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Waldorf Astoria Chicago: Traveler Reviews

5.0 of 5
11 East Walton, Chicago, IL 60611 (Formerly Elysian Hotel Chicago) (Gold Coast)
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Waldorf Astoria Chicago
Ranked #4 of 164 hotels in Chicago
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834 reviews from our community

Traveler rating
    726
    64
    37
    5
    2
See reviews for
Families
167
 
Couples
378
 
Solo
59
 
Business
152
 
Rating summary
  • Location
    5 of 5 stars
  • Sleep Quality
    5 of 5 stars
  • Rooms
    5 of 5 stars
  • Service
    5 of 5 stars
  • Value
    4.5 of 5 stars
  • Cleanliness
    5 of 5 stars
Date Rating
guadalajara
Contributor
20 reviews 20 reviews
18 hotel reviews
Reviews in 14 cities Reviews in 14 cities
28 helpful votes 28 helpful votes
“Good, vert good; but far from great”
3 of 5 stars Reviewed November 19, 2012

spent two days and two nights at the Chicago Asotria Hotel. A truly exceptional exprience in a truly wolrdclass hotel. I was given the hotel room that I had previously reserved, however check in was not until 3pm, and I arrived at 1pm. No problem, I left to go have lunch somewhere, however there was not a lot of advise about what to do, local attractions, hotel ammenities (spa), etd. I felt I was left on my own. After returning to the hotel at 3pm hoping for the checkin, I was told it would be a bit longer, so I waited until about 4;30pm in the hotel lobby. Once taken to my room, everything was fine.

A word about the rooms. the major attractions were the open air terraces and the working fireplaces. Non of the terrazas have any kind of view, other than parking garages or very close apartment buildings. Really, in the case, what is the use of an outdoor terraze with terrible views, pluse terrible isect probllems. a waste, although the rest of the room acommodations are suburb.

a coupld of issues,although it was the summer,the turned off all of the fireplace access, another characterisctic that i had opted for. they should not promote this during th summer months¡s if they are not goind to have this avaialable.

in all a great hotel but not un to it¨potentential as advertzed.

  • Stayed August 2012, traveled solo
    • 3 of 5 stars Value
    • 4 of 5 stars Location
    • 3 of 5 stars Sleep Quality
    • 4 of 5 stars Rooms
    • 4 of 5 stars Cleanliness
    • 5 of 5 stars Service
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Ask pfgdl about Waldorf Astoria Chicago
This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
WAChicago, General Manager at Waldorf Astoria Chicago, responded to this review
November 19, 2012
Dear pfgdl,

Thank you so much for your feedback regarding your recent stay with us. Feedback like yours enables our continuous pursuit of excellence in everything we do. Unfortunately, these valuable lessons have come at your expense.

I truly apologize on behalf of the entire team for not having your room ready on time and for not providing you with the necessary information whilst you were waiting for it. I have also brought to our Housekeeping team's attention the concerns you had with our terraces. The fireplaces in our guest rooms do work throughout the year. I regret to learn that the one in your room was not functioning properly. I have informed our Engineering team for immediate action.

I hope that these unfortunate incidents will not discourage you from staying with us again. I look forward to another opportunity to properly serve you when your travels next bring your to Chicago.

Sincerely,
Richard R. Evanich
General Manager
Tel: (312) 646-1300
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Boston, Massachusetts, United States
1 review
1 helpful vote 1 helpful vote
“Outstanding Concierge”
5 of 5 stars Reviewed November 18, 2012

I want to give a compliment to Al, the concierge at the Waldorf Astoria who made reservations - hard to get - hair salon recommendations and sent off packages - when I tried to tip him he declined as the hotel is non-tipping - I found that most unusual and wanted to say thank you Al for making my stay very enjoyable - Jane King

Stayed November 2012, traveled on business
Was this review helpful? Yes 1
Ask Jane K about Waldorf Astoria Chicago
This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
WAChicago, General Manager at Waldorf Astoria Chicago, responded to this review
November 19, 2012
Dear Jane K,

Thank you so much for your positive feedback in regards to our concierge Al. He is a great asset to our team. I will definitely share your kind comments with him and the entire staff. Our hotel’s definition of luxury does not include tips but does include welcoming our guests with genuine warmth and desire of being of assistance. Giving without the expectation of receiving is the Waldorf Astoria Chicago way. We will look forward to your next visit, hopefully in the very near future.

Sincerely,
Richard R. Evanich
General Manager
Tel: (312) 646-1300
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
New York City, New York
2 reviews
Reviews in 2 cities Reviews in 2 cities
5 helpful votes 5 helpful votes
“Créme de la Créme”
5 of 5 stars Reviewed November 18, 2012

Truly an outstanding experience. The location could not be nicer, especially for those who like to walk around and check out a few stores during the stay. The front desk could not have been more helpful. Compared to other luxury Chicago hotels, such as the Trump, the pricing was high but not $25-bottle-of-water absurd. The employees at the hotel do not accept tips under any circumstances, a refreshing surprise and a sign of great customer service. Rooms are sleek and elegant, with modern hotel-masculine decor. The Waldorf Astoria Chicago lived up to its reputation as one of the premier hotels in Chicago, if not the country.

Room Tip: High floors. Ask if Presidential Suite is available. You can negotiate it way down, as in from $6000...
See more room tips
  • Stayed November 2012, traveled solo
    • 5 of 5 stars Value
    • 5 of 5 stars Location
    • 5 of 5 stars Sleep Quality
    • 5 of 5 stars Rooms
    • 5 of 5 stars Cleanliness
    • 5 of 5 stars Service
Was this review helpful? Yes 1
Ask 5staraficionado about Waldorf Astoria Chicago
This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
WAChicago, General Manager at Waldorf Astoria Chicago, responded to this review
November 19, 2012
Dear 5staraficionado,

Thank you so much for taking the time to post your review of your recent stay at the Waldorf Astoria Chicago. I am thrilled to learn that you enjoy the hotel’s décor and location, our guest rooms, and our not tipping policy. Our service team truly believes in serving without expecting anything in return except our guests' desire to visit with us again. We truly value your loyalty and can’t wait to welcome you back when your travels next bring you to Chicago.

Sincerely,
Richard R. Evanich
General Manager
Tel: (312) 646-1300
Report response as inappropriate
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Arlington Heights, Illinois
Reviewer
4 reviews 4 reviews
Reviews in 2 cities Reviews in 2 cities
4 helpful votes 4 helpful votes
“The Elysian Spa @ the Waldorf is a MUST!!!”
5 of 5 stars Reviewed November 15, 2012

I have been lucky enough to travel to some of the top hotels in the country and visit their spas, but nothing has ever come close to the wonderful Elysian spa at the Waldorf Astoria. Not only is the service impeccable every time I visit, but the decor is beautiful and the services are unbelievably relaxing. If you are looking for the best facial you will ever experience, ask for Cathy who will leave you glowing! She is one of the most kind people you could ever meet, and you will be stunned by how beautiful your skin looks after just one session with her. I am so fortunate to only live about an hour away from this amazing spa, and I HIGHLY recommend that you make an appointment even if you aren't staying in the hotel. It's the perfect afternoon getaway for some relaxation!

  • Stayed November 2012, traveled solo
    • 5 of 5 stars Value
    • 5 of 5 stars Location
    • 5 of 5 stars Sleep Quality
    • 5 of 5 stars Rooms
    • 5 of 5 stars Cleanliness
    • 5 of 5 stars Service
Was this review helpful? Yes 4
Ask KC M about Waldorf Astoria Chicago
This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
WAChicago, General Manager at Waldorf Astoria Chicago, responded to this review
November 16, 2012
Dear KC M,

Thank you for your positive feedback and for recommending our Elysian Spa. Feedback like yours truly inspires us to continue to pursue...
Report response as inappropriate
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Ann Arbor, MI
Top Contributor
62 reviews 62 reviews
10 hotel reviews
Reviews in 16 cities Reviews in 16 cities
30 helpful votes 30 helpful votes
“Superb”
5 of 5 stars Reviewed November 13, 2012

My wife and I stayed for a combination business meeting/couples weekend. On line reservation process was easy and, from what I could tell, truly the lowest published rate. Prior to arrival the concierge recommended restaurants and travel arrangements from the airport. On arrival our room was ready, bags serviced with tip offered but not accepted, as this is a no-tip property. Welcome half bottle of wine arrived after our luggage drop.The room/suite was luxurious, clean, and updated (see pictures). Bed slept well. I did not appreciate any road noise or disturbances. All of our requests were answered without issues. They do have a first-come-first-served 'local' car that is complimentary within a 2 mile radius; we did not opt to use it but a very nice touch. We tried the Cognac lounge, it was nice, but no desserts or finger foods offered. We brunched at Balsan, their restaurant, which was certainly an above average place. The location is great; easy walk to restaurants and the 'Mircale Mile' shopping. While we did not have any spa treatments, we did enjoy the lap pool, fitness area (very large and well equipped), eucalyptus steam room, jacuzzi, and sauna. All are well up-kept, peaceful, and not overcrowded. Yes, it is quite pricey, but the location, property, service, and spa amenities are truly in a class of their own.

  • Stayed November 2012, traveled as a couple
    • 4 of 5 stars Value
    • 5 of 5 stars Location
    • 5 of 5 stars Sleep Quality
    • 5 of 5 stars Rooms
    • 5 of 5 stars Cleanliness
    • 5 of 5 stars Service
Was this review helpful? Yes 1
See 7 more reviews by BougieKnight for Chicago
Ask BougieKnight about Waldorf Astoria Chicago
This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
WAChicago, General Manager at Waldorf Astoria Chicago, responded to this review
November 14, 2012
Dear BougieKnight,

Thank you for taking the time to post your review of your recent visit with us and for choosing the Waldorf Astoria Chicago as your hotel of stay in the Windy City when traveling on business & pleasure. I am delighted to learn that you enjoyed your suite, your welcome amenity, our bar and restaurant, our Spa and Fitness Center and our no tipping policy.

Thank you for your feedback regarding our bar Bernard’s. Our Executive Chef and his culinary team have been eagerly working on a delicious and exciting bar menu that will go live in a few days. I am sorry that you and your wife were not able to enjoy it; however, I will look forward to welcoming you both back soon so you can perhaps enjoy some of our Spa treatments and our new delectable bites in Bernard’s.

Sincerely,
Richard R. Evanich
General Manager
Tel: (312) 646-1300
Report response as inappropriate
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
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Additional Information about Waldorf Astoria Chicago

Address: 11 East Walton, Chicago, IL 60611 (Formerly Elysian Hotel Chicago)
Phone Number:
Region: United States > Illinois > Chicago > Gold Coast
Amenities:
Bar/Lounge Business Center Fitness Center Free High-Speed Internet Pets Allowed Restaurant Room Service Suites Swimming Pool Wheelchair access
Hotel Style:
Ranked #4 of 164 hotels in Chicago
Price Range: $$$$
Hotel Class:5 star (5*)
Official Description (provided by the hotel):
The AAA Five-Diamond Waldorf Astoria Chicago(formerly The Elysian Hotel)is located in the heart of the prestigious Gold Coast neighborhood amognst the Magnificent Mile and Oak Street famed restaurants, retailers and lakefront. The award-winning 188-room hotel through innovative services and technologies, creates a new experience in luxury – energetic and fashion forward, warm and welcoming, and fresh and engaging. Amenities include a 14,000 square-foot spa & health club; 4,500 square feet of private event space; European-inspired bistro, Balsan; haute bar Bernard's. ... more   less 
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