LOVE this great little hotel. Can't believe it would get any bad reviews. The lobby has been redecorated recently -midcentury modern style!! Guests were often sitting visiting or playing cards. Each floor is "themed" to an artist at the Art Institute. Staff extremely friendly and helpful. Rooms small but clean and stylishly updated incl. fridge- great toiletries and although our... More

Stayed at the Essex for a tradeshow. It's an old hotel, so it's what you would expect - slow elevators and small bathrooms. The things that are easily controlled are pretty good. That is good service at the desk, clean rooms, and even the towels aren't sand paper. They also offer free WiFi, though it's not very fast. The bathrooms... More

This hotel is in an ideal situation on Sth Michigan Ave if visiting for a couple of days.Most tourist sites are within walking distance. The Lobby was in the process of refurbishment when we were there but they compensated us with discounts in the restaurant.I thought this was a nice touch ,both being prewarned and compensated .As it was the... More

Had to pay extra night because of early check inn, then they gave me the wrong room, (double beds), the tile in the 1st room in bathroom was missing at the tub, 2nd room was nice. looks like this hotel needs an update. lots of burned out lights all over hotel. looks like they cut down on the maintenance staff.also... More

Went on a ladies 3 day Mother's Day get-away May 10-13. We stayed at Chicago's Essex Inn on South Michigan Ave. I have to say the woman who arranged this trip did her homework, we were in a great location. We arrived at 9 am Friday, the hotel stored our bags for us at no extra charge. The Hotel staff... More

Stayed here in 2010 and thought hotel seemed worn out, tatty and past it's prime. On arriving yesterday found it much improved. Lobby recently refurbished and my room was great with side views to both the Lake and Willis(Sears) Tower as well as spotlessly clean. Wifi is now free and I found it reliable and fast enough to stream BBC... More

The location of this hotel partnered with the great price of the rooms made it perfect for our weekend stay. We were able to walk down Michigan Ave and many of the great attractions like the Field Museum and the Shedd Aquarium are just across the road! The rooms were clean - we had a great view over the lake... More

I always THOUGHT this place looked dingy from the outside BUT my husband surprised me a couple years back for our Anniversary and I fell in love with it! We always stay here now! For the best view of Lake Michigan and Grant park, you have to get a King Suite or deluxe room but it is economical, floor to... More

Chicago: Essex Inn. Staff helpful always, ideal position for everything. Our 17th floor room was so quiet, spacious and very clean. Suited us perfectly. made coffee in room, The open topped tour bus picked us up outside and was really informative, so much to do in that wonderful City......Hop on Hop off so much used over 2 days. Also convenient... More