We came here on a wedding block discount, paying $239/night, which is still more than we'd like to pay but given its ratings and comps, the location was convenient for us and our plans, so we went with it. The wedding block ran Saturday-Tuesday, but we are here Friday-Monday, so they said we had to book two separate reservations, which means we pay double taxes and fees. We called a month before to link our Friday night reservation to our wedding block (Sat-Mon) reservation, and were told to call closer to the date of check in. We wanted to match the discount because we weren't arriving from the airport until after 1am. We called again as instructed, was told it would be linked and said that since they couldn't match our Friday night rate to the wedding discount rate, that we would get some complimentary food and drinks at their bar/restaurant, Current. We arrived to security dealing with an inebriated person trying to get in. Gave me bouncer at a club vibes. It was jarring coming in, and it sounded and looked like a loud yet empty club. We met a friendly staff member, but were told they don't know anything about the complimentary service and couldn't do anything about it. It was loud and difficult to hear the desk staff over the music and bar conversations. I've had softer check ins in Vegas but there the volume seems expected and appropriate. In spite of confirmation that our reservations were linked, our cards turned off on Saturday anyway, but it was easily resolved visiting the front desk.
The room is spacious and meets the needs, but the lighting throughout the hotel and in the room is odd. The main source of light in the room is a bright chandelier next to the window, and the bathroom is bright which allows some light into the main part of the room through the glass wall between the bathroom and the bed (bottom part of the glass wall is frosted, but it's still weird). The bathroom door is a barn door style that leaves little to the imagination and um...zero soundproofing 😬). The whole bathroom is black tile and grout which I understand can be unforgiving. It seemed pretty clean, no standing water, but when I turned on the shower I got a pretty strong musty, moldy smell for the first half of my shower. Not sure if that was the pipes or the grout. If you request it, there's fridges, microwaves and coffee machines available but we didn't request those during our stay. Ample outlet options, storage, and a large couch/seating area in our room. We had a functioning safe and a solid temperature regulation system.
The elevators are impressively slow considering there are six of them. At more than one point there were lines into the lobby waiting to go upstairs. Most of our rides we were sardined into them like the elevators going up to the sky deck at Sears/Willis tower. You need a room key for the elevators.
We are deeply grateful for the toiletry amenities as we forgot some things. As I mentioned, we're in town for a wedding and my husband's tuxedo got wrinkled in transit. They were incredibly helpful and offered to steam it for him, no extra charge. Wonderful!
As for the bar and restaurant Current in the lobby, I'll create a separate review that will, unfortunately, be less forgiving than this one.
starstar Maija Cruz
Really enjoy the views and relative quiet at this hotel. Because it is up against Lakeshore Drive there is less auto and pedestrian traffic, and that makes for a simpler environment. Good walking in the neighborhood each morning, excellent breakfast in the restaurant, and good vibes at the bar in the evening. My only complaint is that everything shuts down too early. Get the view of the lakefront; totally worth it.
starstarstarstarstar Steven Ludwig
Walked in to check in around 8 pm. The check in is basically right next to a very loud bar and I couldn’t hear the desk attendant without yelling. I was surprised that I had to park almost 3 blocks away for 45 bucks a night no valet service available. These were small things I guess but when I walked into my room I immediately noticed a floor to ceiling window in the bathroom. The window was not to the outside but in fact I could look into the bathroom from my bed. Is frosted glass on the bottom half but the top is very clear. You can literally watch someone peeing. It is mortifying for a couple but certainly you wouldn’t want this experience if you’re just sharing a room with a friend. There is no shade for privacy or anything. I called the front desk for any room without a bathroom window and was told every room has the same window.
The room itself is not great. No fridge or microwave and the couch had a mirror for a seat. It honestly gives vibes of a “by the hour” rate motel.
I had high expectations as the price was nearly 800 dollars for a 2 day stay and I’m honestly disappointed. The bathroom window really ruined my stay. It made it such an uncomfortable experience and I really think you need to make this clear In your room descriptions in the future.
starstar Melissa Passe
The view from the lakeside high floor room was amazing. Great views out on the lake and the Navy Pier. The top floor is closed and no longer a restaurant. The pool is also closed. The bar on the first floor was okay but not really a large space nor was it crowded. Closes early as well. Other than that, room was clean, the bathroom could have been better. The sink is low and makes water splash. Small tub.
starstarstarstarstar DK Park
Booked a room with a lake view. Got up to the room and noticed in the bathroom there was fecal matter on the shower curtain. I called down to the front desk and they were going to send someone up to the room. No one ever came so I went down to the front desk myself. They had no other rooms and so they canceled my reservation and told me a manager would call the next day to follow up. I had not heard all week so I called myself and they wrote up a case #. Still didn't hear back so I called again. The manager was going to follow up to get the refund processed. I have never had such a horrible experience at a hotel. I was late to the event I had that evening and had to find a hotel last minute. I will not be staying at the W again. I wonder if the room was even clean in the first place. Why housekeeping would think that would be okay to leave on the shower curtain. I highly suggest not staying here.
star Maria
Not your average hotel stay. The hotel room wasn't run of the mill and it was very affordable. Definitely recommending this hotel to everyone. Nothing but good vibes 👍
starstarstarstarstar Josh Hyre
I'm not sure what's going on, but the prices and the accommodations do not match. The staff is cheerful and friendly. I really hope that they have a chance to hire enough people to provide the experience advertised. This is a 2021 mid-Covid review though so, that's why I'm not giving a 1. We're in unprecedented times, but the prices need to reflect the expectations. Also, something is up with the drains (might be a Chicago thing).
starstar Margaret Ellen Hocker
Everything about this hotel was perfect. Amazing service, great location--a walk away from Navy Pier and a walk the opposite direction to the Chicago River. Super cool ambience in the hallways, lobby, and in the room itself. All amenities (including the room itself) were also very clean, which is well appreciated nowadays.
Also captured some spectacular shots, this hotel has some amazing views and architectural elements. Perfect for someone who loves taking photos too.
starstarstarstarstar The Photography Twins
The employees of this hotel give this property a culture of stellar customer service. It's so woven into the vibe of this hotel it's unbelievable! Every single solitary employee I had contact with would drop everything and anything they were doing to address ANY NEED or guest request. I wish there was an option of 10 stars. This Hotel is the only accomodation I need when in Chicago. My hope is the upper management of this hotel read this review and give every employee in this building a great big thank you!
starstarstarstarstar Michael Frantz
For 250 a night it should be microwaves and refrigerators in every room,and the parking sucked.
starstarstar Jeremy Pope
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