Minneapolis, MN
5/16/2012 1 Check-in Here
Got our room here from HotWire as one of those "surprise" choices where you don't know what you're getting - and it paid off. Stayed here for our first visit to Chicago.
Room was great (16th floor). Staff was friendly. The level of decadence doesn't quite equal something like the Paris hotel in Vegas, but it was solidly elegant and comfortable.
Great location for what we wanted to do (to tour the loop and museums basically). Easy train access about two blocks away. We walked most places. Major plus being right across the street from Millenium Park.
The only negative I can think of was parking. The night we got there the self-parking lot filled up so we had to valet park (which was expensive imo, $57/night). I know parking is just plain expensive in the loop, but $57 seemed extreme to me.
The skinny? I'd stay here again provided I got a good rate again. -
Review from Miguel R.
5/5/2012 1 Check-in Here
Talk about Historic. Just taking the elevator to my room, the tv screen is spitting out all these facts about the hotel.... Quite impressive.
I walk into my room (which has a double bed), and its the size of a small apartment. The receptionist told me that some of the double bed rooms are twice the size of king sized beds - and although I like King beds.... This was nice.
The new renovations have added some new technology to the room - and this computer which is all "High Tech"... is annoying as hell.
First off - the internet is NOT free. They don't tell you the price, but a small warning comes up saying very sneakily that you agree that all charges can be placed on your room....
You can clearly tell that this software is just another ad revenue for the hotel since most of the "recommended" places to visit also happen to advertise on it.... Hmmmmm interesting.
The parking situation is stupid expensive!! I understand you are in Chicago, and it's a freaking commodity, but $50 per night!!! I was there for a week!!!!
Great room, nice views, friendly staff..... TOO expensive! -
Review from Betsy P.
Minneapolis, MN
3/16/2012
Gorgeous public spaces! The history of the building was fascinating.
My room was on a recently renovated floor, and everything looked brand new - except the bathroom door which apparently hadn't been repainted since the '80s.
It's a pet peeve of mine that when you're staying at a nice hotel and the TP in the bathroom is the cheapest, lowest possible quality. For almost $200/night, you'd think they can afford Charmin.
Anxiously awaiting the day upscale hotels enter the 21st century and offer free wi-fi and simple printing options. -
Review from Nicole L.
Chino Hills, CA
5/22/2012 10 Check-ins Here
close to everything...service is nice, will come back again.
-
Review from Beth B.
Dallas, TX
3/12/2012
Old school but great. Or should I say old school and great. Had the privilege of staying here for four nights for a conference. I come to Chicago a lot but have never stayed here.
Love the history of the place. In the elevator, the small screen has a rolling quiz about the history of the hotel. Queen Elizabeth was there, it was housing for soldiers in WWII -- tidbits like that.
The room was nice and cozy...not small, just comfortable. I had a wet bar that I used just for leftover pizza. No microwave but that's okay. Bathroom was fairly small but the windowsill was perfect for a place to keep my many toiletries so that was good.
Had a great view of the lake. The executive lounge for breakfast and snacks was wonderful. I fell in love with the multi-option coffee machine!
It's a bit of a walk to shopping and a lot of the restaurants around Michigan Avenue. Kind of a hike from the river. In any season but winter, no problem. However, there are other places nearby including the great Lou Malnati's on State Street just a couple of blocks behind and over -- go there! -
Review from Kit A.
Westmont, IL
3/4/2012 1 Check-in Here
I got the opportunity to stay here for a night and was quite impressed. Everything from the touchscreen computer in the room to the lobby to the comfy bed to the staff made my stay memorable.
When we first got into the room we ordered some room service (grilled chicken sandwich) which came very quickly and turned out to be delicious. The bathroom was a little bit outdated and dusty, but the shower was great and the shampoo/ conditioner products they had were amazing! The view from the hotel room was beautiful. We were in a corner room on one of the top floors looking onto the lake and down S Michigan Ave. If you can choose your room I definitely recommend this side of the building.
i would stay in the Hilton again if I ever need to! -
Review from Chris C.
3/4/2012
This hotel was great for the location - our room had a partial view of Grant Park and Lake Michigan. However, the hotel and the rooms were in dire need of a remodel when we stayed here in November 2011. it looked like there were some renovations going on in the lobby, but our room was pretty dated. Luckily we booked this place through Priceline and got a good deal, but if I were paying the regular rate for this hotel I think I would have been pretty disappointed. The hallways were kind of dimly lit here, so overall it just wasn't a very inviting hotel.
One thing that I did like was that the room actually had two bathrooms, which was something I hadn't seen before. The beds were only double beds though, so I would probably rather have had bigger beds than a second bathroom. I don't think I would purposely book this place on my own, but if I got a good deal on Priceline I wouldn't object to staying here again. -
Review from Curt L.
Elmhurst, IL
1/22/2012 1 Check-in Here
Here for the Cub's Convention.
Did not get to see or stay in a room...........but I can say that the interior of the hotel is amazing.
Consider this a museum and just walk around and LOOK.
The Grand Ball room is extraordinary.
Try the Irish Pub here..............ask for Paddy. -
Review from Antonio M.
Kenosha, WI
3/7/2012
Wow, what a view we were treated to! I chose the parking package and upgraded to a lake view room, which was well worth it! Aside from the M.C. Escher like parking lot, everything else was superb. Our room was on the southeast corner of the 19th floor it had a gorgeous view of the lake and south down Michigan Ave. The room had a 42" LG flat-screen, king size bed, and plenty of space. It also came equipped with a touch-screen computer that acted as a guide to area restaurants, attractions, and hotel service which made getting information easy and convenient. We ordered room service that evening, and as always, the service was impeccable.
One little thing that stands out, and it's such a small one, but Hilton Hotels chose Peter Thomas Roth skin care products for the bathrooms and if you haven't had the opportunity to try any of them out, then do so! I cannot say enough how clean and fresh the products make your skin feel. I know, I know, this was supposed to be a hotel review, but hey! -
Review from Joe B.
Lake Wales, FL
1/18/2012
The interior in this place expired two decades ago. Peeling paint on my bathroom ceiling. The ice bucket is right out of 1980's as all the decor. Charges for everything. Internet @ $15 dollars a day. Seriously, I get much more modern accomodations with everything included at a Red Roof Inn.... The Red Roof would even have a Fridge and microwave. This place just has an empty cabinet where the must have one been a fridge...
It is clean even if used up. However, it is 3 times the price of equal or better accomodations around. The TV's are at least modern... If the convention I am attending wasn't being held here I would seek better accomodations for less money.
Pathetic compared to what someone would expect fron a Hilton.... -
Review from J D.
Chicago, IL
1/9/2012
I stayed here this past weekend and had a room facing the lake. It was a nice and cozy room. I had access to the Executive Room for a continental breakfast which was nice. The staff members were friendly.
I like the location of the hotel, across from Grant Park and I enjoyed the view of the lake and the city.
I didn't get a chance to experience the in-hotel restaurants so I can't comment on them but I will the next I stay hear. -
Review from Larry P.
Alameda, CA
4/1/2012
This place has been totally remodeled. The rooms are awesome, and there are nice views of Grant Park and the lake. This is now nicer than most of the hotels on N Michigan Ave. that cost twice as much. They just need to get some more restaurants and shopping nearby.
-
Review from Michelle C.
Ann Arbor, MI
10/15/2011
This is the only place I stay when I go to Chicago for work. LOVE this place!
It has easy access to I-94, parking is only $43/night. The staff here are very friendly.
Rooms are quite nice. Some can be quite small, but they are well kept and very clean. There are many restaurant on the premises as well as around the hotel. They do serve starbucks coffee in the morning, which is always a plus.
There is a gym on the 8th floor- I have yet to find time to use it but I hear it's a gem.
It's currently undergoing construction on the first floor, but even with this, I'll be going back... Good service is hard to find, especially in a big city! -
Review from Lili B.
Chicago, IL
3/3/2012
This Hotel is Not great at all. Shitty staffs, well RUBEN and his fat security Anthony. Along with some geeky Asian guy. They gave me and my family a hard time checking in. So we still manage to get a room there and the room was horrible. Double tree is far more nicer than this crappy hotel.
-
Review from Bill B.
Winter Park, FL
10/20/2011
Wow, what a disappointment! Don't want to be vulgar, but this place is a real s**t hole. No doubt.
The Hilton name implies a certain level of quality. Yeah, but that died when Conrad Hilton passed away. Hilton is going down rapidly and this hotel proves my point.
In a city like Chicago, with all the top-shelf hotels one may choose from, this is one to avoid like the plague!
The carpet in the common areas is filthy, worn and threadbare. The chairs in the common area as the same: dirty, worn and threadbare, and so 40 years ago. The styles are out-of-date, the colors are sad, the paint is blistering and peeling, and overall the hotel is just depressing! And yes, I know the historic background to this hotel and no, the 'out-of-date' motif is not my misunderstanding of the property's history. Trust me, it's awful!
The bank of elevators is stunning in its lack of thought and design. There are ten elevators, five on each side. As you press the ONLY elevator request button (yes, one button for all ten elevators) one notices the paint that is blistering, cracking, peeling, dirty, nicked and overall more like you'd expect to see in a horror film psychiatric hospital. And the detail of the ceiling's woodwork? It's been painted so many times the relief and detail is filling in with layers upon layers of paint. Yuk!
The room itself has a nice modern flat screen television with beds that are 30 years out-of-date, bathrooms that are out-of-date and feel unclean containing soap and shampoo selections that disappoint.
The breakfast buffet in Buckingham's is another disappointing feature. I went there three times as there was little other choice. On Saturday I could tell the oatmeal was left over from Friday, as were the 'eggs' if you want to call them eggs. How could I tell? They were dry and almost had a crust on them from being in storage overnight. NOT appetizing.
The exhibit halls are dungeon-like as they are down in the bowels of the hotel. Columns block walking paths and views. The exhibit halls become a labyrinth and, as a result, it is difficult to find much of anything. Here for a meeting? Good luck! Planning a meeting here? AVOID it.
Overall, this hotel is simply as sad and depressing as it gets. This is the type of hotel where one would expect to find the businessman (or woman) swinging from a bed sheet while hanging from the shower head in a last-ditch effort to escape this depressing property.
Quick! Run! Run to any other hotel in the city as there are many, many better hotels charging a similar rate. -
Review from David L.
10/12/2011 2 Check-ins Here
I stayed here for 3 nights for a work conference, from Sunday to Wednesday.
My room was quite nice. Large 42" plasma and welcome center terminal, although the room itself was a bit small.
The gym and pool are on the 8th floor, and the first 3 floors are mostly conference rooms. This place was absolutely packed with conference attendees while I was there, since there were 3-4 other large ones. Entire hotel has 1500 rooms.
Wifi is ridiculously expensive, but luckily our company covered it. Parking is also ridiculously expensive (about $50/night), so you're better off parking in one of the many garages nearby.
Food during the conference was pretty good, as was service. -
Review from Jeremy S.
Omaha, NE
10/10/2011 2 Check-ins Here
I love this place and got a bargain on price line. Granted not as cheap as some people claim on here but still good. You can tell this place is old but has been updated fabulously. Flat screen HD TV and a touch screen computer that you can use to surf the web, order room service and basically any service available at the hotel.
Amazing gym on the 8th floor for only $25 for your entire stay. All the free weights, machines and cardio equipment you would get at any of the best gyms. -
Review from Marissa S.
New York, NY
11/5/2011
As Bill B said on 10/20/11, do not waste your money on this place.
I paid around $250 a night for a small room with a King sized bed
The bathroom was clean
Sheets were clean
Minimal amenities
My room had no mini bar just a half fridge that was empty and not even plugged in.
Room service selections are minimal and not too tasty...breakfast faired a bit better because lets be real, scrambled eggs are hard to mess up
The absolute WORST was their terrible internet service which they make you pay through the nose for ($8 an HOUR!!!) which kept cutting in an out during a business meeting.
I travel to Chicago frequently and I will NOT return to this hotel EVER.
This place is a tremendous disappointment and for the money you can stay at a nicer more up to date hotel with better amenities, service, and internet that works.
I consider this place a major FAIL -
Review from Dani C.
Eden Prairie, MN
11/3/2011 1 Check-in Here
This is the only hotel I stay at when hubby and I visit Chicago each year.
we love that they have a large indoor pool, gym, and hot tubs - great spot for me to unwind and relax. -
Review from David B.
Peoria, IL
1/4/2012
Stayed here last February and again this New Year's Eve eve for a friend's wedding. The reception was at Zapatista a few blocks away. The good news for us is that they allow dogs, even big dogs. For a fee of $50, we could take our 50lb+ Labradoodle (or so the rescue said) puppy with us.
I know from our last visit that the hotel gym is great, the biggest gym I have seen in any Hotel, a real gym, not just a universal machine and a couple of treadmills. It had power racks, rowers, full range of dumbbells and plates (more but my memory of a year ago is faulty).
We had the breakfast buffet in the morning. It was free and ok, but not exciting. I get excited about a good breakfast buffet. I think any calories consumed before 11am do not count.
The location of the Hotel was great for our purpose, but it is a little south of the real downtown. It is right across from the park and very close to the Grant Bark Park, which we used.
The rates were great for both stays; $80 for the first stay through Priceline and $180 for the second stay (that includes the $50 dog fee). -
Review from Kerry S.
Alexandria, VA
12/20/2011 2 Check-ins Here
Although I did not stay at the Chicago Hilton, my employer had two galas in the ballroom in late October. All I can say is my oh my, do I wish I had the cash to have my wedding in this place! Stunning from floor to ceiling, with glitzy gold and mirrors everywhere to reflect the shimmering light. I could do without the disco ball, though; odd decor choice for such a beaux-arts-type venue.
-
Review from Mick T.
Los Angeles, CA
10/9/2011
Great hotel! Went to Chicago for Lollapalooza. Stayed at this Hotel because it was across the street from the concert. When the girl at the desk realized I was in town for the concert, she upgraded me and gave me a suite on Michigan Ave overlooking the whole venue! Great, big clean suite. The people who worked there were really cool..
2 good bars down stairs. Great food, as well!!! -
Review from Frank A.
Schaumburg, IL
7/22/2011
Looks like they renovated / updated their rooms. Overall it was definitely an update for the better. I stayed here before in a much larger room, but our experience this time was a lot better considering many of the items in our room back then including the furniture, the TV (a tube tv) were outdated.
Rooms now features a fairly good sized flat screen tv, computer that has your name on the title screen, which was a nice touch.
I like a more modern approach of using that computer (sort of like a kiosk) to look for nearby attractions, see room service options, look for restaurants and numerous other things. It gives you more info about what's around and what to do around the area.
The downside is that in order to use the web browser, they charge a ridiculous amount. In this day and age, when we are hooked on technology, I sort of see this as nickle and diming. Really annoying.
Anyway, I got the parking and room package at a decent price so it was nice to go in and out of parking without hassle.
Overall, I'm satisfied with our stay. Got some good rest and I actually booked to get away from the burbs and spend some time in the city with my wife on our anniversary. This place served it's purpose and everything was solid. -
Review from Myrna Y.
Tracy, CA
7/28/2011
Very elegant hotel in the South Loop of Chicago, right off the Harrison subway exit on the Red Line. Very good location, with easy access public transportation. Our room was big and clean, with a wonderful view. We actually had two views, one of Lake Michigan , the other of downtown. I would request a corner room, we stayed in room 1169 if you would like to request that room. The only downfall is you have to pay an extra fee for access to the gym. It was $15/day and when I peeked in there wasn't anything spectacular. The pool is an indoor lap pool with two jacuzzi spa but it has a nice outside area where you can lay out.
The service was friendly and fast and the hotel bar is fully equipped. I would definitely recommend this hotel to visitors of Chicago who want a convenient hotel. It was walking distance from Buckingham Fountain and right across Grant Park. -
Review from Kate S.
7/4/2011 2 Check-ins Here
As an out of towner, this was a lovely place to stay for a short trip. There were tons of pubs and restaurants within walking distance, not to mention the park. The room was clean, the amenities were about what you'd expect for a Hilton, and the beds were like clouds! Be careful though, the parking situation is pricey - $45 to do it yourself and almost $60 to valet per night. If you find the Hilton through a bargain website, make sure to add parking to your price.
*tip* if you DID happen to valet, don't pay to have the hotel hold on to your bags during that extra time after check out if you still want to see a little more of the city before you leave - the valet folks will bring your car around, put your bags in, and then park it again so you can explore baggage free. -
Review from Justin S.
Saint Louis, MO
8/3/2011 1 Check-in Here
Chicago trip tip!!! Book your hotel on priceline negotiator! We once got the Palmer House Hilton for 70 bucks a night!
If you are lucky, you'll land there or at the Chicago Hilton.
Great place to stay for a short trip to Chicago. It is positioned right next to the park and art museum. Within reasonable walking distance of most of the major downtown attractions. I recommend taking a cab or the bus up to the top of the mile and walking it down, then grab a quick cab back and its worth the expense. Especially if you go when Chicago is cold.... which is practically always!
The rooms are what you need them to be. They are comfy, modern, and clean. Spoil yourself and go downstairs for the breakfast buffet. Just have them charge it to the room so you don't feel so guilty about it.
Flat screen tv in the room, ours was prob a 40 inch, maybe 45. PC screen has free applications to cater to tourist needs and give you ideas if you run out of things to do.
BE ADVISED! If you are taking a trip to Chicago... You will pay out the nose for parking so plan it into your budget(again, use priceline to save money so you can spend it on parking!)! Expect 45 bucks or so a day to park at any hotel in downtown. If you can afford it no problem. If you can't... maybe look into parking at a commuter lot and taking the train into the city. -
Review from Craig H.
Milwaukee, WI
4/26/2011
Whenever we stay in Chicago we stay at the Chicago Hilton - what a grand old majestic hotel. Across from Grant Park. My family of 4 squeezes into a single room with double beds - BUT that type of room has 2 enormous bathrooms with marble. Rooms are clean and since it's an old hotel with thick walls - quiet.
Like the other reviewers stated - staff is friendly and very good, but prices for amenities and restaurants are outrageous. But that's a great excuse to get out and shop and restaurant hop in Chicago. -
Review from carolyn h.
Birmingham, AL
6/30/2011
I stayed here for a staycation and was really disappointing. We were on the executive level so we had access to refreshments and a continental breakfast. The executive floor is crawling with kids who are un-supervised. I'm fine with kids but there were no adults to be found to supervise them and then no one was staffing the executive room on the Hilton side. It was rather frustrating.
The beds were worn down and the bathrooms were pretty small. Ours only had one bathroom, but I've heard some have two. The room itself was also small. There was a stain on our sheets so we ended up sleeping on the to sheet because by the time we realized the stain it was midnight and we were exhausted.
I guess I just think for the cost of this hotel there are better options in this city. -
Review from Tim Y.
5/9/2011 1 Check-in Here
Though I've never stayed in this hotel, I've been here for a dinner event and really enjoyed myself. The food was good, the service was good, and the venue is quite elegant.
Definitely take cues from other jilted guests -- carry your junk with you or lock it down. Though it may look it from the inside, you're not in Oz and your crap will get jacked if you leave it out in the open. Take a tad bit of personal responsibility and you won't find yourself trying to get the hotel to reimburse for your lapse in common sense. Seriously, I read that review and wonder if it's the same woman whose kid hit my car with a shopping cart and then gave *me* the stink eye when I asked her what gives.
Also, the acoustics were good. -
Review from Ashley C.
10/11/2011 1 Check-in Here
Fancy hotel. I have never seen 14 elevators all at once before, this place is pretty huge. Our room consisted of 2 beds and 2 bathrooms. Woohoo for the 2 bathrooms, although, the beds were doubles, boo! It's located downtown and walking distance to everything (restaurants, trains, parks...)
-
Review from Jessica E.
Phoenix, AZ
5/28/2011
First off, I reserved my room and accidentally reserved the room for 2 nights - Friday and Saturday. The bad thing was my flight came in Saturday so I called the hotel and explained they could give my room to someone else on Friday and I would just eat the cost and still stay Saturday.
When my boyfriend and I arrive at the hotel the front desk told me that they cancelled my reservation because I didn't show up on Friday. I told them that I spoke with someone about the mixup and after about 15 minutes of standing at the desk the manager comes out. They said it was their fault and gave us a room. I was almost in tears from frustration but they finally set us up with a room so I was happy - for a little while. After exploring the hotel we went back to our room and tried to turn the heat up but it wasn't working so we had to call up maintenance to fix the heater.
It probably took them an hour to figure out the problem and fix it. My boyfriend and I stepped out for 10 minutes to pick up some alcohol and when we came back the room smelled like burnt hair. Gross! It was getting late so we just decided to spray a bunch of my perfume to cover the smell. I was so stressed out that we decided to leave the Hilton and find another hotel.
The overall look and feel of the hotel is great, but unfortunately my experience was not so 'hot'. -
Review from Veronica L.
Chicago, IL
9/10/2010
I would not recommend this venue for any type of professional event or conference. This review is of my experience as an exhibitor at a professional conference in July 2010.
The 3 day conference was held in the Grand Ballroom for over 300 professionals in private equity, investment banking and mergers and acquisitions.
As an exhibitor/vendor at a professional conference, the main goal is to display your product or services to attract the attention of the conference attendees. For 3 days I was at the hotel from early morning to early evening working as an exhibitor for one of my clients. Because I am self employed, I brought my own laptop to use at the conference table. This was to be used to show attendees the web based services that my clients had to offer. There were over 20 exhibitors in the Grand Ballroom and many of them had laptops, lcd screens and other electronic equipment on their tables.
There was zero communication from the Hilton Chicago to inform us that we should have any concerns when leaving this equipment unattended.
On the third and final day of the conference, I had my iPhone plugged into my laptop to charge and spent the morning at the table. I had gotten up a few times to network around the room, and left the computer on the table, just as I had the previous two days. Around 10:45am I got up to use the restroom and returned to my exhibitor table to find that in less than five minutes, my laptop and attached cell phone had been taken.
I immediately reported this to security. They were very slow in the process of questioning me and when I asked them about the security cameras, they informed me that the ONE camera they had in the Grand Ballroom does not cover the section of the room where my table was. This piece of information alone screams DO NOT DO BUSINESS WITH THE HILTON CHICAGO. How can a hotel in Chicago on Michigan Ave only have one security camera in their GRAND BALLROOM? Not smart, not secure, not safe.
In most situations I would never EVER leave my belongings unattended. In a situation where you are in a professional work environment and your equipment is being used for work, there should be a feeling of security. A person should not have to pack up their electronic equipment every time they need to use the rest room. After over a month of communication with the hotel security, the only resolution they had was to compensate me for less than half of what it would cost to replace the items. Their insurance policy stated that the loss was not covered because I was not a guest of the hotel. (any person who walks into that hotel and pays to walk into that hotel should be considered a guest)
I was treated as if I was neglectful and irresponsible yet they offered to partially compensate me to shut me up? Bad business practice in my opinion.
Unprofessional, unethical and unsecured. Highly DO NOT RECOMMEND. -
Review from Hang T.
I was fortunate enough to stay here for my birthday back in December. It is located right on Michigan Ave across from the Lake and the parks! Great location for a view, but in terms of things around it, there are not many shops or restaurants. The lobby was beautifully decorated for the holidays. One thing I didn't like was the ceilings of the lobby were really low, but there was a beautiful area with a huge Christmas tree.
I got this hotel on Priceline and when we checked in, we were able to get a room with a gorgeous view. I was so happy! When we walked in, there was a computer that was playing musiak and had a personalized greeting on the front. Everything was nice and clean and I considered the bed to be comfy.
Also, do not come to Chicago with a car. Parking is ridiculously expensive. 40 bucks and up each night.
I would love to stay here again next time I'm in town. -
Review from Rick L.
Grand Marais, MN
11/3/2010
What I want in a hotel might differ from most people. I would much rather have an interesting hotel, grand lobby, a sense of history, etc.. and a small but adequate room rather than a boring hotel with spacious rooms (Yes I'm looking right at you Embassy Suites). The Hilton Chicago is everything you would want in a classic hotel.
- Scenic location
- Amazing architecture
- Humongous lobby
- History oozing out of the walls like blood out of the elevators in The Shining
Scenes from The Fugitive, My Best Friends Wedding, Primal Fear, Home Alone 2 and Road to Perdition were all filmed at the Hilton Chicago. They also boast that every president since FDR has walked through their doors. If it's good enough for Dr. Richard Kimble and Gerald Ford shouldn't it be good enough for you?
I don't want to forget about our room completely though, after all it's the only hotel room I've had with two bathrooms and that comes in very handy when getting ready in the morning. It's just when I'm traveling the last thing I want to do is stay in the hotel room. I'd much rather be out experiencing the city or at the very least having a drink in the lobby. The Hilton Chicago has two bars that stay open late. Kitty O'Sheas and the Lakeside Green Lounge. If you want to watch a game or news hit the lounge otherwise you're better off at Kitty O'Sheas a faux Irish pub.
Also if you want a nice free view find your way to the roof of the hotel for views of Lake Michigan, Grant Park, Navy Pier and the entire city behind you.Listed in: Chicago Trip
-
Review from Brad L.
Marco Island, FL
6/3/2011
The staff is great, fast and efficient. The elevators were slow on the upper levels.
The rooms are large enough, but they need some updating - the rooms are clean but for a Flagship hotel it should be updated.
The pool and health club are excellent, I recommend the pool. -
Review from Sonali K.
Chicago, IL
4/5/2011
I have been to the Hilton Chicago on several occasions, and all times were for work. The first time was in 2009 for my association's Interim BOT meeting. The second time was for a site-visit for my association's Annual Conference, and the third time was for the actual conference.
On a personal level as a guest:
2009 - I had to stay a night for work and I found the room, as well as the hotel, to be dark, out-dated, and almost haunted. I was so freaked out in my room, which was a basic king room, that I stayed up and watched The Hangover and ordered a pizza through room service. I ended up sleeping with the light on (yes, I am scared of the dark and this hotel room didn't help)
2011 - Stayed here the last night of my conference and got a pretty sweet room. It was a King Jr. Suite and it had a view of museum campus and the lake. Too bad I was working and couldn't really enjoy it for long. I still found the room to be small, but less dark and out-dated than 2009.
Either way, this would NOT be my first pick if I was visiting Chicago. The hotel has a lot of history, and certainly has one of the most beautiful ballrooms I have seen as well as amazing suites - both the Conrad and the Imperial Suites are breath-taking, but an average person would not be paying to stay there. If anything, I say visit the hotel on a tour, but dont' pay the money to stay there unless 1) you get a great deal or 2) can afford one of the suites. While the hotel isn't centrally located to many Chicago attractions it is close to museum campus, the infamous Buddy Guy Legends, and is a short cab ride to the Magnificent Mile.
On a professional level as a meeting planner:
1) The exhibit space isn't ideal for exhibitors especially if you are on the Lower Level because of all the columns. The meeting rooms, with the exception of the 2nd and 3rd floor, are small and cramped and make you feel like you're in elementary school again.
2) The prices are ridiculous - I have never been to a property that charges so much for a gallon of coffee! We definitely had to have a serious conversation with them in regards to pricing for items such as coffee, internet, and electrical. As a planner, consider yourself warned, and be prepared to discuss bringing prices down and compromising in certain areas.
3) The staff - everyone from the front desk, facilities, banquets, the blue coats, to covention services and even the chef and GM are beyond amazing! I have worked meetings at a lot of properties and the Hilton Chicago staff are definitely up there. They were extremely accommodating, professional, and a true pleasure to work with.
If I am still with the association in 2014, I look forward to going back just to be able to work with their staff. -
Review from Danielle B.
St Louis, MO
8/17/2010 4 Check-ins Here
I want to steal their pillows.
I'm used to staying at more budget-friendly hotels, but when planning my short stay in Chicago, this Hilton was actually cheaper than some of the other hotels downtown, so I jumped on it.
I really enjoyed my stay here. I was allowed to check in early when I arrived, which was very much appreciated, as I was a hot ass mess from walking and dragging my suitcase the few blocks from the blue line. I asked about a room with a view, but it was another $25/night, so I passed.
My room did not have the infamous (?) two bathroom setup, but my one bathroom was just fine. My water pressure was great, even up on the 19th floor, and my fixtures weren't tarnished and looked really nice, unlike what some of the other reviewers experienced.
The bed was super comfortable, and I loved how white and crisp the sheets and duvet were. And their pillows - oh my God, I wanted to steal them all, they felt like clouds under my head.
The location of the hotel was nice, just a few blocks away from the Harrision red line stop, so it is super convenient to get to/from places pretty quickly.
What I really liked was the check out process. Maybe other hotels have this, but I've never experienced it. Not only did I not have to wait in line to check out, like the mass of people that were doing so when I left on Sunday morning, but I was able to print out my boarding pass for free! All I had to do was check out through my TV, then send my boarding pass to their print station in the lobby. Genius, and pain free.
When the mood hits me to get back up to Chicago, I will definitely be checking out the Hilton again.Listed in: Hello, room service?
-
Review from raheela k.
Los Angeles, CA
8/2/2010
For starters - we got a great deal on this hotel from Hotwire. The location is ideal - close to Grant & Millenium Parks, 2 blocks from Dunkin Donuts, close to shopping and a short cab ride to Rush Street. The hotel itself is beautiful, although the rooms are dated.
The biggest blow, though, was parking. $55 for valet and $45 for self. At that point I made a mental note to never complain about parking in LA ever again, and then went down the street and parked for 24 hours for about $20.
What made me absolutely the happiest about our room was the fact that it had TWO bathrooms. We had a room with two double beds and TWO bathrooms. Be still, my beating heart. Also, all the hotel staff were helpful and accommodating (except with late checkout they said they'd have to charge if it were past noon.)
Also, I had some sort of an allergy attack and benadryl at the gift shop was $17. Yes. $17. So I walked the half a mile to Jewel-Osco and it was all good. -
Review from Jim S.
Royal Oak, MI
11/16/2011
Extra charge for wifi! That's obnoxious and out dated. Enjoyed coming here when I was a kid, the brunch was great often peppered w football affiliates. Our clerk couldn't recommend parking when there lot was full. Disappointed this visit. 2 bathrooms per room is great and the history of the hotel is exciting. I can't get over what a setback charging for internet is! Come back when its gets renovated.
-
Review from Flor D.
6/19/2010 1 Check-in Here
Location. Location. Location.
This hotel sits on the ever famous Michigan Mile, and is within blocks of the red line and other trains. It's within walking distance of Grant Park, Dunkin Donuts, restaurants, shopping, banks, museums...do I keep going?
Size. Size.Size.
Be warned, this is not your mom and pop hotel. It's massive. Conventions are held here year round. I stayed during some kind of a real estate banking gig, and I was almost swallowed by the seat of suits...not that I am complaining. Bigger is better, and in this case you can bet the farm on it.
My room was spacious. 2 beds, and 2 matching bathrooms. Yup, 2 matching bathrooms! Girls need not worry about having to share sink space.
The Extra's:
Customer service was stellar. The housekeeping staff, the room service, the front desk, the bell hop, and even the guy opening my door and getting my cab. I was impressed. Originally, I checked into the 12th floor but was not too thrilled about the smoke smell in room. Not sure if the past guest was smoking or the 10th floor was creeping through my vent. I called the front desk and was moved promptly to the 17th floor. I appreciated the immediate attention to my concern.
The Filler:
-1 star for $50 dollar for late check out fee to 1PM and $75 to 3PM.
Yeah...wait what? I also didn't appreciate having to pay a $2 fee for each bag I stowed. It helped, but shouldn't this service be free?
Nonetheless, this hotel is historic. It's spacious. It's old school. It's friendly. Respect the game, and enjoy the craziness. If you got the cash, stay here.
