The Whitehall Hotel

The problems started a check-in. We reserved a double-bed room with a view. Did the reservation directly through their web site, guaranteed with a credit card. When we arrived we were told there were no such rooms available.

They "upgraded" us to a king-only room with more space, and they did give us a decent discount for the trouble. However instead of a John Hancock building view we had a crappy view of the alley/valet parking area behind the hotel. We get to the room and they hadn't completely cleaned it. The bed was made, but a newspaper from yesterday was there along with food wrappers and used towels in the shower. Called the manager and he moved us to another room one floor below that he said he "personally checked" before moving us down. Get to THAT room and there's a dirty toothpick underneath the desk and other signs of poor cleanup. Over an hour after an evening check-in we finally had everything resolved.

The crappy view of the alley turned out to be a blessing because it let me see how they treat valet parked cars. I saw them park my car in back right below my window. As I was getting ready to go to bed, I looked out at the alley and there was a valet out back sitting on one of the car hoods. So back downstairs to move the car to the self-park across the street.

Did I mention the elevators? Plan on a ten-minute wait (by actual count - not exaggeration) if you are on a lower floor during peak times, and frequently elevators arrive full. Consider punching the "UP" button and riding the extra distance just to get a spot. Hallways are stuffy, so your wait is not pleasant in the summer. There is a service elevator around the cooridor to the right - it is not marked as "staff use only", but they'll give you crap if you decide to use it. Sometimes it's the only option.

Four years ago my girlfriend traveled to Chicago frequently and stayed in this hotel and it was her favorite. But last year we also stayed here and had a relatively unpleasant experience, but discounted it to just bad luck. After this past weekend's experience it appears it's not just bad luck - it's a trend.

There are far better options for you in Chicago.

I have stayed at this hotel before. It has a great location and it is a quiet, small hotel. There are no conventions, but they have good restaurant and bar.

Great location, lovely hotel. We have stayed at this hotel 3 different times now. The staff has always been very helpful, rooms are very nicely furnished, upscale bedding, wonderful location. Have only eaten breakfast in the restaurant but have had wonderful service and good food. Have stayed many places throughout the U.S. and this ranks right up at the top.

Whitehall hotel is a total disapointment. The rooms are old, dated and run-down. The beds are near the door with no foyer space between you and the hallway. The furniture was scratched and falling apart and the bathrooms were reflective of a 1950's Holiday Inn.