Overall a terrific place to stay. The "Heavenly Bed" is truly heavenly. The rooms are immaculate, very modern, and have all the conveniences you would expect from a top-of-the-line hotel. I had a terrific view of the distant Chicago skyline from my window. The hotel is on a several acre man-made lake with a nice foot path that made me wish I had packed my rollerblades. Service was very good, food exceptional, and prices fair. It's close to O'Hare, but a cab to downtown was over $50. The hotel has a shuttle that drops you off at the Itasca train station. Riding the Metra to Union Station is a better deal at $3.90 (one way) and is nearly as fast.

On the con side, guests are assessed an extra fee to use the attached athletic club's workout facility (treadmill/bike/rowing machine, weights, raquetball, basketball). Fortunately, the pool, hot tub and the attached locker room facilities including sauna and steam room are included without additional charge.

Summary: Huge lobby with an open atrium (similar to Embassy Suites). Rooms are good sized and nicely furnished but does not have the luxurious feel of a Westin. Decent but not great value given its remote suburb location.

Pros: Lobby is huge with an open atrium and features restaurants and bars. Rooms are large and nicely furnished with flat screen LCD TV. There is even a separately table across the closet for luggage. Westin and Sheraton always have nice beds. You can also break Starbucks coffee in your own room. The pool is good size though not large. The workout room has lots of equipment in an area the size of a basketball court (but not on the 12th floor as noted in a previous review and has no view). There is also an actual basketball court. The hotel seems is basically very large and should be good for business conferences.

Cons: While the furnishings are nice, they are not luxurious. The colors are very standard grey, black and white monotone. The Itasca location is around 20-30 minutes from the O'Hare airport. If you take a taxi, it is considered a suburb of Chicago so your fare will be 1.5 times the actual metered rate. Going into Chicago by car is not recommended due to traffic. Even though it's very close to a highway intersection, there is nothing around the hotel in terms of dining and shopping within the immediate area. Service attitude was a bit cool, and there is no bell service, at least for us. We moved all of our luggage, including boxes, by ourselves.

Conclusion: I suppose I expect a bit more from the Westin in terms of quality. The facilities are great, particularly for business conferences. I see no reason to stay there if you are a tourist since it's too far away to be convenient.

Price paid: $169 + tax for weekday

Great hotel, and staff. This is a must see in the burbs. Hotel very modern, and the best staff in Chicago. Great deal, and outstanding value. Priced right!!!!!!!

The lobby bar was an exciting place to meet with a extensive wine list, available by the glass.

Associates are all very excited about what they do. Close to O'hare and Wood field. Heavenly bed and shower a must for every home. I can not wait to return.

I had the pleasure of staying at this property for the Illinois Assoc. for College Admission Counseling May 2-4, 2007. I had read earlier reviews that were unfavorable, but after hearing that the hotel was taken over by Westin and refurbished, I was excited.

I was not disappointed and the hotel exceeded my expectations... exceeded them so much that I will most likely choose this hotel when I am on business again in this area and leaving the hotel I usually have stayed at over the last 9 years!

The rooms are spacious. The provided bathrobe was a nice luxourious touch and I appreciated the in-room Starbucks coffee. The tile/marble bath with double-headed shower was a nice respite at the end of my busy conference days and I found myself going to bed early just so I could get more time in the bed - the bed mattress and linens was like sleeping in a cloud. I wish I could take it home with me. The LCD tv was great too and the honor bar, while expensive - had a good variety and was well stocked. The work area with internet access (must pay for it) was spacious as well and the chair was comfortable. Room servince food was a bit pricey but the portions were extremely large and quality was wonderful. Maid service/cleanliness - imacculate! Hotel staff was great at front desk and with a couple of request/needs I had.

The workout room was great - good exquipment and great views of the area (on 12th floor). Pool was a bit small but nice.

If you are planning a conference, a weekend in the Woodfield area or just need to spend a few nights on business - this is a great place. After busy working days, it's so nice to come "home" to a hotel room that is relaxing. I will definitely be back!