A Review of the Wyndham Chicago Hotel

The Wyndham Chicago hotel is the favorite of many travelers. From business to pleasure, the Wyndham Chicago has something for everyone.

Getting to the Wyndham Chicago is relatively simple. From the airports, several options are available, including a shuttle, taxi, and public transportation. If you drive, access to the Wyndham Chicago is easy once you get past the road construction. There is a valet parking charge of $44 for 24-hours of unlimited "in and out" privileges.

Upon arrival at the Wyndham Chicago, a member of the bell staff welcomes you. They are certainly patron friendly. When the hotel is booked and we stay elsewhere, they always come out to say hello.

After entering the ground floor, you may either climb the beautiful staircase, lit by a crystal chandelier, or take one of two extra-large elevators to check in on the second floor. The Wyndham Chicago front desk staff is courteous and accommodating.

Just around the corner from the check-in desk is the concierge area. All of the concierges are helpful and friendly, except for one rude employee. Pay no attention, though. Just help yourself to a variety of local magazines and discount books that the Wyndham Chicago stocks behind the podium.

There are 417 rooms located on 17 floors of the Wyndham Chicago. Smoking and non-smoking room sizes range from singles to suites and include handicapped accessible rooms. All are spacious, clean, and decorated in calming earth tones. On rare occasion, housekeeping or maintenance may overlook a small detail, but a phone call will quickly resolve the matter. Guest elevators are plentiful and roomy, so little time is wasted getting to or from your room.

The Wyndham Chicago provides a variety of amenities. If you are a member of the Wyndham ByRequest program, a treat will be waiting for you. All guests enjoy multi-line phones, leather-topped desks, Herman Miller® Aeron® ergonomic chairs, cable television, and other extras. The only thing missing is a suction device for those space saving bags.

As most full-service hotels, the Wyndham Chicago has a fitness center, indoor pool, sauna, steam room, and spa. Although they are small, guests enjoy them. If you have a particularly bad day, consider an in-room massage.

The Wyndham Chicago is within walking distance to many activities, including the Navy Pier. For shopping the Magnificent Mile, the Wyndham Chicago is in a prime location. It is one block from Michigan Avenue, yet the hustle and bustle of the busy city fades once you are in the hotel.

The downfall of the locale is that the Wyndham Chicago is across the street from Northwestern University Hospital. There are sirens during the day, but the emergency traffic is minimal. Your sleep will rarely be disturbed since sirens are not used in the area at night. The Wyndham Chicago does a good job of keeping the noise level down, too.

Corporate travelers will remain productive at the Wyndham Chicago. There is a self-serve, 24-hour business center located on the second floor behind the concierge. It contains all of the modern office technologies, including wireless internet connection. The Wyndham Chicago houses twelve meeting rooms with banquet facilities and two ballrooms to accommodate conventions or weddings.

The Wyndham Chicago has several vacation packages, including one for American Girl fans. Check the website for special offers and web rates. If you travel for medical treatment at a Northwestern University Hospital, phone the Wyndham Chicago to ask about discounted rates. Current medical rates are steep, but perhaps the hotel will reevaluate them. The posted nightly rate for a stay at the Wyndham Chicago ranges from $269 for a single room to $434 for a suite.

As for dining, the Wyndham Chicago is home to Caliterra Bar & Grille. The restaurant mixes Northern Italian and California cuisines. The prices are in line with other fine restaurants in downtown Chicago, but may be steep for families or those on a budget. (A convenience store, where you can purchase water, soda, or other small items, is a couple of blocks away.) Room service is available 24 hours per day. If Caliterra is not your style, there are many restaurants near the Wyndham Chicago.

Checking out of the Wyndham Chicago is easy. View your room charges and check out on WebTV, or drop your keys in the lobby box. If you became attached to the staff's charm, then by all means, stop at the counter and end your stay with a smile.

The Wyndham Chicago gets 4.5 out of 5 stars from me. The next time you visit the Windy City, try the Wyndham Chicago.

Wyndham Chicago
633 North St. Clair Street
Chicago, IL 60611
Phone: (312) 573-0300
Fax: (312) 274-0164

www.wyndham.com