Much attention to detail here!
Written: May 24 '08
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Product Rating:
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Pros: very modern and trendy, great details and plenty of extras (at a cost).
Cons: loud and busy lobby and elevators, pricey
The Bottom Line: Convient to Michigan Avenue and Navy Pier - worth the splurge for a weekend away to visit these sights, but not for people looking for quiet.
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| razberryswirl's Full Review: W Chicago Lakeshore |
I stayed at the W Hotel Lakeshore for business/pleasure on a recent Saturday night in May. We got an e-mail offer for $175 per night plus tax, typical rack rates start around $239 per night.
My husband and I arrived slightly late - 8pm. We parked at a self-park garage about a block away (highly recommended if you want to save money on parking). There were a lot of people standing around the front doors socializing and smoking because as we quickly learned, the lobby of the hotel is pretty much a trendy bar for 20- and 30-somethings. Upon walking in, we could smell the signature scent that the W pipes into the building. The crowded lobby was a bit of a turnoff for us because we like quaint, quiet lobbys. The decor of the lobby was very modern and artsy, but it was small and there were so many people around that it was hard to tell where to go to check in. There are three desks in the lobby and later I realized one is the front desk (the word "welcome" is mounted on the desk but the sign isn't obvious). The first desk I saw upon walking in was actually the concierge desk (in w-speak, the "whatever/whenever" desk) and then there is another desk a little deeper in the lobby, I think that's where you can rent an Acura (some W hotel promotional program).
The lobby was dark and so loud with the bar/restaurant just steps from the front desk that I was practically yelling at the nice girl who checked us in. It was so uninviting that I just wanted to save my questions for later and get my key and get out of there. Getting to the elevators was a chore because there is a narrow hall where the four elevators are, but it was crammed with people. W employees with bell carts had to yell politely so they could get by and there were others who seemed to act as elevator "bouncers" to keep things moving efficiently. We also had to use our room key in order to choose a floor, which I understand the security aspect, but it was a little annoying especially when the elevator is crammed and you have to squeeze over to do so. The elevators were crammed with people who smelled like alcohol - they were probably on their way back from the whiskey bar on the top floor.
Now, I love the attention to detail that is put into this chain. For example, the carpeting is sleek and modern, and the frame that is mounted next to the guest room doors that say room number matches the carpet. All the decor in the rooms is modern and trendy without looking cheap. While I thought the whole "W" theme was cute, it got a little old. Everything had to start with a W. There were little trinkets in the room like a glass cube that said "wish" and a little silver kaleidescope that said "whimsical", stuff like that. I was afraid to touch these items, however, because I was afraid I'd get charged for it! There was a lot in the room that you could purchase including an extremely well stocked and expensive minibar items, tons of snacks, candies, flip flops, umbrella, a few bottles of water, disposable camera, etc. Most of these items had no price but seeing as though the box of candy was around $10, I was afraid to investigate any further.
The view of Chicago was fantastic. The bed was terriffic - firm and very large and raised up so that my short little self had to start off in a slight jog so I could propel myself up on the bed. Linens and comforter were luxurious. There was a 32-inch flat panel TV but we didn't use it much. The bathroom was sleek with black tile and had wonderful Bliss Spa amenities.
I called the whatever/whenever desk for a phone number to make reservations for our favorite Armenian restaurant a few blocks over on Ohio St. Later when I reviewed the bill, I would see that the call to the restaurant was $2.00 - I forgot that some hotels don't have free local calls! I liked how every time I called room service or the concierge, they used my name and used terms like "certainly" and "my pleasure".
We walked around the hotel and I found two things that impressed me:
Business center on the 7th floor:
It was self-supplied, had 4-5 Mac/PC stations (they switch back and forth) which operated by the guest swiping their credit card for internet use. Use of the net for printing boarding passes or booking flights was complimentary. There was a pitcher of water with sliced oranges in it along with high-quality disposable cups located near the window and the view was magnificent.
Gym facilities:
Beautiful. Modern equipment, decent sized pool that goes to 8ft deep, balcony with great views of Lake Michigan and a food service menu available. The ellipticals faced the lake and had their own screens which offered choice of shows/movies. Bathroom/shower available. Roomy and airy.
I was very impressed with this.
We ordered in-room dining for dessert. The brownie a la mode came to almost $20 after taxes, service fees and charges, but it was rich, decadent and worth the price and calories! The gentleman who delivered it was very kind and had his own business card which he set on the tray up against a small box of Nerds candy. That was cute. One of the dessert options on the menu was champagne, whipped cream and strawberries - need I say more?!
In the morning, our breakfast came right on time - we ordered it the night before - but my entree was missing. My husband's was so large that we shared and I was okay with that. They didn't charge me for it so there must have been a misunderstanding when I ordered. The food was good -croissants were slightly toasted on the outside and buttery and tender inside, and my husband said the eggs Benedict was the best he'd ever had.
We were able to get a late checkout and when I turned in my key at the front desk at 1pm, the lobby was not as loud but still very busy. People were sitting on the lobby couches holding plates and awkwardly eating sandwiches and a couple of German shepherds quietly people watched. Again, I wanted to get out of there quickly as I felt I was intruding on people eating their meals with my luggage. I grabbed a green apple from the silver bowl (they should have taken the stickers off, much better presentation) and we headed out the door.
Recommended:
Yes
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Epinions.com ID:
razberryswirl
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Member: Naomi
Location: Central Illinois
Reviews written: 42
Trusted by: 2 members
About Me:
Oh my goodness - I'm almost 30!
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