Homewood Suites Chicago Downtown

Stayed at Homewood Suites in Downtown Chicago for 4 days while touring with my family. The location was convenient, in the heart of downtown, walking distance to restaurants and a block from the subway.

Our room was clean & functional. The full stocked kitchen, with a disposal & ice maker was much more than we needed. Our 14th floor room was quiet, the hotel felt safe. Our room wasn't made up the first day; I took out the garbage, replenished towels & toiletries... Staff offered to comp. us and gave us a free night - thanks!

We participated in crowded buffet breakfasts, usually there was a wait. The staff tried very hard to replenish the foods & clear tables. Fruits, breads, donuts, eggs, pork, cereals, juices & coffee were abundant. One morning we participated in a making our own waffles; although this was timely it was deli sh. We went to two evening receptions enjoying the beer & wine. The salads, starches & stews weren't too inspiring. Often food that looked appealing didn't last too long. Our vegetarian couldn't find anything to eat & the staff provided him with fried fish cakes.

The wireless internet was convenient in our room as well as the Executive Center.

Although we could have used the Crunch Gym next door; I used the cardio. equipment in the small fitness center - it worked!

Unique Quality: We were surprised that the reception desk staff seemed unaware of directions to local attractions. Fortunately, the doormen were able to point us in the right direction.

Directions: River North Region a block from the red line and Magnificent Mile.

This was unusual in that they have a no cancellation/no refund policy. On arrival we found that dinner was included Mon-Thursday nights. Suite was big, with a kitchenette (we did not use it though in our 5 nights there). I'd stay there again.

Unique Quality: Suite was big, with a kitchenette (although we did not use it though in our 5 nights there).

Over the road is a Westfield shopping complex that my wife liked.

Directions: North of the River. We took the El from the airport and walked. Not all El stations have elevators for suitcases though.

The lobby is several floors up from street level. When the elevator opens you are enveloped in rich warm wood tones and leather couches around a roaring fireplace. There are floor to ceiling windows framing a view of the city from every direction and a friendly receptionist to check you in.

The semi-suite rooms are less expensive than others in Chicago with this location, and they offer free wireless. The sleeping area is separated from the living room and simple kitchen area. The decor of the rooms is simple, and nice, (in one of our rooms you could see a faint stain on the carpet about the size of a cubic foot, but it did not feel cheap).

The best part of the stay though was that Monday through Thursday Nights they serve a free dinner buffet that is just wonderful! The Thursday Night we were there they served an Italian Buffet with Spaghetti, Garlic Bread and various sauces. There was a small salad bar with fresh produce, and a wonderful desert bar with selections of brownies, chocolate cake, and apple pie. Employees went table to table filling your wine glass with free spirits, and there was a beverage machine which the kids could pick and refill their beverages as they pleased. I would definitely take advantage of this wonderful money saving feature of Homewood Suites. A family of four would have easily been charged $100.00 for this free all-u-can eat buffet with wine and beer.

I would not stay anywhere else in Chicago!

Unique Quality: This is a wonderful, economical place to stay in Chicago. It is located in the middle of everything, and not too far from anything. Across the street is Nordstrom's, (a great department store).

You can jump on a free trolley that boards a block away and be taken to many of the wonderful activities Chicago has to offer.

The health club has a nice sized indoor pool which was empty the entire time we were there. The area is surrounded by floor to ceiling windows that offer magnificent views. Adjacent to the pool is the small fitness area with up to date equipment.

Directions: Right in the middle of downtown in the River North Area.

Close to Hard Rock Cafe, and Rock and Roll McDonald's.

Upon arrival the desk clerk told us that a non smoking room wasn't available, despite the fact we reserved it. The clerk told us we didn't had a guarantee on that. Well fortunalty we had a print out of our reservation which proved him wrong.. The fact we had to show our reservation to pursuade him to give us the room we booked was a bit of a downer.

We rated the hotel as average in price because we paid $99,00 for one night and two persons including breakfast, rates usually are higher then this !.

More pictures ? Take look in my Travelogue

Unique Quality: The suite has two seperate rooms, one is the living room with a fully equiped kitchen. The other is the bedroom which is connected to the bath room. In the room rate was a complimentary hot breakfast . The hotel itself is located one block west of The Magnificent Mile. If you get here by car be aware that parking prices are high in chicago and is not complimentary at the hotel.

Prices for parking start at $20,00 for one night. Valet parking at the hotel is $35,00.

Directions: From 90/94 travel east to Chicago exit ''Ohio Street'' follow Ohio 7 blocks to Rush Street, turn right follow Rush to Grand (1/2 block) turn right on to Grand Hotel is located on right hand side across from Nordstrom.