This was my first time in Chicago, we came for a Cubs game. After reading several negative reviews we were very hesitate about staying at this hotel but we were pleasantly surprised. We checked-in at about 4:15pm on a Thursday, it was very quick. We had a king room on the 16th floor. It had a nice flat screen tv & a small desk. The elevators & hallways are very small but...I didn't go to Chicago to spend time in them. The room was more then big enough for my husband & I. I don't know what their double rooms are like but I could see that maybe 2 beds in a room might be a bit tight for a family of 4. However, for as little time spent in the room, I don't think it would be a big deal. If planning to be in the room for long amounts of time, I probably would spend a bit more for a nicer hotel. The elevators & hallways are very small, but again...not there to spend a lot of time in the hotel. The location of this hotel can't be beat, especially for the price. Just steps from Michigan Ave & Magnificent Mile shopping & we were able to easily walk to about everywhere we wanted to go from the hotel. The only real negatives I have about the hotel room are this: the carpet seemed quite dingy with a big pink stain in the corner, the bathroom needed a bit of deep cleaning ie. walls around/below sink & the grout in the shower needed to be scrubbed. This is a no frills place... if you're on a budget & looking for a place to change clothes & sleep at, this is a great value. I really can't complain about anything considering we paid only $50/ night thru Priceline...you can't beat that for the heart of Chicago.

Food & drinks in downtown Chicago can be pricey so I recommend the TGI Fridays that is on the other side of the block from the hotel (on Erie St.) They have a very nice bar area & drink specials every day of the week. We didn't find this place until our last day & wished we had much earlier. Great place to sit, watch a game & have a drink after a long day of walking. We also stopped by the Signature Lounge on the 96th floor of the Hancock Bldg. for a drink. Instead of paying $12-$15/person to go to their observation deck, we went to the lounge & had a drink. Drinks are pricey but you get a great drink while enjoying the great view. I recommend going during the afternoon to avoid the crowds for your best chance at a seat by the window. There is also a McDonalds & a Walgreens about 4 blocks west on the same street as the hotel. Also to be checked out: Maggiano's Restaurant (great food, reasonable prices), Navy Pier for fireworks at night (Billy Goat Tavern for a drink), Second City comedy club (great show).

We were really impressed as to how easy everything was to get to, either by walking or public transit. We ordered a 3-day pass from the CTA website prior to our trip. They were mailed to our house (included in price) & don't activate until the first time you use them. They are good for unlimited rides on the bus & el train. Use Google Maps for directions, it is connected to the transit authority & will map your way for walking or public transit, giving you the correct bus # or train & how to get to the correct bus stop. We used it on our Blackberry & it worked great!

We had one of our best trips ever & the hotel was great for what we needed it for. We would stay here again & I'm sure we will.