My husband and I recently needed to go downtown from Northbrook. Since the building we were…read morevisiting was right next to Chicago Union Station, taking the train was a no-brainer. I used to take the train very often years ago and was quite familiar with the station back then. This time, however, if I hadn't been with my husband, who acted as my guide, I definitely would have been quite lost! I'll definitely do a little more homework before my next visit. When we passed through the Great Hall, I was still in awe, admiring the intricate details of this iconic Chicago landmark. The Great Hall features a 219-foot-long barrel-vaulted skylight that soars 115 feet above the ground. My advice to out-of-town travelers: allow at least 10 minutes while you're in the station to stop and take in the elaborate details of this historic landmark, built in the Beaux-Arts style. The stunning Great Hall was recently restored to its original 1925 glory and is truly worth a look. I also recommend taking time to admire some of the station's original elements that remain today, including the long oak benches, beautiful light fixtures, and chandeliers. One funny memory from decades ago: I used to sit on those oak benches in the Great Hall waiting for my train, and the announcements were always so muffled that I could never figure out what they were saying! This time around, I could actually hear the announcements quite clearly. Chicago Union Station handles approximately 120,000 passengers daily. This makes it the third busiest rail terminal in the United States, serving both Amtrak and Metra passengers. It's an important part of Chicago's history and a remarkable transportation hub. That's quite impressive!

If you are traveling Amtrak First Class out of Chicago Union Station, utilizing the Metropolitan…read moreLounge is an absolute game-changer. The station itself is really nice inside, featuring stunning architecture and a grand atmosphere that makes the beginning of a trip feel special. We arrived at the station around 8:15pm for our 9:30pm train to New York, and the entire experience from start to finish was seamless. The staff are super friendly right from the start, and upon entry, they provide you with a bracelet to easily identify lounge guests. The lounge amenities are top-notch. They offered fresh fruit, a variety of individual snacks with helpful gluten-free labeling for dietary restrictions, a full coffee station, and a soda machine. Best of all, instead of having to watch the departure boards anxiously, the staff make an announcement when it's time to board and personally guide and escort you directly to your train. With their expert guidance, boarding was completely stress-free.

My stay ended up being split into two separate bookings, and interestingly, the two experiences…read morefelt completely different. Part 1: I spent my first two nights in a women's 4-bed dorm, and honestly, I was pleasantly surprised. The room was spotless, spacious, and much nicer than I had expected. While the bedroom was shared with three other people, the living room was shared with the neighboring dorm, so there were about eight people in total using the common space. Even so, it never felt crowded. The living room was huge, the couches were incredibly comfortable, and I actually found myself hanging out there quite a bit. The beds had privacy curtains, which I really appreciated, and since our room was on the corner, we had amazing views of Chicago from both the bedroom and the living area. If my entire stay had been like this, it would have easily been a 5/5. Part 2: I was originally supposed to move to another accommodation for the next two nights, but something went wrong with that booking. Thankfully, the hostel was able to accommodate me again, this time in a women's 8-bed dorm. What surprised me was how different this room was. It wasn't just because there were more people, it was a completely different setup. The room felt much more cramped, there were no privacy curtains, and the beds were noticeably less comfortable. My mattress was so dented that it made sleeping difficult. The biggest issue, though, was that I noticed a man sleeping in the bed next to mine, even though I had specifically booked and confirmed that it was a women's-only dorm. I went downstairs to ask the front desk what was going on, and they immediately realized it had been a mistake. They even laughed about how someone had accidentally checked a male guest into the women's dorm and said they would fix it right away. I completely understand that mistakes happen, and I appreciated that they acted quickly. What didn't sit well with me was how they handled the situation with the guest. Instead of apologizing for their mistake and politely asking him to move, they simply told him, "You need to leave right now." He looked shocked and embarrassed, and honestly, everyone in the room felt bad for him because it clearly wasn't his fault. That moment definitely put a damper on an otherwise enjoyable stay. Overall, I still really liked this hostel. The second-floor common area was fantastic--it was huge and had everything from book exchanges and board games to ping pong, a pool table, comfortable couches, and a giant TV where people were watching the FIFA matches. The shared kitchen was also one of the best I've seen in a hostel: spacious, well-equipped, and with beautiful views of the city. Despite the issues with my second room, I'd still stay here again and give this a 3.7/5 rating. I'd just try to book the 4-bed dorm if possible, because the experience between the two rooms was honestly night and day.

I stayed here for one night before I met up with my friends in the suburbs. It was very…read moreconveniently located in the city and is walking distance to the red and blue lines. I stayed in a six bed women's dorm and was provided a blanket and a towel. The facility was very clean and all of the shared common spaces were very convenient. They had a lounge area with a pool table and games, a cafe right next door, and luggage storage for your bags once you check out. Each bag cost $4 to store. I booked through the hostel world app and it was very simple to check in and check out. The ladies in my dorm were very quiet and respectful and it was a quick and easy one night experience!

It has only one cart or dolly for the whole building. If you are moving lots of stuff or heavy…read moreitems you have to wait a long time. Also my entry code did not work after one day.

Rebecca was very nice and pleasant! Thank you for all your assistance! I called and set up an…read moreappointment with her for my new unit! I met with her to go over the rates and unit size. She showed me the space and helped me with transfer from my old unit to my new space. The process was quick and very professional! Again, thank you Rebecca! I would highly recommend her to anyone needed help with their storage needs!

Elegant hotel with spacious lobby and easy check in process…read more Rooms are clean with comfortable beds. Great view if you get the lake and riverwalk side. Enjoyed drinks at the lounge bar and conversation with the friendly staff. Hotel is Located within walking distance of the Riverwalk, Michigan avenue and the Navy Pier.

Enjoyed our stay at the Sheraton Grand hotel during our visit to Chicago. This massive hotel is…read moreideally located right by Chicagos amazing Riverwalk and within walking distance to many local attractions like hr Navy Pier and The Bean as well! Rooms are clean, spacious, and comfortable. Be sure to enjoy and utilize your amenities throughout the hotel and the perks included in the destination fee that's charged. Some perks included free tickets to the Chicago Sports Museum and/or the Architectural Museum along with a $25 food and beverage credit during your stay. We ordered room service for breakfast and boy were they fast. Was given an expected time of 15-20 minutes but it arrived literally within 5 minutes. Great for breakfast in bed with all the fixings. As a Marriott Bonvoy member, guest services was good with a shorter line for check in and checkout... however we did arrive early and understood that rooms may not be available early, but didn't like the fact that they would offer to allow you to check in early for a fee of $50 when rooms were available. I believe if available, they should make a concession to try to accommodate a guess free of charge. I understand if a room is not available or ready yet, but attempting to upsell a guest with an early check in fee was not a great first impression so we rather wait for the room to be available when we already knew one was available lol. Regardless, plenty to see and do as we waited as Chicago is an amazing city!

The hotel is put together in such a sexy simplicity yet sophisticated way. While it is oddly shaped…read moreit is rather big. The customer service is amazing and everything is superb. Everyone goes above and beyond to ensure the stay is worth it. They texted us when the room was ready they offered water during check in. The bellman front desk work so hard. Room and waiting areas are clean and comfortable

My husband and I booked this hotel after doing a ton of research online for our recent Chicago trip…read morewith our two young kids. Giving this place the one star it does not deserve because it was clean. That's where anything good I have to say about this place ends. The first snafu was at check in where there was a mix up somewhere in the booking process (after we had gotten our confirmation so we thought everything was fine) we booked one of their nicest suites and apparently they lost our reservation and of course there were not any of these suites available when we checked in. It felt like the front desk staff wasn't that interested in apologizing or attempting to fix anything until my husband pushed back and finally someone offered to put us in a smaller suite and refund some of what we originally paid. When we got up to the room it was located on a lower floor right next to the elevators and ice machine so obviously not even close to the experience we had planned for when we booked. When we finally got into our room we realized it was a room for someone with disabilities and a lot of the things in the room were wonky to use like the teeny tiny shower (there were 2 showers but one was a big open room for someone in a wheelchair so the shower-head was super low) the coffee maker was in this pull out drawer but difficult to get to with the furniture in the way--not even sure how someone with limited mobility would even be able to get around in this room? This room is clearly built for at least 2 people but the extras like creamer, sugar, cups etc were only supplied for one person the whole time we were in the room. Overall for the price of this place I was not even a little bit impressed. Lastly, the ice machine on our floor was broken the entire time we stayed here. We also had breakfast in the restaurant one morning and the service was awful. It almost feels like if you come here with children you will be ignored which was frustrating because we specifically chose this hotel because online they mention they are family friendly. We didn't feel that way one bit the entire week we were here. There was a guy that was waiting tables at the outside section of Le Bar who was amazing and I wish I would have gotten his name (shaved head--if that helps?) we sat outside for fresh air a few times and he went above and beyond to be kind to us and our children. All in all when it was time to check out, we could not wait to leave and I honestly will never book at a Sofitel again after this experience. Hopefully someone actually pays attention to this review from this organization and makes an effort to step up the game at this location because the reputation 1000% does not match the experience in any way whatsoever.

Dana and Blessing are two nicest people ever for a front desk staff. Got us in our room earlier…read morethan expected and recommended UNOs pizza for a good deep dish

Travelled on business with a very small budget, and was looking for a place with some energy and…read moresoul, with a restaurant or bar attached. The Freehand hit all these. The (private) room was clean, but small and on the verge of threadbare, with no outlet or reading light near the bed. However, there were numerous places in the bars and public area off the lobby that were perfect for getting work done late into the evening with excellent people watching and cocktails. I had dinner here as well, and the service was friendly and the food was very good. All in all I can fully recommend, as long as you're not expecting luxury, though I will point out I have stayed at far more expensive places with far less style.

Update! I called again, later in the day, and a very nice gentlemen addressed my questions and…read moreconfusion, took my information and promised to get back to me with solutions. I am now hopeful!:) Phone number doesn't work. Unable to leave a message, even though there is an option to do so. Did not answer two emails requesting when and how to schedule college dorm pick up. Happy to have taken the $400 for summer storage. Still waiting...

Blue Crates.... DAMN!!!…read more Called Amy around noon on Monday, said I was in desperate need of moving and suit bins that day. She said there normal schedule was two days for delivery but she would see what she could do. Amy called back, said they could drop the bins off by 4pm. At 3:30pm, received text that the guys were on their way. They came in, dropped off the bins and were off. Amy checked in via text multiple times to ensure all was well. And I have two weeks before they have to be returned. I'll be done by end of day on Tuesday so I'll be calling to have them picked up but I had to write a review about a great experience. Wonderful customer service and excellent price. Thanks Blue Crates, you guys are AMAZING!!!!

One of the best hotels I've stayed at in Chicago (I have stayed at most 4+ stars in the Loop)…read more Spacious room with separate living area, clean, good view. I would stay there again.

I haven't actually stayed here, but I spent so much time in my colleague's hotel room during her…read morestay last week that I feel as if I stayed here... And I like this new modern looking hotel! The people who work here are super friendly. We were big fans of the concierge who didn't even blink when we asked him if he knew of any strip clubs that served lunch. The rooms are very spacious and I especially loved the hardwood floors and rain shower surrounded by glass doors on all sides (there is a curtain to shield yourself from peeping toms). Business travelers will also be thrilled to know the wifi is fast and free...and this hotel just happens to be located in a very convenient downtown location. If you get hungry Ajasteak is right downstairs and there's plenty of other good eats (quartino is always a winner) within a block of the hotel. My colleague found this room on quickbook.com for just over $200, which I thought was quite the deal for a quality hotel during summer in Chicago. She seemed quite happy with her 3 nights in the hotel as well, her only complaint being that the walls were super thin so you can hear everything in the neighboring hotel rooms. I probably won't ever stay here since I live just minutes away, but I'll be recommending it to out of town visitors and may visit the inviting spa.

I am so happy I stumbled upon this service! I was planning on driving and parking at Midway for a 4…read morenight 5 day stay. While searching a day before our trip I reached out to this company to find availability and rates for our trip to and from the airport. The response was quick and the rates are so reasonable that it was a no brainer! Courtesy, value, communication and being on time makes this service a real gem of a find! It made our traveling less stressful and more relaxing going and coming! ​ Thank you to our safe and awesome drivers Jeff and Joe! We will see you again!

Used Midway O'hare Livery Service to and from O'hare. Both trips were excellent. Drivers (Andre and…read moreVan) were on time, professional, friendly and drove safely. Limos were clean and comfortable. Communication with Jeff, Andre and Van was excellent. Will use this service again and will recommend it to others.