This hotel had everything! Starbucks for mornings and a great bar and restaurant for evenings. The staff was very helpful and pleasant. I will definitely stay here when I return to Chicago.

I had the fortune to spend the weekend in Chicago and chose to stay at the Courtyard by Marriott Chicago Downtown / Magnificent Mile. It's important to note that we were visiting the Second City for the 2009 Bank of America Chicago Marathon, so the hotel was full and the city was packed with runners and spectators.

My wife and I experienced tremendous customer service during the length of our stay at the hotel. The check-in process was seamless and the friendliness of the staff was evident in our very first interactions. The great service continued every step of the way during our stay -- from the front desk to the bellhop to the housekeepers. Everyone we interacted with was happy to help and treated us very well.

The location was incredible as well. We were in walking distance to major shopping on the Magnificent Mile (1/2 block from the entrance to the hotel) and hundreds of fine restaurants. We were also very close to public transportation and used it to access the different neighborhoods that make Chicago such a great weekend destination. The only complaint I have in terms of amenities would be the Starbucks located within the hotel. It was a very small location and was always jam packed. We attempted to grab coffee on two separate occasions, only to be 'turned away' from the long line. Instead, we opted to get our caffeine fix at the Dunkin' Donuts located 100 yards from the hotel. On a more positive note, the free wireless internet was fast and easy to access (a huge perk in our book!).

The room we stayed in was very large and included a king size bed and full sofa. It was very clean and had a very nice layout. The bathroom was also very large and clean. The room, however, is in need of updating/renovation. The first addition I would suggest is a flat screen LCD TV.

What did I like best? Friendly Staff; Location; Free Wireless Internet
What did I like least? Old school TV (need an LCD with HD); inaccessibility of the Starbucks

This hotel just off of Michigan Avenue met our needs perfectly.
Wife shopped 'til she dropped while son and I went to see the Bears play the Lions.
Staff was very friendly and attentive and the room was immaculate.

We stayed in a junior suite - king bed in a bedroom and a sofabed in another area. This was perfect for Mom, Dad, and teen boy. Each had their own TV. Bathroom was nice as shower/tub and toilet were in one room and sink area was separate. Small problem with leaky mini-fridge. Viand Bar is a cozy little place to have pre-or-post dinner drinks. The breakfast at Viand is very good, especially if you can get a stay for breakfast package. The lobby is small. Elevators seem to take a long time, but the security/key card system is nice. The pool is small and not warm enough; would be better if it were warmer. Hotel is half-block from Michigan Avenue so is ideal for all you want to see there.