I usually seek out "vintage" hotels like the Carleton and have had great success in the past. Not this time. While the rooms are rather large (small kitchenette and table in each room) this does not make up for the "fried fish" smell that permeated the hotel the entire time I was there. The furniture is old, dirty and in need of repair. Service (what service) was as close to non-attentive as I have ever had. Paid Rack rate of $168 per night and expected better. At one time this may have been a great place but they need to update (stains on love seat, chairs in the room, missing pulls on TV Cabinet), and do something about the smell from the attached fish food restaurant.

Have stayed here many times over the past 15 years. Most recently stayed in a large room with king bed and jacuzzi in bathroom. The room was lovely and very comfortable with refrigerator, microwave oven, hair dryer, iron/ironing board, coffee pot and coffee. We're always pleased with our accommodations and housekeeping. Philander's restaurant and Poor Phil's bar/dining are both excellent. Highly recommend this hotel for convenience and comfort. Only a block from the CTA station. We leave our car in the free hotel parking and take the EL everywhere!

We have stayed here every November for 10 years. The rooms are well maintained and seem to go on forever - we have always had a bedroom with couch, a massive bathroom, a dining room, and a kitchen! The price for this room has always been reasonable for the area. (We have always stayed in the older section and have not tried the new rooms yet.) The downstairs lobby is charming and a good place to people watch. The elevators are mirrored! There are also two good places to eat in the hotel, Poor Phil's, a pub-style establishment, and Philander's with a nice bar and fine dining. You are within walking distance of a very charming area of Oak Park, with many other restaurants available.

I stayed here this June and loved my room. The room was located in the newest wing and was wonderfully decorated and extremely comfortable. They have utilized the space very well. The room had a little kitchen space with a fridge, microwave, coffee maker, etc. Great bath products. Great area to walk around in, close to the cute Oak Park down town area. The staff were rude though, but I was able to overlook it for the room. They need to work on their customer service skills.