The Seneca Hotel and Suites

We had a group in town for a conference at Navy Pier and had a total of 7 rooms. We loved the fact that we were walking distance from great shopping, the Miracle Mile, lots of restaurants. The rooms, although small and older, were very clean and adequate. The service from the hotel staff was excellent. The lower level hotel restaurant provided a nice menu, good service, and very good food. Overall, we didn't have a complaint and would stay there again.

I used my debit card to pay for my five night stay for a wedding in town, but when I tried to split the bill (which the front desk said they would happily do) I was charged again. The other traveler was arriving much later from Europe so a full charge to my card was the only way to wait for the other party (unless you want to camp out in the lobby). I asked the front desk repeatedly to correct my charges to no avail. The additional charges caused an overdraft to my bank account and by the time I paid for all of the NSF charges (which the hotel would reimburse) I had incurred an additional $200 expense!

NEVER use a debit card at this hotel and be wary of using it for payment in most hotels. Debit cards are not as flexible as credit cards and you risk ruining your trip. My debit card was cut off do to the NSF's. Fortunately, I had enough traveler's cheques to pay for my food, etc.

As with the previous writer, the hotel rooms are converted apartments and are very large and convenient. They resemble suites in other hotels with a formal dining room, living room, separate bedroom (in the suite rooms), and full stocked kitchen. You could live in this hotel on a semi-permanent basis. It is unfortunate that the front desk is so inept!! Stay here at your own peril.

It was a very good location for the center city of Chicago. It was comfortable, but somewhat out of date.

The lobby was under renovation so the business center was closed, but they had free wi-fi internet connection in the room. We had a big room with full kitchen. I was given a wrong room type upon arrival and the desk clerk made me go all the way back to the front desk only to have me go all the way back up and stay in the same room.

The rooms in this hotel were converted from apartments, so they are huge for the price. Most of them have a full kitchen with a stove, etc. My suite had a separate bedroom and sufficient bath. The location is outstanding, next to Hancock Bldg. The restaurants downstairs are also outstanding.

HOWEVER, the front desk is helpless. They promised to fix a problem with my bill but they never did. They charged my credit card twice. I had to have my credit card company haggle with them after a lengthy and time consuming fax. Three weeks later, my card could finally be used again . . .

It's good I brought a fair amount of cash because the hotel blunder cut access to my debit credit card. Too many mistakes!

You take you chances with this hotel ruining your stay. It is unfortunate since the value for the money is excellent here. Be forewarned!