The Chicago Fairmont was an excellent location for 5 days.

It was walking distance to a number of great attractions -- including Millenium Park, the Art Institute of Chicago, and is right next to a great city park for young kids.

I liked the spa -- I can recommend the Thai Massage that was a cross between a Swedish message and physiotherapy.

The hotel coffee/muffin station on the main level is a bit limited, but the hotel is connected via one of the lower levels to an office block that has a small shopping concourse with some excellent breakfast, snack and light lunch choices.

I stayed here last summer and thought the Fairmont was excellent in every way - from the decor to service to the rooms, etc. I knew I'd be back and I was a walking advertisement for this hotel.
Since then, they've renovated and still are in the process. Along with that comes problems - and I respect that - but my opinion is that I preferred the hotel before, when it had that 'classic hotel' look and the staff was seasoned and experienced and totally accommodating to the guest. The check-in was ardious, the room I had reserved months before, and even confirmed the night before I arrived, was not available. A guaranteed smoking room was now a 'we cannot guarantee all requests' - which puts the Fairmont in the same long list of hotels that claim the same thing. In fact, most everything now ranks them as just as good as the hotel down the street. It's a shame - they stood out and ranked higher prior to the changes.
Pros: Location is superb. Housekeeping, doormen, bellhops - all the service is 100%.
Cons: Problematic wireless internet access. I never was able to connect inside the hotel, even on my iPhone. The front desk repeatedly referred me to tech help, which repeatedly referred me back to the front desk. The layout of the room I stayed in was ill-conceived, with the brand new plasma tv unable to face the bed. Absolutely stupid design. So here are the two things you want in a hotel room after your long day - the internet and television - and neither were right. Room service was prompt, the food was below average.
When you have a great experience at a hotel, you can only hope the next time is the same if not better. In my case, I was dissappointed in the changes all around and would opt for another hotel in the future.

hotel rooms were reasonable. Very nice bathrooms with rainshowers. The room was recently painted and the smell was a bit strong. Two important flaws: Paper thin walls - I could literally hear the snoring next door; and hallways were in sad condition. The carpet has seen better days - loose in some spots, multiple paint marks etc.

My husband had business in Chicago and I tagged along for a 5 night stay at the Fairmont. This was my first visit to Chicago.

Upon check in the staff was friendly and attentive. We had a deluxe room on the 10th floor which had views of Millineum Park, observatory and the lake - beautiful! Our room was updated, contemporary, and of decent size with a couch, desk with internet hookup/phone, and a 42"flat screen TV. There was a mini-bar along with snack cabinet. I loved the Nespresso machine provided and made good use of it. It was thoughtfully replenished daily.

We slept wonderfully in the King bed that had 4 goosedown pillows and a goosedown comforter. We appreciated the 3 sheet bed.

The bathroom had a separate rain shower (a huge plus) in addition to a tub. Plenty of thick white towels. Separate toilet w/door as well. 2 robes, blowdryer, wine glasses, coffee mugs, glasses and ice bucket. Every thing provided was first rate. Soaps and shampoos were high quality also.

We had 1 lunch and 1 dinner at Aria as well as 2 evenings at the Aria bar. The food and service was excellent.

The hotel proximity was great for the sights we wanted to see. We will definitely stay here again.