Prudential Plaza
by deecat
Photos:
#1Dee in front of fountain in outdoor Prudential plaza.
#2Flowers blooming in the outdoor Prudential plaza.
#3Allan pointing out "waterfall feature" in outdoor Prudential plaza.
#4Steel sculptures of a deer family in outdoor Prudential plaza.
#5Distance shot of outdoor plaza north of Prudential Plaza I-II.
I doubt if anyone else on VT lists Prudential Plaza as a must see. I had not really seen it before we stayed at the Fairmont Chicago Hotel and had to walk through this plaza behind Prudential Plaza I [formerly the Prudential Building] and its linked building Prudential Plaza II.
The actual plaza occupies a full city block with two buildings: a renovated existing 41-story One Prudential Plaza (the old 1955 Prudential Building) and the construction of a newer (1990) 64-story Two Prudential Plaza Building. In addition, there is the one-acre outdoor plaza and a five-level underground parking garage.
Locals call this "Pru Plaza", and I found it most interesting where an old and new building are connected and surrounded on the one side with the beautiful outdoor plaza with its water features, gardens, and sculptures.
Prudential Plaza is also connected to an underground network of pedestrian walkways that provide direct access to hotels, the Metra Randolph Street Station, subway and elevated lines, and retail services. Chicago Pedway.
What a Breakfast Buffet
by deecat about Aria Restaurant at Fairmont Hotel
When checking into the Fairmont Chicago Hotel, I learned that our room rate for our suite included breakfast. I figured it would be a typical breakfast in a hotel; more like a continental breakfast. How wrong I was.
First of all, the breakfast was located in the lovely Aria Restaurant. We could order anything that we wanted, even the expensive Breakfast Buffet.
The Restaurant is ultra modern with glass, wood, and sheer fabrics. We were seated toward the back of the restaurant, which we desired. I sat on the "booth" side of the table. I must admit that the seat was a bit low for me, but remember that I am quite short. The attention to detail was evident from the start. Service is of the highest quality.
The menu is extensive and includes almost any item that one would want for breakfast.
The restaurant is famous for using the freshest ingredients, which was quite evident upon tasting the food. Both Rosie and I decided to order the Breakfast Buffet, after we perused the Buffet room and saw the excellent selections. The first thing that we ordered was the orange juice. It was the most delicious orange juice that I've had ever...freshly squeezed with real pulp, nice and cool, and served in a lovely tall glass. Next, Rosie ordered coffee, and I order a Cappuccino. What excellent coffee drinks they were.
The Buffet outdid my wildest dreams. The fruit was remarkable...organic, fresh, and with so many choices. I had the fresh pineapple, huge blackberries, strawberries, raspberries. and melons. Yum & Yum again! I also was thrilled with the choices for pastries. I thought that the oat muffin with raisins and nuts was "out of this world". {I must admit that I had two}
There were hot dishes of bacon, turkey sausage, pork sausage, two kinds of scrambled eggs, potatoes, hot oatmeal, etc. Of course there were dry cereals, but I was particularly fond of the homemade granola with fruits and nuts and a glaze of honey. I enjoyed it so much that I asked the waiter if it was made in house. Yes, it was, as is everything.
Fairmont should be embarassed
by TripAdvisor Member deanhill
Have stayed in many Fairmonts in Canada, and have always been 'WOWED', so I was expecting the same of the Fairmont Chicago. Unfortunately, Fairmont Hotels in the U.S. seem to have much lower standards.
We were put in a smoking room - and it REEKED of smoke - even though we had a confirmed reservation for a non-smoking room.
Our room was definetly showing it's age - freyed carpets, worn furniture, dirty and dimly lit. It is apparent that Fairmont hasn't spent a dime on the guest rooms since this hotel opened.
Housekeeping forgot to empty a waste bin two days in a row - and we had to leave a note to request a missing light bulb be replaced!
Expensive ($36.00) and slow (20 minute wait) valet parking.
Come on Fairmont! you can do much better than this!
What a Wonderful place
by A TripAdvisor Member
My wife and myself stayed four days at the Fairmont Chicago and had a wonderful experience. The staff was very friendly and always helpful. The meal we enjoyed in the Aria dining room was well worth the price. The room that we had was on the 11th floor and overlooked the lake. This room was very well appointed, spacious and clean. We are already planning a trip back to Chicago this fall and will be staying at the Fairmont.
Great view, poor maintenance
by A TripAdvisor Member
Although I liked the Sofitel better, this had an amazing view, and it has quite a grand lobby. However, it was poorly maintained - tub didn't work, no minibar key in room, scuff marks on walls, peeling finish in bathrooms. It also felt a bit isolated compared to the Sofitel or even the Hard Rock.
Would not stay there again.
Disappointed
by TripAdvisor Member malyko
I was disappointed with my stay at the Fairmont. Most of the travel books recommend this hotel and I am not exactly sure of why. To begin with, I have stayed at other hotels in Chicago that are in a much better location. This hotel is hidden back in a corner. Secondly, the room we stayed in was larger than some of the other hotels in Chicago and it did have a large bathroom with a somewhat better than average bathtub, but the furniture and carpet needed updating. The furniture had scratches on it and the carpet had stains. The view from the room was average; because the hotel is not in a great location I can’t see how any of the rooms have but such great views. Even some of the rooms facing the lake have construction distracting from the view. Lastly, it’s the little things that make me feel happy at a hotel and one of my pet peeves is I like to have coffee in the morning. I feel like if I pay more to stay at a particular hotel than I should be given a few extra things like complimentary coffee. Don't expect anything to be complimentary at the Fairmont. If you want coffee you will pay $2.50 for it. Most of the 4 star hotels in Chicago will gladly provide you with fresh complimentary coffee in the morning. I would not stay here again there are too many better choices in Chicago.
Quit after 1st night. Total disappointed.
by A TripAdvisor Member
Booked a sea view suite for 7 Nights in January.
Good: Nice Lobby, room was really! large
Poor:
- Rude and very unfriendly staff. We had the feeling that we were not welcome. Never experienced such unfriendly and arrogant hotel staff before.
- Old and used interior. Looks like it has not been renovated since opening (no kidding).
- Chattels were worn.
- Bathroom not clean, black sediments between tiles. Trashbox dented.
- Carpets worn with distinctiv "streets".
- Entrance to room very poor (worn, scratches, dirt, etc.).
- Location a little to far away from city life. No restaurants, bars or shopping "next door"
-> Best days of this hotel are definitely over.
We left hotel after first night and moved for the next 6 nights to the Interconti. This one is outstanding and a clear recommendation !
Photos
Entrance to Aria at Fairmont Chicago Hotel
Fresh Fruits at Aria at Fairmont Hotel
Rosie eating at Aria Restaurant at Fairmont Hotel
Rosie Enjoying View Out our Fairmont Hotel Suite
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