The Whitehall Hotel, Chicago (IL)

I first stayed at the Whitehall in 1995, it was an amazing experience. From my first moment with the front door staff who welcomed me and took my bags, to the reception staff at check-in, and throughout the stay, gracious service, and very nice, sophisticated and fresh rooms to stay in. All in all a great boutique hotel experience. I took a trip back here more than 10 years later, and decided to splurge a bit more than I wanted to on the room. This is not the same hotel... and I'm guessing not the same owners... The reception staff at the front desk was wonderful, and helpful, as was the housekeeping staff... but in general, things are not operating at 4-star levels, especially for the prices they are charging. My room, itself, was nice/adequate, clean and up-to-date, however, when I decided the mattress was too soft for my back, the hotel staff did not seem to be able to suggest a solution that would work. They tried... but it didn't appear that the reception could easily address this concern.. (I'll ask my manager) it sort of fell through the cracks in terms of addressing my issue. Secondly, since the heat in the Whitehall's old building is centrally regulated by the city of Chicago, I requested a blanket when I was chilled. Housekeeping arrived with a blanket that I wouldn't touch with a 10-foot pole.... it was completely ripped to shreds from use, and literally the satin border of one side of the blanket was torn from the blanket itself and dangling. I'm guessing the person delivering didn't see this, and it was a Sunday evening 10p.m. Another thing that bothered me was leaving everyone's checked bags out in the open in the lobby all day..... including my small tote.... I requested that they lock it up behind the counter. Maybe there's just not room anywhere else. While the staff tried hard, and one of these issues wouldn't be a deal breaker, these small things added up to one conclusion...

The best thing about the Whitehall is the location. You can't get any better than a half a block west of Michigan Avenue on the Northern end of the Magnificent Mile. It's a great location if you're going to do some power shopping. The other positive is a comfortable bed with extremely comfortable pillows. That is about the extent of its positive aspects. Its website speaks of a "meticulous restoration"; however, I found it still looking like a grandmother's old house. The furniture and lights are all old. In fact, the fabric on the desk chair in my room was completely torn. The TV and radio are old, and the bathroom is small. If you just need a place to collapse after all your shopping; this is a very appropriate hotel. If you're in search of a relaxing environment, you'll need to seek elsewhere.

The ambiance of the Whitehall Hotel is that of a classic, old-world, European hotel. The details are upscale... marble counters in the bathroom, lighted make-up mirror, great lighting in the bathroom. THe bed was fabulous, triple sheeted comforter and a pillowtop mattress. The location is superior, just a few steps off Michigan Avenue in one direction and Rush Street in the other. Having a restaurant in the building made having breakfast easy and it was very good and not pricey.

The location of the hotel was wonderful, we were a block from the Hancock tower and the oak street beach. The navy pier was within walking distance. The hotel was also less than a half mile from great resaurants, we went to mortons and unos. All the upscale stores on Michigan mile are very close (a block over)-tiffanys, Cartier, David Yurman, as well as others nike, sony, apple, garmin. The hotel was very clean and had a business center and workout area, however I did not use these. The only drawback to the room were the cons mentioned above, we had to call for ice and then a tip was expected and there was no refrigerator to put leftovers or a microwave. no pool, but being so close to the beach it was worth it. Parking if you use the hotel is about $41 U.S. per day with unlimited in and out, but I suggest not driving all together since the hotel is so close to public transportation.

We were very pleased staying in this hotel, the reception staff was very helpful and kind, the concierge too (but was occupied by the customers all the time!). It was a pleasure to eat in the restaurant. The rooms are nicely furnished, cozy and clean. The housekeeping did their best to keep it clean and neat. No hassle, no rush, just pleasure! Staying at this hotel is a win - I do recommend!

Great hotel for a great rate!

Excellent value, curteous staff and comfortable rooms add up to a great choice for a Michigan Avenue excursion in Chicago!

We enjoyed our stay at the hotel.

Overall, a great hotel for the money. If you have patience and aren't looking for a chain experience, the Whitehall is a great fit.

The hotel 'situated in a central location, well served, retains the charm of a building of the century. Ideal for lovers of shopping, very close to Michigan Avenue. The decor of the rooms is a bit dated and needed updating even for technological, like Internet and WiFi access. Breakfast is standard level and is not 'particularly rich. The hotel and 'comfortable even for those who want to walk along the docks of Lake Michigan. Nice to see the construction of the Hancock Tower and Sears Tower in the next.