Chicago's Essex Inn Hotel

Stay 5/24-5/26/08 - Arrived to find out that all rooms were now non-smoking when I had requested a smoking room. Think I should have been notified. No temperature control in rooms and very warm. The rooms were small but clean and the staff was very courteous. Shuttle to main attractions was very convenient but wished it ran later than 6 p.m.

The hotel was in a great location with easy access to near by attractions. The hotel shuttle also made it easy to get around. The beds were comfortable and for the most part the room was clean. The bathrooms left a lot to be desired. It was small and just didn't have a very "just cleaned" feel to it. All in all, it was alright, however for $20-40 more, I'd pick a better place to stay, it'd be worth the extra money.

loved the hotel, was not happy with the booking service. I was denied a room as the hotel had no reservation in my name. They could not find the web site or a phone number contact on the voucher. The little comment on the voucher that read, if you check the reservation at the hotel one day prior to your arrival date it may not show. even the hotel thought that was somewhat strange. The fact that I paid for the room at the time of booking almost indicated that I had been taken. I assured the hotel that I was normally carefull and nothing like this had ever happen to me before. Always a first time. also no reply from booking service after several emails.

The hotel was nice, but fairly expensive (probably not for a loop hotel). Small rooms (well kept), courteous staff, decent restaurant, free internet, etc.