My family has been staying at this Courtyard location for the last four years. We come from all over and "do" a Chicago weekend at least once a year. This Courtyard location is by far our favorite Chicago hotel choice. It's reasonably priced with an awesome location. The rooms are clean and quiet. Self-parking in the attached garage is only $28/night versus the usually $40+.

The staff is extremely helpful and friendly. There are two queen beds in the rooms instead of two fulls, which makes sleeping for a family of four alot easier.

The bar/restaurant is very nice, and can be pricey, but we normally book our rooms to include breakfast - so it's not an issue. I wouldn't eat here if it wasn't included, as there are so many good choices to be had for less money within walking distance (The Grand Lux is only a block away).

The only thing that I would say is a negative, is that there is no hot tub in the pool area. The pool is on the 10th floor, and the kids enjoy it, but the adults in our group would be happier if there were a hot tub - there's not. But who goes to Chicago to swim??

I am a Marriott Silver Rewards member and have stayed at numerous Marriott's. I would rate this one just average for the category 5 that it's listed as.

Check-in went smoothly although the staff member was not overly friendly. We were able to have a refrigerator delivered to the room and it came immediatley which was great.

The room we stayed in was pretty small or at least not layed out well given the furniture that was in it. The TV was located to the side of the bed versus at the foot of the bed so it was very uncomfortable to try and lay in bed and watch a movie and the basketball game.

The pool was very small and it did not appear there was a hot tub so we ended up not using the facilities even though we had brought our suits. We generally always use the pool.

We stopped in the restaurant to ask for a fork to go with a dessert we had brought back to the room and it literally took her 10 minutes to come back with a fork and then she ended up taking it off a table right next to the hostess station.

We wanted to make dinner reservations and the concierge said it was too early and to come back at 1. So at 1 we came back and again she said it was too early (because we forgot to change our clocks to accomodate the time change). I have never had that experience. Generally they would take the information and when the time came would make the reservation and then either leave a message on the room phone or send up a card which indicated the reservation time & confirmation. To have to keep stopping back at the desk was an inconvienence that we should have been able to entrust to the concierge to handle.

The benefit was the location. If you are interested in being on Michigan Ave for shopping this is only 1/2 blk off the mile. The JW was on the mile and we did go in but the lobby was under construction. We have stayed at the Renaissance at 1 W. Wacker and I would highly recommend that hotel...it's not on the Mile but is still near lots of great restaurants and shopping. The hotel experience was much nicer, although I suppose it should be given that it's a category 6. I felt the staff was more attentive and friendly as well.

In closing, I wouldn't hesitate to stay at the Courtyard but know that it's just an average 5 category.

I stayed there Dec. 26-28 2007. I took my mother-in-law and three daughters to see some sights. We took in Wicked(7:30pm show) and American Girl Place. I was able to check in four hours early and two hours late. The room was roomy and the beds very comfortable. The location was perfect. Bus/taxi fare for all of us was $10 from/to Union Station. Otherwise we walked everywhere. It took 12 minutes to walk to the Oriental Theater. We walked back at 10:45 at night and it was completely safe. There are so many people out on the streets.
The staff is very welcoming and helpful. Robert was very helpful in finding good eating places. Everyone in very knowledgable on local transportation.

I plan to take my son and husband for a Cubs/Cards game. Go Cards! I will surely stay here again.

Excellent Hotel stay Dec 17-21. Excellent service from doorman, Sith. Room equipped with double queen sized beds that were very comfortable. Room attendant very flexible in cleaning times. Room climate control was precise. Iron, board and hair dryer conveniently stored in closet. Only drawback would be internet in room was wired to a very short cord, wireless internet in lobby work area only. Business center in hotel lower lobby fully equipped with 3 computers and printers including a fax machine. Hotel is walking distance to AMC movies 3 blocks, one block off of Michigan Ave and all the excellent department stores. Access to Navy pier, Water tower Plaza, John Hancock Building, Museums all within walking distance.