A very centrally located hotel, just a few blocks from the Magnificent mile in downtown Chicago, with straightforward amenities is recommended both for a business or leisure stay. The rooms are spacious, containing the connectivity that we are zoo accustomed to, and the bathroom is standard. Complimentary wifi throughout the hotel. The fitness, is very mediocre but its size suffices to perform some rudimentary exercise. The pool, though relatively small (1 push two strokes), is relaxing and clean. This hotel differentiates itself by the friendliness and service-mindedness of its personnel. In particular I compliment the doormen team who have been extremely helpful in a proactive fashion throughout my stay (still on crutches). the complimentary breakfast is of poor quality, but given the abundance of good restaurants around the block easily forgotten.
Nextdoor's fire department tends to be somewhat noisy (do they really need sirens when there is no traffic in the middle of the night), but sleep quality and pricing for my 6 night stay were well balanced.

Pros: Great staff, terrific location, very good value. Rooms are spacious and comfortable. Free breakfast is satisfactory, price is right especially if all you want is a muffin or cereal or a waffle.

Cons: Yes it is right next door to the fire station which was active all night long. I slept through most of it until about 3am then the sirens made it difficult to get back to sleep soundly.

All in for the one night it served its purpose, would stay again but only if I could get a room away from the street.

I stayed here during the holiday season last year, and it was just fine, but it didn't cost me a total of $303 for one night. I really like the River North location, and the people out front and behind the counter go above and beyond the call of duty, but this isn't a full service hotel, and the complimentary breakfast is still a Hampton Inn breakfast.

Even though I decided at the last minute to pay up for an extra night in the city (partly because I'd just used a free night at a different establishment) and it was a perfect stay, I can't say that I got my money's worth. The room was nice and clean and the staff--once again--was great, but I won't return unless I can get a much better deal. Yeah, I'm hooked on Hilton Honors points, but with prices like this, I'm thinking about going back to Hotwire.

The location in River North is great for getting out and exploring the Magnificent Mile, the Chicago River, and the Loop. Transportation options are great, and we had a short walk to the Blue line for easy access to O'Hare. The fire station can be noisy, but it is an urban envionment, after all! Views from the 12th floor were good, but lower floors probably not so much. For the price, a great place to have a comfortable bed and get out to see the city.