Chicago's Essex Inn - Chicago 41.87167, -87.62413

One week prior to our visit we booked this hotel for our first annual holiday weekend in Chicago. The price was perfect for what we wanted - a suite where our young children could be in a room separate from us, in a location walking distance from places we wanted to visit. Check in was quick. After spending 2 hours in rush hour traffic, all we wanted to do was dump our luggage in our room and find the nearest food possible. The clerk at the desk confirmed our King Suite, took our cc for incidentals then handed us our keys. The bellhop followed us with our luggage to our nonsmoking room on the 9th floor. We were suprised (happily so) to find we were given not a king suite but a double suite. There were three total beds in our suite. I had expected the children would have to share a bed, but fortunately they did not. We were close to the elevator, but got used to the sound very quickly. The bathroom was tiny, but suitable. The hotel was very warm, but we just shed some pajama items and that took care of that. The beds were extremely comfortable with several pillows on each. The refrigerator was handy for early morning drinks for children who expect food and drinks immediately upon waking. We did not utilize the free shuttle at all since we brought our stroller and planned on walking most everywhere. Our first stop on Saturday morning was breakfast at the hotel's restaurant. The prices were reasonable but the food was bland and the waitstaff unfriendly. Not a big deal since all we wanted to do was fuel ourselves for the big day we had planned. Next stop was Macy's on State to see the windows, the tree at the Walnut Room and mail a letter to Santa. It was a quick walk. From there we headed to Michigan Ave. Again a quick walk. After lunch at Gino's East, Ice Cream at Ghiradelli's, some shopping and people watching, we walked Michigan Ave. back to our hotel. It felt like a very long distance, probably compounded by the fact that we had been on our feet all day. We arrived

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With where the hotel was located we where able to walk almost every where we went. I loved having a corner room with windows for two of the walls.

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Clean, great beds, nothing fancy but more than adequate. Perfect location! On site restaurant provides great breakfast at very reasonable prices. Would stay again.

This is the hotel I stay at every year. The rooms have all been remodeled, flat screens, great beds, & a overall great room. Good breakfast downstairs & a great pool.

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this is a good alternative if it's a high traffic weekend and other hotels are too highly priced. the positives: pretty good pool area and workout area. nice flat planel tvs. negatives: outdated decor & lobby, narrow dark halls . ice machines on alternating floors, small outdated bathrooms

The Essex Inn is ideally located for visiting Chicago. Rates are moderate, probably hard to beat considering the area. Room was clean and comfortable (although sink drain was broken); pool and exercise room were better and larger than what you'd expect for most mid-range hotels. Staff was helpful, and they store bags after checkout for $1. Restaurant is fine, but there is no free breakfast food or coffee.

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We needed 4 single rooms and got them. We want to be in Downtown Chicago area and got it with the Essex Inn. The staff was very friendly and supportive. It was a great stay for 3 nights and worth the price and comfort.

Great hotel for family visits to Chicago - location is ideal, as you can walk to Shedd Museum and Millenium Park...one block from the bus stop, and a great breakfast spot is down the street - The Yoke.

Room was clean, staff is freindly. That said, room and bathroom very small. You can walk to Soldier field and the museums. If you just want a place to crash and money is tight this will do. Step outside after dark and you will be instantly greeted by pan handlers, there is no doorman or visible security.

worn, raggedy, hole-filled linens.

If you are looking to go to any of the museums at the museum campus this is a great location. We were able to walk everywhere we wanted to go. Savory restaurant in the hotel was a good option with good food. Really enjoyed our stay.

The hotel staff was very helpful and the rate was reasonable. The downtown parking rates were a turn-off for me, though, and that has to be considered in the total package.

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Well situated comfortable hotel would use again

Good size rooms, we had the dble suite. Decor a little outdated. Bathroom tiny. Near red line, 15 min walk to river. Good for large families. Had frige but no micowave.

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Breakfast not included. Valet Parking a bit pricey and beds not that comfortable. Had cheaper Hotels before that were much more satisfying.

The only thing I would like to warn everyone about is the parking! There is no street parking, and to park in the hotels parking garage, you need to pay $37 a night! The hotel itself and facilities were beautiful.

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great value and location for family stay near field museum

all employees extremely helpful and courteaus(probably spelled that wrong)very nice hotel for money spent--parking valets were superb

The location is excellent! I stayed here many years ago and it is much better than before - but still old with small rooms, Unless you get the corner "king suite". Noise from the hall was disruptive - but over-all a good bargain.

We were in the hotel for 3 days. I satisfied with service. Great location.Comfortable bed. Enjoyed non smoking environment. I would recommend this hotel to my friend.

Our room was small but very comfortable. Unfortunately I heard the 'L' all night long. In the morning the door appeared to thin as it banged each time another door opened and closed. I am thinking that perhaps the noise was due to the location of that particular room. I was somewhat disappointed but the price was right.

Essex Inn is located in an area where you can walk to the museum district (even though they offer shuttle service). The folks working were very friendly and offered many things to do and see during our visit.

Other than the room and bathroom sizes being on the small size, this hotel has a great location to the museum campus (which is the reason for our visit) and was a quick walk to great pizza and some local restaurant, and a blues club. Staff was very very helpful. Hotel shuttle service worked well for us, but only runs on the hour and not over lunch. Parking fee is extra, so make sure you ask about charges. We would definitely consider staying at the Essex on another trip to Chicago. The pool and deck area were awesome.

We couldn't ask for a better location to the museum campus for the price we paid! We were able to walk everywhere we wanted to go, even Navy Pier (if you are a frequent walker). Two blocks south is a great place for breakfast called Yolks and a few blocks to Hackney's for lunch or dinner. Don't hesitate to book this hotel!

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Staff was very friendly and quite helpful. The room was on the smaller side but well kept and suited our needs. Location is great - right on Michigan Ave. and close to several bus routes. Valet parking available. Also has pool but we did not have time to use it. My daughter and I have stayed here multiple times and will continue to go back.

We had very nice service at check in. We mentioned we're getting married in a few weeks and were given a room with a view of Navy Pier on the top floor. The Essex is in a great location, walking distance to the museums and provided a complimentary shuttle to several places including the Hancock Tower, Navy Pier and Wrigley Building.

Great place!

Located across from the park, good central location and great price

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the room was very small and the bathroom was nothing more than a tiny box. the cost was way too much for the room.

comfortable bed, clean, and convenient to bus stop, parks, museums, and restaurants...especially enjoy Yoke breakfast stop in the am just a few blocks away.

Stayed here on the recommendation of a friend. More than pleasantly surprised. Our room was nicely appointed, the bedding was new and comfortable, the staff friendly and helpful, and the hotel was conveniently located within walking distance to various attactions. We thoroughly enjoyed our stay at the Essex and are planning a return trip next year.

This was the 3rd time I have stayed at the Essex, and I definitely would return again. The room was a bit smaller than your typical 'chain' hotel, but for the bargain price paid, the room and proximity were well worth it. Every room has a refrigerator, hidden in the dresser, with a nice flat screen TV. The in the room coffee maker, iron, shampoo/soap and hair dryer are also all there for use, without asking. They also have a very nice pool, with a lifeguard, and exercise equipment to use. Due to its location, you can easily walk to the Art Museum, Shedd's Aquarium, Field Museum, Planetarium, Buckingham fountain, as well as Millennium Park, since they are all within a mile or so of the Essex. Additionally, the Essex provides free Shuttle service to the Hancock building at periodic times through the day, and an upgrade for a night visit, if wanted was printed on our hotel electronic room key. The staff were all very friendly, especially the bellman, who was very helpful with suggesting ideas of what to see, and knew the details of what was happening in Chicago each day. The only downside was having to ask for a TV station list & paying $35/day for the parking, but with the room price being cheaper, this is still a bargain. Great location, super friendly staff, I'd not hesitate to recommend the Essex to anyone who is looking for a bargain in downtown Chicago. The entire package made a super visit, which was super easy on the wallet. Very nice, safe and family friendly. We loved it!

Overall our stay was fair. However, our room was not ready when we checked in,(30 minutes early), and we were offered a queen rather than king we requested, no biggie. But, we actually had a parking attendendant send us to the garage to gather some items from our car. I found this very unprofessional. Also we interrupted the maid while she was refreshing our room and she requested we wait in the lobby for 10 minutes. Very odd, however, a nice hotel.

There were two train stops near the hotel, which makes it easy to get around. We had a view of the lake and park that was outstanding. Easy access to the Field museum, Shedd Aquarium and the Planetarium. There is a shuttle from the hotel to the museums in the morning. We like to do a lot of walking, so we were able to get around on foot, even to downtown or Navy Pier. We had a sitting room (w/pull out couch) and a separate bedroom. Very well maintained and attractive. The hotel restaurant was also good. Enjoy.

Just spent several days in Chicago and stayed at the Essex on the recommendation of a friend. This hotel is a gem! Friendly, helpful staff; comfy beds with soft sheets; clean and nicely decorated rooms; and within walking distance of so many attractions. We are already planning our trip back to Chicago next year and will definitely stay at the Essex. You can't beat the service and accommodations for the price!

A good value hotel. Bell staff were extremely helpful. Easy walking to Field Museum, Aquarium, and Planetarium. Plenty of restaurants nearby. Traveled with two young kids and would recommend this hotel, especially for those taking kids to the museum campus. Still can't stomach $37 to park a car each day but that is normal in Chicago I guess.