Great Downtown Chicago Hotel

Author: TishaT.
Date of Trip: March 2011

I go to Chicago quite often due to business and honestly, I’m not always inspired to write a review. Sometimes the hotels are just beds and showers and a place to stay for a night or two..nothing outstanding. But this trip was different. Based on a recommendation from one of my co-workers I stayed at The Avenue Hotel, which is a Crowne Plaza for all those people that care about points (my company keeps mine so I generally don’t care brand or not brand..points or not points). This hotel was a welcome surprise to say the least. Granted based on the reviews, a lot of people feel the same way so perhaps I’m just here to support it!

In summary: Parking: Don’t drive in Chicago…come on. But if you do, expect to pay the going rate is usually around $40-$50 in downtown. (I was just in Washington DC and paid $60!) Check in/Front Desk: I asked for an early check in and fortunately I was able to be accommodated. The front desk agents were very nice and took the time to answer my questions and never once did I feel “rushed along”. Room: I was in the tech room with a great view of the city. The internet connection was really fast, never dropped like so many do. The room was large, I could easily spread my work out and not feel cramped. Ipod docking station, flat screen tv all there. Bathroom: The shower was awesome with one of those large rain showerheads, felt like I was at a spa! Nicely updated with granite and you could use the products without smelling like a perfumed flower (can’t stand that). Room Service: This was my only opportunity to eat at the hotel due to my schedule. Ordered breakfast and it arrived within 25 minutes as they promised me. The coffee, eggs and toast were hot (I didn’t have an elaborate breakfast even though it was available). The food was good and I felt value in the price I paid.

Overall the hotel team really made me feel like I was a welcomed guest, always smiling and saying hello. They weren’t burying their face and avoiding eye contact of guests. I felt comfortable there and it wasn’t a stale hotel environment where you are purely just a dollar sign. Thank you for that, I’ll be back.