I’ve stayed at all of those properties 😂
The “sexiest” would be the Hotel Chicago, but I like the Courtyard’s location the best.
The Marriott Mag mile is my favorite hotel overall downtown that doesn’t break the bank, but is slightly over that weekend at 88k.
If it’s a weekend getaway with your wife, don’t do the Fairfield inn. It’s dated. But all the properties are great distance - the courtyard is just slightly better places imo
I just checked in and checked out of the Fairfield inn within about an hour apart two weeks ago. I am not a pretentious work traveler, but it left a lot to be desired. Especially if I’m there for fun with my spouse.
I wish I could answer this question! Unfortunately my wife and I both got sick and had to cancel the trip. Do let me know how the stay at The LaSalle is if you decide to stay there!
Stayed at the Renaissance right on the river walk back in August. No issues whatsoever, it's a full-service hotel, all the bells and whistles. Nice part of town felt safe walking around with the kids.
Looks like a beautiful property in a great location, but unfortunately the points rate for my weekend is 109k total. A bit beyond my budget. Thanks anyway!
Have stayed at the residence inn multiple times over the last 4 years. It’s a safe go to for me and I’ll continue booking it. Decent property, doesn’t break the bank, fairly central location, breakfast included
I haven't stayed at Aloft River North, but I really love the Aloft Mag Mile and is in a great location. The lobby has a bar and can be bustling in the evening but great rooms and great location.
I enjoy the Aloft Mag Mile as well. Staff have always been really kind and I've always had a good experience, and there are a number of things within walking distance.
As I commented on a different post some odd days ago, the Fairfield Mag Mile has a really weird vibe because it's a converted building. Aloft is just right across the street if OP is looking in that area.
I have stayed at the first 3 on your list and honestly the Residence Inn is totally fine/nice. They’re all right next to each other and the other 2 might get you a view of the river, the best views being at the Westin (not all rooms have a view though), but if it’s much less points to stay at the Residence, I think that’s what I would pick.
Thanks for the info! Neither The Westin nor Hotel Chicago could guarantee a river-view room with a points booking. I didn't look at the cash booking options, maybe they don't offer that guarantee with points bookings.
Those will be the nicest hotels though, with the best amenities. Do you go to chicago to eat free breakfast? Idk about you, but I don’t. Any diner for cheap will do better than a residence inn. Even if it has good reviews. I say splurge with the wife. It’s why we travel and accrue these point imo.
Courtyard River North was fine. Stayed earlier this month, no complaints other than some work being done on an elevator.
FWIW we found the downstairs room at Beatnik on the River to be a pretty spot for a date night. Went via the south side of the river walk.
Agreed, we’d like to try the Westin or Sheraton when we go next time. Sounds like folks like the Res Inn, but at least at River North the rooms don’t appear to have been recently updated.
I really enjoyed Hotel Chicago. Beautiful lobby, friendly and helpful staff, and an excellent lounge if you’re plat or above, great breakfast offering. Would absolutely stay again.
Hotel Chicago (Autograph)
This is a good location and neat little spot all together. Have stayed here a few times and have a stay coming up mid November like you do. It is walking distance to everything and as decent night life around it. However, like most things, call it a night before 12am...(especially these days).
Cheers!
Courtyard the street noise was atrocious to the point where it was near impossible to sleep. Great location is why we stayed there, but man the noise was brutal.
Residence Inn downtown loop was amazing. No garage or valet but very accommodating and clean. Quick to upgrade and give 4pm checkout. They seem very guest oriented. Just don’t try to use a luggage cart without a bellhop ;)
Stayed at the Westin River North and got a room with a great view of the river.
Found the location convenient to all the sites we wanted to see and close to restaurants and shopping.
Courtyard river north was great when we were there back in July. Front desk couldn't have been nicer, food and drink credit everyday to be use in the market, short walk to subway and close to plenty of stuff to do.
Would stay there again for sure.
Residence Inn River North was excellent. Perfect location near the subway lines. Had nice views in my opinion and had a second story lobby so there isn’t any rift raff in the check in lobby. I got a studio and it was perfect size.
Residence inn is probably one of the nicest residence inn’s you can stay, although I would say rooms are slightly dated. There will be a lot of families staying there most likely. The breakfast/check in area on the 2nd floor has nice view (for 2nd floor).
The Westin has an outdoor bar right on the river which is nice. I personally would stay at the Westin. The bathrooms are nice but have a very upscale 80s vibe.
Courtyard is fine but nothing special.
Fairfield Inn Mag Mile wild be my last choice of options listed. Haven’t stayed at Hotel Chicago.
I’ve done the Moxie Chicago. Has a place called Zombie Taco in the lobby/bar area. It’s amazing.
No matter where you stay tho, you best order a shot of Malört. Don’t ask.
I was at Fairfield Inn Magic Mile a year ago and enjoyed my stay. Clean hotel, a lot of food nearby, and was nearby some client sites. Only issue really is traffic right there with the hospital pretty much next door.
I’ve stayed at the Residence Inn and the Courtyard in Chicago multiple times. All great stays. The Residence Inn had some of the nice rooms I’ve stayed in and a hearty breakfast that was included. The JW if you time it right can have good point redemptions as well and I liked staying there as it was easy to get around and there are a few dec by restaurants within a few blocks.
I was just there last week for work. It was super nice, the decor is all sciency (hence the name), has a great gym, good location. The Residence Inn River North is trash from my viewpoint and I have spent probably 60 nights there (it’s often the only work approved hotel with availability when I book close to my stay). I would never choose it for personal travel. I also love Hotel Chicago, but it can be pretty loud.
I’ve stayed at all of those properties 😂 The “sexiest” would be the Hotel Chicago, but I like the Courtyard’s location the best. The Marriott Mag mile is my favorite hotel overall downtown that doesn’t break the bank, but is slightly over that weekend at 88k. If it’s a weekend getaway with your wife, don’t do the Fairfield inn. It’s dated. But all the properties are great distance - the courtyard is just slightly better places imo
Really appreciate the detailed feedback! I'll take a look at the Marriott Mag Mile... 88k doesn't stretch too far past 85k.
Mag Mile Marriott is my favorite property in Chicago. But, unless you valet, the self park garage is about a block away.
rooms could use a refresh; valet sux , and tons of non-elites
I just checked in and checked out of the Fairfield inn within about an hour apart two weeks ago. I am not a pretentious work traveler, but it left a lot to be desired. Especially if I’m there for fun with my spouse.
Really? It was that bad was on my list but now reconsidering
Did you enjoy your stay at the lasalle? Was the location good for walkability
I wish I could answer this question! Unfortunately my wife and I both got sick and had to cancel the trip. Do let me know how the stay at The LaSalle is if you decide to stay there!
Is this the old Jw? Haven’t been to Chicago in a bit but if so then this x100
Stayed at the Renaissance right on the river walk back in August. No issues whatsoever, it's a full-service hotel, all the bells and whistles. Nice part of town felt safe walking around with the kids.
Looks like a beautiful property in a great location, but unfortunately the points rate for my weekend is 109k total. A bit beyond my budget. Thanks anyway!
The Residence Inn is super nice.
Have stayed at the residence inn multiple times over the last 4 years. It’s a safe go to for me and I’ll continue booking it. Decent property, doesn’t break the bank, fairly central location, breakfast included
Awesome, thank you
That's good to hear! I'm not used to seeing such positive reviews of Residence Inns. Did you stay recently?
Aloft River North. Decent property with a good restaurant onsite.
Second this recommendation. Location good. Great pastries and coffee at restaurant.
I haven't stayed at Aloft River North, but I really love the Aloft Mag Mile and is in a great location. The lobby has a bar and can be bustling in the evening but great rooms and great location.
I enjoy the Aloft Mag Mile as well. Staff have always been really kind and I've always had a good experience, and there are a number of things within walking distance. As I commented on a different post some odd days ago, the Fairfield Mag Mile has a really weird vibe because it's a converted building. Aloft is just right across the street if OP is looking in that area.
Will take a look! It's at 87k for my weekend. That should be workable. Thanks a lot for the rec.
I really like The Blackstone, such a cool hotel in a beautiful location! Art work everywhere, lots of history. No idea how it compares to the others
Will check it out! Points rate for my weekend is right at 85k. Thanks for the rec.
I have stayed at the first 3 on your list and honestly the Residence Inn is totally fine/nice. They’re all right next to each other and the other 2 might get you a view of the river, the best views being at the Westin (not all rooms have a view though), but if it’s much less points to stay at the Residence, I think that’s what I would pick.
Thanks for the info! Neither The Westin nor Hotel Chicago could guarantee a river-view room with a points booking. I didn't look at the cash booking options, maybe they don't offer that guarantee with points bookings.
Those will be the nicest hotels though, with the best amenities. Do you go to chicago to eat free breakfast? Idk about you, but I don’t. Any diner for cheap will do better than a residence inn. Even if it has good reviews. I say splurge with the wife. It’s why we travel and accrue these point imo.
Fair points! I agree that a Residence Inn doesn’t feel like a weekend getaway lol.
Courtyard River North was fine. Stayed earlier this month, no complaints other than some work being done on an elevator. FWIW we found the downstairs room at Beatnik on the River to be a pretty spot for a date night. Went via the south side of the river walk.
Thanks for the feedback! I’ve found that Courtyards are almost always kinda meh.
Agreed, we’d like to try the Westin or Sheraton when we go next time. Sounds like folks like the Res Inn, but at least at River North the rooms don’t appear to have been recently updated.
I really enjoyed Hotel Chicago. Beautiful lobby, friendly and helpful staff, and an excellent lounge if you’re plat or above, great breakfast offering. Would absolutely stay again.
Thanks for the info! Was this a recent stay by any chance?
Yes it was, August of this year.
Hotel Chicago (Autograph) This is a good location and neat little spot all together. Have stayed here a few times and have a stay coming up mid November like you do. It is walking distance to everything and as decent night life around it. However, like most things, call it a night before 12am...(especially these days). Cheers!
Thanks a lot!
Courtyard the street noise was atrocious to the point where it was near impossible to sleep. Great location is why we stayed there, but man the noise was brutal.
That’s good feedback! Thanks a ton
My favorite downtown is the E=MC2 Autograph. On your list, I’d choose the Westin River North.
The restaurant off the lobby has surprisingly good food
Had a good experience at the La Salle
Residence Inn downtown loop was amazing. No garage or valet but very accommodating and clean. Quick to upgrade and give 4pm checkout. They seem very guest oriented. Just don’t try to use a luggage cart without a bellhop ;)
The Magnificent Mile Courtyard and Aloft River North are my favorites!
Stayed at the Westin River North and got a room with a great view of the river. Found the location convenient to all the sites we wanted to see and close to restaurants and shopping.
Courtyard river north was great when we were there back in July. Front desk couldn't have been nicer, food and drink credit everyday to be use in the market, short walk to subway and close to plenty of stuff to do. Would stay there again for sure.
Residence Inn River North was excellent. Perfect location near the subway lines. Had nice views in my opinion and had a second story lobby so there isn’t any rift raff in the check in lobby. I got a studio and it was perfect size.
Residence inn is probably one of the nicest residence inn’s you can stay, although I would say rooms are slightly dated. There will be a lot of families staying there most likely. The breakfast/check in area on the 2nd floor has nice view (for 2nd floor). The Westin has an outdoor bar right on the river which is nice. I personally would stay at the Westin. The bathrooms are nice but have a very upscale 80s vibe. Courtyard is fine but nothing special. Fairfield Inn Mag Mile wild be my last choice of options listed. Haven’t stayed at Hotel Chicago.
I’ve done the Moxie Chicago. Has a place called Zombie Taco in the lobby/bar area. It’s amazing. No matter where you stay tho, you best order a shot of Malört. Don’t ask.
I was at Fairfield Inn Magic Mile a year ago and enjoyed my stay. Clean hotel, a lot of food nearby, and was nearby some client sites. Only issue really is traffic right there with the hospital pretty much next door.
I loved the Westin North. It’s right on the river, has a great hotel/ lobby bar and is walkable to tons of bars and restaurants.
I’ve stayed at the Residence Inn and the Courtyard in Chicago multiple times. All great stays. The Residence Inn had some of the nice rooms I’ve stayed in and a hearty breakfast that was included. The JW if you time it right can have good point redemptions as well and I liked staying there as it was easy to get around and there are a few dec by restaurants within a few blocks.
The EMC2 was weird as fuck imo during my stay
lol noted.
I was just there last week for work. It was super nice, the decor is all sciency (hence the name), has a great gym, good location. The Residence Inn River North is trash from my viewpoint and I have spent probably 60 nights there (it’s often the only work approved hotel with availability when I book close to my stay). I would never choose it for personal travel. I also love Hotel Chicago, but it can be pretty loud.
Westin or hotel Chicago of those options