Chicago's Essex Inn

We enjoyed our stay at the Essex Inn. The staff were very helpful and friendly. Room was clean and the beds were comfortable. The location was perfect - it was an easy walk to the aquarium and museum. There was a bus stop right outside the hotel, so it was easy to get around town.

This hotel was a good value for our family. We booked because of the location to museum campus and indoor pool. We were traveling with our 4yr old and wanted some place to relax after a long day on foot. The patio was great but pool water tempurature was absolutely freezing. Life guard stated that it is "80 degrees...give or take" We were blue and chattering in minutes. What a disappointment for the 3 of us. Bed size is full sized at best and pillows horrible. Room appeared as recent remodel, they did a nice job for older building. Frig in room nice surprise. We ate at resutrant once and food ok for price. Bar staff very kind and accomidating for snacks that we could take to our room for child. Would not stay again due to poor sleep and unusable pool.

I had problems at the hotel. My personal items were disposed off by somebody from the room. When I complained at front desk ,first they declined or ignore it. Then I called travelocity to move me. I believe he was the manager and he said he was going to have security check and I should go back to room. No body turnedup. After one hour when I made call to travelocity. I went back to front desk and then they gave me supplies to replace mine one. Adequate room service was on Sunday,Apr.26(?). Rest were a hog wash. No display card in room for Do NOt Disturb. I do not believe I will again use travelocity unless I do not have any choice. I had better luck with other agencies.

Our room was on the small side, as was the bathroom, but it was quiet and the bed was very comfortable. It had the duvet-type beddding, instead of a nasty bedspread, and I always appreciate that. We paid $* for our room, and were happy to find a mini-frig, coffee pot, and ice down the hall. Parking was $37. Lobby's small, but who cares? Huge swimming pool, sauna and workout area at no extra charge.

This hotel is very close to the Shedd aquarium and Field museum, that was the main reason why I booked it, and that it is one of only a few hotels in downtown Chicago with an indoor pool. We were quite pleased with how easy it was to find. The parking garage is on the side street, so we did have to go around the block. Parking in down town is very expensive, Even here plan to tack on * a night for your vehicle to be parked in their garage, but that does inclued the valet, so not a terrible price. The pool was very spacious, but a little cold. The front desk staff were quite friendly and knowledgable about the neighborhood,(there is a Walgreens within about 10 blocks) and sending us to a very good steakhouse for super(Millers Pub). Other than the cold pool I'd say the only thing that was a negative was the noise, you can hear conversations in the adjacent rooms, as well as the noise from the train a couple blocks away. All in all a pretty good stay, and the restaurant down stairs is very good for breakfast and quite reasonably priced.

Type:Area Attractions Distance: Short walk from hotel

So Close to Museum Campus!

Shedd Aquarium and Field Museum are a short walk away, Grant park is literally right across the street! Don't be afraid to walk it, it makes you look more like a local.